Tag Archives: fermented foods

Nourishing Traditions – The Good and the Bad

All traditional cultures consume lacto-fermented foods. 

These foods supply enzymes that help digestion and beneficial bacteria that support good intestinal health and immune function. With that knowledge in mind, here’s another study showing the benefits of eating fermented food.

The Good – fermented dairy products may help prevent heart disease

Researchers in Finland found that fermented dairy products such as:yogurt

  • cheese
  • yogurt
  • quark
  • kefir
  • sour milk 

may lower the risk of incident coronary heart disease in men. Conversely, the researchers warn that a very high consumption rate of non-fermented dairy products, like milk, could have the opposite effect and increase a man’s risk for heart disease. (1)

The Bad – fried foods 

Consumption of fried chicken, fried fish or fried shellfish at least once a week (as compared with no consumption) is associated with a significant 12%-13% increase in cardiovascular mortality.

The type of oil used may be a factor. Cooking with olive oil, animal fats and coconut oil is preferred over corn, vegetable, soybean, safflower and canola oils. (2)

fried foods

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. https://www.studyfinds.org/study-fermented-dairy-products-may-help-prevent-heart-disease/
  2. Sun Y et al. Association if fried food consumption with all cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality: prospective cohort study. British Medical Journal. 2019;364-k5420.

Fermented Foods are Good for You

Do you eat fermented foods regularly? eat fermented food

Fermented foods are absolutely essential for your health and should be a part of every meal. They are found in every culture.

Fermented foods help keep your intestinal flora healthy and that is necessary for so many aspects of your health:

  • digestion
  • elimination
  • nutrition
  • mental health

Popular Fermented Foods

Among the most popular fermented foods are:yogurt is a great fermented food

  • sauerkraut
  • pickles
  • yogurt
  • kefir
  • kombucha*
  • kvass
  • sourdough
  • (traditionally made) beer
  • root beer and other soft drinks (not the commercial stuff).

Even ketchup was originally a fermented sauce.

Nearly any food can be fermented or pickled.You can make your own!

Two good books are The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fermenting Foods and The Art of Fermentation both by Warden Harmon.

*On Kombucha …there is a class available in Old Town….. if you are interested ….talk to me

~DR.C

Fermented Foods: Everything you need to know

Do you have fermented foods with every (or nearly every) meal?fermented foods pickles

You should – fermented foods are an inexpensive, effective and simple way to optimize your gut microbiome (micro-organism population) that is absolutely essential for physical and mental health.

Hint: Beer is a fermented food!

For every cell that is you there are ten times more bacteria, fungi, viruses and other tiny life forms inside you. You are a walking multi-species transport system with billions of microorganisms on your insides and outside (all over your skin, hair and in every nook and cranny).

Fermented Foods Help Your Body Function Properlyfermented foods beer

Over the past several years, research has revealed that the microbes inside you – bacteria, fungi, viri and others – are essential for proper body function:

  • They make vitamins
  • They keep the bad “bugs” under control
  • They help you get rid of toxins
  • They affect your weight and mood

What happens when your gut is unbalanced?

When your GI tract is not properly balanced, a wide range of health problems can appear, including:

  • allergies
  • intestinal issues and diseases
  • digestive problems
  • autoimmune diseases

That’s why fermented foods are so important. They are full of beneficial microorganisms that most people do not get elsewhere; they replenish the good microorganisms and keep you in balance.

How much fermented food should you eat? fermented foods yogurt

You need only one-quarter to one-half cup of fermented vegetables one to three times per day. You’ll probably notice improvements in your:

  • energy levels
  • mental clarity
  • digestion
  • elimination
  • immunity

Preparing Fermented Foods

Although common in traditional diets in every culture throughout the world, the preparation of fermented foods is becoming a lost art. But it is an art that is easily re-discovered. Google “making my own fermented foods” for information on making your own sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, beer, fermented vegetables and other wonderful foods that everyone in your family needs for optimal health.