Fermented foods are an excellent addition to any diet. During the fermentation process, foods develop good bacteria such as those in probiotic, as well as helpful enzymes. The bacteria predigest certain food components, making them easier for your gut to handle and for nutrients to be absorbed when you eat them. Because the gut is the largest component of your immune system, introducing friendly bacteria into your digestive system may also help keep illness away.
Evidence suggests that good gut health could reduce inflammation, allergies and autoimmune disorders in the body. If you aren’t familiar with fermented foods, here are some of the most common ones:
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Miso
- Sauerkraut
- Yogurt
Want to make your own fermented food at home? Here’s a simple recipe to try.
Beet & Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
- 1/2 medium red cabbage head<br /> (finely diced)
- 1 medium beetroot (peeled and grated)
- 2 in piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
- 1 tsp sea salt
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Add all ingredients in a large bowl, and use your hands for scrunching the mixture for two or three minutes, until the vegetable juice start to collect into the bowl bottom
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Transfer the mixture into a clean glass jar and press well. If the juices don't cover the mixture, add salted water (1 tsp sea salt for 1 cup of water)
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Cover with a lid and let sit at room temperature for up to one week, until the taste becomes sour
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Keep in the refrigerator