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Fermented Foods For Gut Health: Incorporating healthy foods into your diet can go a long way in determining your overall health and well-being. Our digestive or gut health formulates as an integral part of the overall health and the foods we choose to include in our diet have diverse effects. An unhealthy gut can affect the ability of the immune system, increase risks of diseases, and impact mental health as well.

Fermented foods should be a part of your gut-healthy diet. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fermented foods are defined as foods or beverages produced through controlled microbial growth and the conversion of food components through enzymatic action. Here are some fermented foods that you should include in your diet for a healthy gut.

Watch the video below to learn about best foods for your gut health: 

Fermented Foods For Gut Health

1. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that resembles a thick yoghurt. Kefir is a rich source of protein, calcium and vitamin B, and is effective for managing blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol and boosting digestive health. Kefir is a healthy fermented food that reduces inflammation and boosts digestion. According to WebMD, it contains actively growing bacteria and yeast. Their effect on milk results in the production of enzymes and chemicals that affect the way food is digested.

2. Tempeh

Tempeh is an incredibly health fermented food (Image Credits: Canva)

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food that is prepared from fermented soybeans by natural culturing and controlled fermentation process. It is a plant-based protein source that can be consumed as an alternative to meat. Tempeh is a great source of vitamin B, protein and all nine of the essential amino acids that the body needs for healthy bones and muscles.

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3. Natto

A traditional Japanese food, natto is made from whole soybeans and is served as a breakfast with rice. According to NIH, natto has numerous health benefits, including the ability to control blood cholesterol levels, prevent arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and hypertension, promote bone growth, control the bacterial balance in the intestines, prevent diarrhoea, enteritis, and constipation, improve immunity, fat reduction among many others.

4. Miso

Miso is a thick paste prepared by fermenting soybeans with salt, rice, koji, barley or seaweed. It is also a Japanese dish that is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, manganese, zinc, protein and calcium making it gut-friendly.

Miso is a blended recipe of soybeans, rice, barley and other ingredients (Image Credits: Camva)

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5. Kimchi

Kimchi is one of the most popular Korean recipes that includes fermented vegetables as its main ingredients. It is prepared by fermenting napa cabbage along with wide flavourful seasoning. Kimchi is a nutrient-dense food and contains an abundance of probiotics that support the immune system, and gut health and reduce body inflammation.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)