Five Fermented Foods
The human body contains, give or take, 37.2 trillion cells. I think we can all agree that’s a whole lotta cells.
Well, if that number blows your mind, consider this: The bacteria in your body, right now as you read this, outnumber your cells by 10 to 1. Bacteria are all around us, inside and out, and when you really take a look at them, you realize just how much they are running the human show.
Before There Were Human Beings>>>>>>>
There were bacteria on this planet 3.8 billion years ago, way before there were any human beings roaming around hunting and gathering. And scientists believe bacteria will be around long after humans and other animals are extinct. That’s how hardy these little buggers are.
Bacteria can be found in the upper most layers of our atmosphere and all the way under the sea floor. They are everywhere, and many scientists posit that bacteria are responsible for the origins of multicellular organisms. Which may explain why so many are currently residing inside our bodies.
Microbes for Gut Health>>>>>>
Trillions of bacteria live in your intestines — but don’t be grossed out! Many of them are “good” bacteria that help keep us healthy. Think of it like having pets living inside of you. And, as with any pets, you’ve got to feed them. Fermented foods are the most organic and natural way to optimize the health of the microbiome of your gut.
“Eat one fermented food item per day to prime your weight loss. ”
Five Fermented Foods :
Kombucha: This slightly fizzy fermented tea is a good alternative to soda. Find it in your grocery store’s refrigerated section, or brew your own using just tea, water, sugar and a “mother” or synbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast in 7 to 30 days.
2. Sauerkraut: Again, go directly to the refrigerator section, because you will want to find the live version. What is sauerkraut exactly? Sauer translates to “sour cabbage” and it is traditional for Eastern Europe. This is the most economical and best bang for your buck with fermented foods.
3. Kimchi: There are hundreds of varieties of the traditional Korean fermented side dish, commonly made from a base of napa cabbage, radish, scallions and spices. Find your favorite version at an organic grocery store like GreenAcres.
4. Yogurt: Only get the Greek Yogurt with live cultures. Yogurt is made from fermenting milk (or a nondairy alternative) with a starter culture of bacteria. Some commercial varieties also contain additional probiotic bacteria. I make this at home with a pressure cooker, but it takes time.
5. Kefir: This fermented dairy drink is made using kefir grains (a combination of bacteria and yeast). The end result? A slightly fizzy, tangy drink that’s thinner than yogurt. Find it in the dairy case and you can use it in smoothies!
Last but not least>>>>
I am giving “pickles” an honorable mention. They don’t have the highest bacteria for fermentation, but they are easy and best tasting.
Pickles: Go directly to the grocery store’s refrigerated section. because you want the “healthy pickles” without a bunch of preservatives. Or, better yet, make your own lacto-fermented pickles with brine dill, mustard and coriander seeds, and peppercorns. It is pretty easy really, just uses vinegar.
