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You’ve probably been hearing about fermented foods recently – things like how you can have a spoonful of sauerkraut alongside your dinner or add some kefir to your smoothie or muesli for a myriad of awesome health perks. I thought it might be helpful to remind you of just WHY health nerds like myself have been banging on about fermented food awesomeness and so I’ve compiled a little list for you:

BETTER GUT HEALTH

The process of fermentation breaks down sugars in the food, and in this process lactic acid is created. This lactic acid helps to feed the good guys in your guts, aiding in a better microbiome.
Eating fermented foods will also introduce beneficial bacteria to your digestive system, again helping achieve a better microbiome.

Here’s just a few reminders on why a healthy microbiome is awesome:

1.  Better immune health
2. Better digestive health with less unhappy gut symptoms like bloating, farting, diarrhoea/constipation and pain
3. Better mood (you can read more about that here)
4. More energy
5. Less inflammation, less aches and pains

BETTER NUTRIENT ABSORPTION

The presence of the lactic acid helps some nutrients to be better absorbed and used by the body. In fermented vegies you get more Vitamin A and Vitamin C, in fermented dairy like kefir and yoghurt you get more B vitamins and in some cheeses Vitamin K2. If grains have been sprouted prior to fermenting the protein is much better absorbed, and enzymes that reduce mineral absorption are limited as well.

Have you noticed improvements in your health from fermented foods? Let me know below!

The post Why you should be eating fermented foods appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath.