Some popular probiotic foods include Kimchi, natto, tempeh, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, whey, and yogurt. Several cultures worldwide ferment different types of food, and the art of fermented food is not a new concept.
This is an age–old preservation technique that enhances the ingredients’ nutritional profile in fermented food. Fermenting converts sugars (sucrose, fructose, and glucose) into cellular energy and a metabolic byproduct called lactic acid.
This acid can improve the micronutrient profile of food. Fermented foods are full of minerals, enzymes, vitamins, and probiotics. These foods taste great and are healthy for your mind and body. Fermenting is also extending the shelf life of foods.
5 Health Benefits of Probiotic Foods
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Supports immune function
Our intestines have more immune cells than the rest of the body. When you keep your intestines healthy with the help of good microbes in fermented foods, you can build your immunity.
When we lack these beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria will lead to inflammation in the gut wall, and this d to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
One study said that gut microbes play an important role in our immune system, and these microbes may hold the key to dealing with some difficult health problems we face.
Removes toxins from the body
Our bodies are regularly exposed to chemical and biochemical toxins in the food, environment, and water laden with chemicals and heavy metals.
Over time, this could lead to accumulation in our bodies which can cause digestive problems, bad breath, weight fluctuations, fatigue or sluggishness, headaches, and more. When you are eating fermented foods, then you can stop the accumulation of harmful toxins.
Fermented foods can help break down the nutrients in the food through the action of the beneficial microorganisms present in them. This, in turn, can aid in eliminating metal toxicity from the body and improve digestion.
Probiotic bacteria, which are found in fermented foods, are effective in eliminating different cyanotoxins from adequate solutions.
Restores gut health
Including fermented foods in your diet is one of the easiest ways to restore the health of your gut. The lactic acid produced during fermentation promotes the growth of healthy flora in our intestines.
Also, it aids in reducing bad bacteria levels in your body, which further will support the elimination of toxins. At the same time, it improves nutrient absorption and digestion. One study said that probiotic foods work as preventative and therapeutic measures to restore or maintain the functioning and healthy composition of the gut microbiome.
Improves energy level
When you eat fermented foods, then this can also lead to better metabolism. This is happening due to the microbes in the fermented foods, which aid in the chemical breakdown of food for fuel.
Also, they aid in the body’s absorption of nutrients from probiotic foods, making you feel more energetic throughout the day.
Also, they can help to flush toxins out of your body. We know that the accumulation of toxins can affect your energy level.
Reduces cancer risk
Probiotic foods can help to prevent cancer, especially bladder cancer. This is happening due to the introduction of good bacteria into the body through probiotic foods. The intake of cultured milk can lower the risk of developing bladder cancer.
One study said that the bladder cancer risk is inversely associated with the low intake of fermented dairy products and has a positive association with butter intake in females.
Also, there is another study in which it is said that women who eat fermented foods regularly have a lower chance of breast cancer.