Five Fermented Foods with Health Benefits for YOU

Fermented food products have a number of wonderful health benefits, including improved digestive health, boosted immunity, and decreased digestive inflammation. They’ve recently become one of dieticians’ most recommended superfoods, and for good reason: this wide-ranging category is rich in probiotics and other beneficial bacteria that can bolster gut health. But what are some of the best options when it comes to this category?

Here are our top five recommended fermented foods:

  1. Yoghurt
    Perhaps the prototypical example of healthy fermented foods, yoghurt is the product of fermentation with milk and bacteria. Yoghurt is high in probiotics that promote gut health, and its increasing popularity means that an increasing variety of options is becoming available, from traditional to dairy-free and vegan.

  2. Sauerkraut
    Made from cabbage and salt, this versatile topping is great for hot dogs, salads, eggs, and as a snack on its own! It’s also rich in probiotics and fiber, helping provide a boost to your digestive system. Grab some at any grocery store, or make it yourself!

  3. Kombucha
    Kombucha is drink made from black or green tea and fermented using yeast and special bacteria. The resulting drink is pleasantly sour and slightly carbonated, thanks to trace amounts of alcohol and gases produced during fermentation. It’s also rich in probiotics, antioxidants, and B vitamins. While you can prepare your own kombucha, it’s also easily found at farmers’ markets and various food stores!

  4. Kimchi
    Somewhat similar to sauerkraut, this staple of Korean cuisine is also made of fermented cabbage and salt. Kimchi is often served as a side or over white rice, but is also a wonderful topping for sandwiches, burgers, or even Korean-inspired tacos!

  5. Miso
    A strongly flavored paste made from fermented rice, barley, and soybeans, miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning used to flavor dishes ranging from soups to poultry. It’s also a great ingredient for marinades, sauces, and dressings, and its strong flavor means that a little goes a long way, and is high in B vitamins.

Looking for recipes to prepare your own versions of these foods, and other healthy snacks? Check out our recipes section here!

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