22/02/2023
There is an increase interest in fermented foods and drinks. Just look at your supermarket shelves and you can find kombucha, kimchi, yoghurt, kefir, and more.
Should you be including them in your diet?
More research is needed to fully understand the benefits of fermented food but here are 3 things we know so far.
1. Not all fermented foods contain live microbes. We often associate fermented foods with being a rich source of gut friendly bacteria but some fermented foods have to undergo high heat processes to make them safe for consumption. These high temperatures destroy the live microbes. Choose fermented products sold in cold-storage such as yoghurt, kefir, and kimchi to increase your intake of gut friendly microbes.
2. Fermented foods can be easier to digest. The process of fermentation can break down certain sugars that some people struggle to digest. Fermented dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, and kefir are often well tolerated by people with a lactose intolerance. Also, sourdough bread uses a slow fermentation process that can breakdown some of the fructans in wheat making it easier to for people with a fructan intolerance to digest.
3. Studies have shown an association with diets rich in fermented foods like tempeh, kimchi, yoghurt, cheese, and kefir and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Fermented foods are a delicious and can be a great addition to your diet.
If you want advice around how to include fermented foods or probiotics into your diet get in touch today to speak with one of our Accredited Practicing Dietitians.