Benefits of fermented foods for gut health
Fermented foods have received a ton of attention lately, thanks to their well-known gut-supporting properties. With gut health being such an integral part of supporting optimal wellness, these make a great addition to a healthy diet.
Ahead, we’re sharing more about some of the benefits of fermented foods, plus different ways to include them in your plant-based diet.
First, What Are Fermented Foods?
Fermented foods are foods that have undergone a fermentation process, where bacteria and yeast break down sugars. This is why fermented foods are thought to help give us a boost of the beneficial probiotics our gut thrives on.
Plant-Based Fermented Foods to Consider Adding to Your Diet
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Tempeh
- Miso
- Kombucha
- Full-fat unsweetened coconut yogurt
The Benefits of Fermented Foods
#1 Digestive Health
One of the most well-known benefits of fermented foods is their digestive-supporting properties, which, as mentioned, is thanks to their rich probiotic content.
#2 Fermented Foods May Help in Supporting The Growth of a Healthy Microbiome
Harvard Health has stated that if we consumed probiotics, such as those found in fermented foods from an early age, we might actually help our immune systems tolerate such a diverse microbiome. But, if you didn’t get probiotic-rich, fermented foods in your diet as a child, it’s not too late to start! You can start adding some in now to help give your gut a boost of beneficial bacteria.
#3 Fermented Foods For Weight Management Support
Some research has also found a connection between fermented foods and weight management — this is thought to be connected to all the beneficial microorganisms found in these probiotic-rich foods.
Getting The Best Bang For Your Buck
While the research shows just how beneficial fermented foods can be, it’s important to note that not all fermented foods are the same. For example, when shopping for a jar of sauerkraut or kimchi, Harvard Health suggests looking at the label and making sure it says “naturally fermented”, this way you can be sure that you’ll get the benefit of those live organisms we are looking for in these probiotic-rich foods.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Fermented Foods
If consuming fermented foods is new to you, it can be tricky to find ways to fit them into your diet. But, with a little experimenting, you may find plenty of ways to add a variety of these probiotic-rich foods to your plant-based diet.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Add sauerkraut on top of sandwiches or salads.
- Enjoy kombucha in place of juice or soda.
- Enjoy tempeh vs. tofu a couple of times per week.
- Make miso soup.
- Enjoy unsweetened coconut milk yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of chia, flax, or hemp seeds for breakfast.
Here’s to Supporting Gut Health With Fermented Foods!
Supporting the health of our gut is one of the best things we can do to really support both our body and our mind (the gut-brain connection is a powerful thing!). So, if you’ve been meaning to show you gut some love, consider taking one step today by adding some fermented foods to your diet. It’s a simple but nutrient-dense way to fuel your diet with some gut-supporting foods.
