Yes, there is such a thing as healthy bacteria
From kimchi to kombucha, over the past couple of years fermented foods have gone from being an acquired taste to a mainstream food of choice. It’s more than just its unique flavour that is gaining popularity, it’s also been found to be an excellent source of ingestible bacteria. In fact, eating fermented foods is sustainable and beneficial for your health: “the process of fermentation pre-digests and preserves ingredients, making them safe to eat for weeks, months or in some cases years beyond their fresh state,” states Holly Davis, original co-founder of Iku Wholefood (as well as chef and teacher), and now author of Ferment. Here, she shares her intel on the health food trend and why your body will thank you for trying it.
#1 / Fermented foods can influence your weight
“Current studies demonstrate that the genes of our resident microbial communities have the power to influence our weight regulation, immune system, respiratory system, digestion and the absorption of nutrients in the foods we eat,” says Davis.
#2 / Fermented foods can help your body absorb vitamins
“Beneficial gut bacteria helps us in the production of vitamins B3, B5, B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), B12 and K, which enhance absorption of minerals, fight off pathogens, digest food, metabolise drugs and influence metabolism.”
#3 / Fermented foods can be delicious
“All meals – and your digestion – will benefit from the inclusion of a live ferment or two, served in small amounts as drinks or condiments. A day might look something like this and all these are in my book:
Breakfast - eggs and dark leafy greens with a little fiery classic kimchi
Morning tea - a Staffordshire oat cake (pancake) with cultured apricot spread and cultured cream
Lunch - a salad with feta and a verdant green booch dressing
Afternoon snack - almond crusted rice balls with pumpkin and chestnuts, and a glass of kefir
Dinner - salt cured fish with quick pickled cucumber and radish shoyuzuke”
Want to know the secret to a healthier body? Find out here.
Are you a fan of fermented foods? What is your favourite? Tell us in the comments below.
Main image credit: @taylor_hill
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
