Youve probably heard about the health benefits of fermented foods likekimchiandyogurt.
But many of us eat other fermented foods every day without realizing they are fermented.
For example,coffee, soy sauce, chocolate, and red wine are all fermented foods.
Photographed by Ted Cavanaugh, Bon Appetit, August 2016
Unfortunately, its not that simple.
And only one of them is said to have the probiotics that have a positive effect on health.
Can you guess which is which?
Kimchi and sauerkraut, on the other hand, have probiotics and thus belong to the latter.
What is fermentation?
Food fermentation was born out of necessity and has been used for thousands of years.
It has only been in the last century that scientists have started studying the health benefits of fermented foods.
Basically, food is pre-digested during fermentation,explainresearchers at theMax Rubiner Institutein Germany.
While that may sound unappetizing at first, it can actually taste quite delicious.
Not to mention, its pretty helpful for the intestines.
This is because fermentation can turn foods that are difficult to digestlike fibrous vegetablesinto better-tolerated products.
Therefore, it is not surprising that healthy intestinal flora can also lead to a stronger immune system.
Eating fermented foods could help prevent colds and flu, especially in the cold winter months.
Probiotics help keep blood sugar levels stable and support fat burning.
At the same time, they reported improved digestion and an overall increased sense of well-being.
In other words, its most probably a synergistic effect.
Another plus point for fermented foods is that they can be easily made at home.
That is, ff you dont eat it all at once, of course.
