Food Trend: Fermented Products

By Haley Lerner

The latest food trend that has been an essential part of many celebrity diets is fermented food products. Food becomes fermented by letting it sit and steep until the sugars and carbs become bacteria-boosting agents. Carbohydrates are converted to alcohol or organic acids using microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria. Not only does fermentation help to preserve food like vegetables, but it produces food products that aid digestion, support your immune system and improve your skin health and your mood. Fermented foods are a great source of probiotics that provide beneficial bacteria to help improve your gut health. Luckily for you, we have a list of some great fermented food products to include into your diet.

Try out the fermented food trend with these products!

1. Kombucha: This is what might be the holy grail of fermented food products. Kombucha is an incredibly popular beverage right now among health and fitness junkies. This drink is a fermented mixture of black tea and natural sugar. Kombucha becomes carbonated after fermentation and contains vinegar, B-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid. The benefits of this drink are that it improves digestion, aids weight loss, detoxes the body, increases energy, supports the immune system, minimizes joint pain and helps prevent cancer.

2. Pickles: Who doesn’t love a good sour pickle on the side of your favorite deli sandwich? If you do, you’re in luck, because pickles contain vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and gut-friendly bacteria. Make sure to purchase organic pickles to get the full benefits of the salty snack.

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3. Miso: Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans and barley, brown rice or koji (a fungus). You might be familiar with this product as it’s often used in the yummy Japanese broth of Miso soup. Some benefits of miso are that it has anti-aging properties, supports the immune system, lowers the risk of cancer, helps maintain healthy skin, promotes a healthy nervous system and improves bone health.

4. Yogurt: Probiotic yogurt is one of the most popular fermented dairy products. Yogurt brands that contain billions of active cultures can support digestion, healthy skin and blood pressure. Try to avoid yogurts that contain sugars!

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5. Sauerkraut: Yes, sauerkraut is a popular hot dog topping, but it also is an extremely healthy fermented food. This product is made from fermented cabbage and is high in dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B, iron, copper, calcium, sodium, manganese and magnesium. Sauerkraut can aid circulation, increase digestive health, fight inflammation and strengthen your bones.

Do you know any more delicious fermented foods? Comment below!