What Is Fermenting?
Fermentation is an ancient technique for preserving food and drinks that has been practiced since long before the days of refrigeration. During fermentation, microorganisms like bacteria, yeast or fungi convert organic compounds like sugars and starch into alcohol or acids. These act as natural preservatives and improve the taste and texture of fermented foods, leaving them with a distinctive strong, salty and slightly sour flavour.
There are two main methods of fermentation: spontaneous, when the micro-organisms naturally present in the food or environment initiate fermentation, or secondly by the addition of a ‘starter culture’. An example of a spontaneous fermentation would be in the production of kimchi or sauerkraut, whereas a starter culture is used to produce kefir or natto.
Fermentation is used in the production of many of the foods and drinks we enjoy, such as yogurt and cheese.
Nutritional Profile Of Fermented Foods
There are many variables involved in the fermentation process. These include the micro-organisms at work, the nutritional contribution of the ingredients used and the environmental conditions to which the food is exposed. Consequently, these factors give rise to thousands of different variations of fermented food, with associated differences in their nutritional contribution and microbial diversity.
What Are The Top Health Benefits Of Fermenting?
1. Source of beneficial bacteria
Most fermented foods contribute bacteria that have a potential probiotic effect. This means that these bacteria may help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut, support digestive health and alleviate any digestive issues.
Probiotic amounts will vary, however, and the number of bacteria that arrive in the gut, where they can be of benefit, will depend on a number of factors, including the food in which they are delivered, with those supplying fibres referred to as prebiotic, being the most beneficial.
2. Easier to digest
Thanks to the bacterial breakdown of some of the natural sugars and starches, fermented foods are easier for us to digest. For example, fermentation breaks down the lactose in milk to simpler sugars – glucose and galactose – this means if you are lactose intolerant, products like yogurt, kefir and cheese may be acceptable for you.
3. Improves the availability of nutrients
When we ferment certain foods, we help increase their health potential. This includes both producing more vitamins and minerals and making them more available for our bodies to absorb. This is because some natural compounds, like phytic acid found in legumes including soy beans, may inhibit our absorption of nutrients like iron and zinc. Fermentation removes these ‘anti-nutrients’, making their nutritional content easier for us to access. Similar benefits have been seen with sourdough, with improvements in mineral availability, lower glycaemic responses and a greater break down of proteins all being cited.
Additionally, by boosting the beneficial bacteria in your gut, you may promote their ability to manufacture B vitamins and vitamin K.
4. May improve mood and behaviour
Our understanding of the gut and how it impacts our mood and behaviour is fast evolving, and it would appear that fermented foods may play an important part. Certain strains of probiotic bacteria, including Lactobacillis helveticus and Bifidobacteria longum, commonly found in fermented foods, may improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Another strain, Lactobacillis casei Shirota, may also influence the production of cortisol and minimise physical symptoms of stress.
5. May support heart health
Consuming fermented foods as part of a healthy, balanced diet appears to be associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The mechanisms at play may include modest reductions in blood pressure and improvements in cholesterol balance.
6. May support immune function
Including a range of fermented foods in your diet may support your immune function and reduce your risk of infection. Studies suggest beneficial gut bacteria, in the form of probiotic supplements, may be particularly useful in reducing upper respiratory infections. Whether this effect is replicated through the inclusion of fermented foods in the diet is not yet known.
7. May support weight loss
Although more research is needed some studies suggest certain strains of beneficial bacteria may aid weight loss and reduce belly fat.
Is Fermented Food Safe For Everyone?
Fermented foods are safe for the majority of people, but some individuals, such as those with a histamine intolerance, may experience side effects. Furthermore, if fermented foods are new to you or you are not used to a fibre-rich diet, you may experience symptoms such as bloating and flatulence.
Introducing fermented foods to someone who is critically ill or immune-compromised should be done with caution and under the guidance of a GP or other healthcare professional.
When making your own fermented foods, always follow recipes and be sure to use sterile equipment, and follow fermentation times and temperatures carefully.
Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.bbcgoodfood.com by a Jo Lewin – Registered nutritionist where all credits are due.
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