Fermented foods have become increasingly popular and are easier to spot on supermarket shelves than ever before.
Kombucha and kefir have become two of the most popular drinks that have made their way into the scene in 2021, and they are expected to gain even more popularity as we move forward in 2022. Fermented foods and drinks have been a part of our culture for thousands of years, and fermentation was used to preserve food years ago. Today, this process has made a comeback as we learn more about the probiotics they contain and their benefits.
How Does Fermentation Work?
Fermentation uses a chemical process to break down food under controlled and slow environments. For example, it turns sugar into carbon dioxide, alcohol, and acids with the help of microorganisms such as natural enzymes, yeast, or bacteria. Some fermented foods and drinks examples include kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, natto, sourdough bread, miso, and many others.
According to today’s dietitian, fermented foods take the number one position for the year’s top superfoods. This is based on a poll sent out to more than 1,100 registered dietitian nutritionists. The results showed that consumers are rethinking their nutrition and food choices and making significant eating habits based on the pandemic. These changes are expected to continue for many years to come.
Fermented Foods – A Celebrity Superfood
Many celebrities are now endorsing fermented foods, which help maintain good digestive health. They provide a crispy tang that is nourishing and delicious. They can also help support immunity, which has become important, especially during the last two years. As a result, people turn to registered dietitians and the food industry to help them navigate their paths forward.
The Benefits of Probiotics
A lot of research is ongoing regarding the relationship between digestive symptoms and the use of probiotics that are commonly found in fermented foods. Many people that suffer from IBS symptoms, for example, find relief from eating fermented foods that contain high amounts of probiotics. There has also been evidence of their benefits for liver disease, allergies, the common cold, and other health conditions.
It’s important to balance the benefits of probiotics by eating fermented foods that don’t contain a large amount of sugar or salt. Unfortunately, many mass-produced items available in supermarkets contain a lot of sugar to make them appeal to people who have a sweet tooth. However, this can underscore the health benefits, so it’s always best to look for a health food café that serves it or makes your own at home whenever possible.
Kombucha, for example, is easy to prepare by yourself when you follow the right recipe. You can also make it your own according to your taste preferences. One of the most popular recipes is ginger kombucha, which tastes great and has the fermentation properties you need to support a healthy gut environment.