We've all heard that fermented, probiotic-rich, healthy foods can do wonders for our gut health. But why are they so important? And what exactly do they do for our gut microbiome?
Fermented foods defined:
Fermented foods are an important part of a healthy diet because they contain beneficial bacteria that help to keep our gut microbiome in balance. The gut microbiome is a community of trillions of microbes that live in our digestive tract and play a crucial role in our overall health. These beneficial bacteria help to break down food, absorb nutrients, and protect against harmful pathogens.
While we can get some beneficial bacteria from the food we eat, fermented foods are a particularly rich source of these health-promoting microbes. Naturally fermented foods have been used for centuries as a way to preserve food and prevent spoilage. During the fermentation process, bacteria and yeast convert carbohydrates into lactic acid, which acts as a natural preservative. This process also creates beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that can be easily absorbed by the body.
In addition to providing valuable healthful nutrients, fermented foods also contain large quantities of live bacteria that can help to replenish the good bacteria in our gut. When these beneficial microbes colonize the gut, they compete with harmful pathogens for space and resources, making it difficult for pathogens to establish themselves. This helps to keep the gut microbiota in balance and promotes overall gut health.
So if you're looking to improve your digestion or boost your immune system, fermented foods should be at the top of your list! This article shares answers to all your fermented foods questions.
At Olive My Pickle we feel that by understanding the what and the why, the how becomes much easier.
And incorporating fermented foods into your diet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support gut health.
The Top 7 Principal Health Benefits of Fermented Foods
It has been said that we are what we eat. If that is the case, then we must be a lot of bacteria because modern processed food is teeming with them. While not all of foods are bad for us, many of them contribute to indigestion, poor nutrient absorption and a host of other problems.
Fermented foods, on the other hand, are full of good bacteria that can help improve our digestive health and boost our overall health. Here are 7 reasons why you should incorporate fermented foods into your diet including all their health benefits. Click to Read More.
What are Foods with Probiotics? The Complete Guide to Gut Friendly Foods
Looking to improve your healthy gut? Probiotics may be the answer! But what are probiotics, and where can you find them? This complete list of gut friendly foods will help get you started. From fermented soybeans to yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi, there are plenty of delicious foods that can help keep your gut healthy. We even chat about what goes into a healthy kefir fermented milk drink. So dig in and enjoy! Click to Read More.
Vinegar vs Fermented: A Guide to Shopping for Real Fermented Pickles
Are you as obsessed with fermented foods as we are? No, not the kind that come in a can or a jar. We're talking about real, live, fermented foods. The kind your grandma used to make. The salted and fermented vegetables kind that are uber-healthy and taste delicious. If you're new to the world of fermented foods (or just looking a shopping guide on how to find the real ones), then this is the blog post is for you! We've got everything you need to know about this ancient culinary art form. So read on and find ways to eat fermented foods daily. Click to Read More.
When Should I Eat Fermented Foods?
Out of all the wellness traditions out there, fermented foods may be one of the most misunderstood. Some people think they have to eat them every day, while others believe that they're only beneficial for people with gut problems. So what's the truth?
Are fermented foods worth incorporating into your diet? And if so, how much should you eat? Here are the two most important things to know about eating fermented foods. Click to Read More.
Spoiler alert: it's not as complicated as you might think!
How to Incorporate Popular Fermented Foods Into Your Diet
If you're new to eating fermented foods, it's important to start slowly and introduce them into your diet gradually. Some people may experience gas or bloating when they first start eating fermented foods, but this is usually just a matter of adjusting to the new food.
We here at Olive My Pickle suggest 3 portions daily.
Start by incorporating a small amount of fermented food into your diet and gradually increase the amount you eat over time.
Creative Ways To Eat Fermented Foods with Every Meal
We know, we know. You're busy. You think you don't know how to eat fermented foods with three times a day. But what if I told you that there were some creative ways to do just that? And no, we're not just talking about downing a shot of LiveBrine before breakfast.
There are many delicious and healthy ways to work fermented foods into your meals without feeling like you're eating something "special." Keep reading for some ideas! Click to Read More.
Are Pickles A Superfood? Discover the 5 Reasons Why
You may be surprised to hear this, but yes, pickles are a superfood! Don’t believe us? Then read on to learn about the 5 amazing health benefits of pickles. Who knew such a small vegetable could pack such a powerful punch? So if you’re looking for a healthy snack that will keep you feeling satisfied, reach for a jar of pickles next time. You won’t regret it! Click to Read More.
10 Benefits of Eating Healthy Olives
As you busily try to make healthy choices for yourself, you may be overlooking one of the healthiest and most delicious items on the grocery store shelf: olives.
Olives offer a wealth of nutritional benefits, including anti-cancer properties, being anti-oxidant rich and a great healthy fat that makes the perfect low calorie snack. Read all ten reasons to add more olives to your diet. Click to Read More.
How to Care for Your Fermented Foods for Gut Health
Have you ever wondered about those fuzzy little balls floating around in your kimchi or pickles? Or maybe you've ordered some fermented foods and had a puffy pouch or a product leak. Ferments are alive and change and that's why we seek them out. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about fermented foods, from what they are to how to make them at home. So let's get started! Click to Read More.
9 Amazing Attributes of Olive Trees that will Humble and Inspire You
Think about olives for a minute. Not the green or black ones that you might find at your local grocery store, but the fruit that grows on an olive tree. What comes to mind?
If you're like most people, you probably think of olive oil. And for good reason – olive oil is a healthy and versatile cooking oil that has been used for centuries. But there's more to olives than just oil. Olives are actually a fruit with many amazing attributes that can humble and inspire you. Here are nine of them. Click to Read More.
Looking to buy fermented foods?
So there you have it, the ultimate guide to fermented foods. We here at Olive My Pickle are here to help you on your journey to better gut health and we can’t wait to see what delicious recipes you come up with.
If you’re looking to buy some fermented foods for yourself, be sure to check out our online store – we carry over 35+ varieties from kimchi and kraut, to olives and LiveBrine pickle juice.