Ferments. It's a buzz word in the nutrition world. What are they? Why should you be taking advantage of them?
Most cultures have some sort of fermented food as far back as history goes. Not only are they believed to have healing properties, they are full of benefits! Once you try them, your whole body will cry for more!
Many people believe all sickness begins with poor gut health. Fermented foods are what restore, promote and maintain our gut health. There are many different varieties, ways, tastes, and sizes of fermented foods... so many you have no excuse for not loving at least one!
Here are a few of the more popular varieties:
1. Kombucha - This is an ancient drink made with a batch of tea and a 'scoby'. The scoby lives forever and can be used to make batch after batch. It is fast, easy and super yummy! The list of benefits is long but includes: fighting cancer and arthritis, improves energy levels, while combating depression and gently detoxing your body daily.
2. Milk Kefir - A fermented milk product that far out shines yogurt. Not only is milk kefir another cancer fighter, it helps to heal the gut, has amazing probiotic power, its full of nutrients, protein, calcium and B-vitamins and Vitamin C, strengthens bones, and has been used to heal IBS along with many other ailments.
3. Water Kefir- Made with water and sugar, this drink is full of beneficial bacteria to reload your gut! It has been said to heal yeast infections, aid in weight loss, cure indigestion, and help with auto-immune diseases by balancing your gut flora.
4. Kimchi - Remember German Saurkraut (which when prepared correctly should probably be included in this list)? Kimchi is the Korean version. It has been called the world's healthiest food by some. If you aren't a fan of sauerkraut, Kimchi may be a better option. Although they both begin with cabbage, Kimchi adds other veggies and even spices that give it a very distinct flavor. Benefits are said to include: lowering cholesterol, slows aging, prevents ulcers, and clears dermatitis.
5. Yogurt - With LIVE CULTURES is so easy to make at home. There are many varieties available today that make it fast, easy and affordable to eat quality yogurt daily. It can be as simple as adding a spoon full of yogurt to a container, filling it with milk and sitting it on the counter overnight. Next morning it is ready to eat. Yogurt has been said to boost your immune system, prevent high blood pressure, and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
These 5 barely scratch the surface of the fermented food options. With sickness and disease rampantly on the rise in the US we need to do all we can to guard our health. Fermented foods are a very simple, time proven way to regain and maintain a healthy gut.
1. Kombucha - This is an ancient drink made with a batch of tea and a 'scoby'. The scoby lives forever and can be used to make batch after batch. It is fast, easy and super yummy! The list of benefits is long but includes: fighting cancer and arthritis, improves energy levels, while combating depression and gently detoxing your body daily.
2. Milk Kefir - A fermented milk product that far out shines yogurt. Not only is milk kefir another cancer fighter, it helps to heal the gut, has amazing probiotic power, its full of nutrients, protein, calcium and B-vitamins and Vitamin C, strengthens bones, and has been used to heal IBS along with many other ailments.
3. Water Kefir- Made with water and sugar, this drink is full of beneficial bacteria to reload your gut! It has been said to heal yeast infections, aid in weight loss, cure indigestion, and help with auto-immune diseases by balancing your gut flora.
4. Kimchi - Remember German Saurkraut (which when prepared correctly should probably be included in this list)? Kimchi is the Korean version. It has been called the world's healthiest food by some. If you aren't a fan of sauerkraut, Kimchi may be a better option. Although they both begin with cabbage, Kimchi adds other veggies and even spices that give it a very distinct flavor. Benefits are said to include: lowering cholesterol, slows aging, prevents ulcers, and clears dermatitis.
5. Yogurt - With LIVE CULTURES is so easy to make at home. There are many varieties available today that make it fast, easy and affordable to eat quality yogurt daily. It can be as simple as adding a spoon full of yogurt to a container, filling it with milk and sitting it on the counter overnight. Next morning it is ready to eat. Yogurt has been said to boost your immune system, prevent high blood pressure, and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
These 5 barely scratch the surface of the fermented food options. With sickness and disease rampantly on the rise in the US we need to do all we can to guard our health. Fermented foods are a very simple, time proven way to regain and maintain a healthy gut.
....Cyndi said, if we don't feed health to our self, who will?
