Were you aware that using fermented foods for weight loss goals is actually a powerful approach to consider? Not only are many of these substances extremely tasty, but there are numerous benefits of fermented foods to consider. There are still some important questions to answer.
What are fermented foods from a basic standpoint? What advantages can they offer? Are there any fermented food recipes that warrant a closer look? These are some of the subjects that will be addressed throughout the remainder of this article.
What are fermented foods
From a scientific perspective, most fermented foods are produced by converting existing carbohydrates into organic acids or alcohol. This is normally accomplished with the help of microorganisms. The microbial growth is controlled in order to achieve the desired outcome and once a specific stage has been reached (depending upon the food in question), any subsequent growth is halted. Perhaps the most well-known example of a fermented food is yogurt.
Fermentation has long been used to preserve food in a way that the nutritional value of the food remains intact. It’s a chemical process that also helps by making the foods that are fermented easier to digest. German sauerkraut is a classic example of a fermented food.
You might have heard that fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, yogurt with live and active cultures, kimchi and miso are good for you. But do you know how they’re made and why they are considered healthy?
The benefits of fermented foods
While using fermented foods for weight loss is one of the most common purposes, we need to remember that a host of other benefits are offered. This is primarily the result of the so-called “good” bacteria that these substances contain.
For instance, it is possible to consume fermented foods for gut health if you have been experiencing digestive issues in the past. A growing body of evidence suggests that fermented foods are likewise associated with the following properties:
- They can offer anti-inflammatory advantages.
- Some foods are antifungal; helping to reduce the chances of developing certain infections.
- Fermented foods are thought to help prevent a hardening of the arteries (known as atherosclerosis).
- The organisms found within fermented foods may be able to provide a boost to the immune system.
Aids digestion
Fermented foods are chock-full of the kind of bacteria that your body needs for superior digestion. These good bacteria live in our digestive system and are sometimes referred to as probiotics. So what can they do for you?
The better balanced the bacteria are in your digestive system, the more nutrients your body is going to be able to extract from the food you eat. That means that you’ll be getting more nutritional bang from the healthy foods you’re already eating when you include some fermented foods in your diet.
You Can Do It Yourself
Using some sea salt and whey (which is a dairy product) to speed the fermentation process, many fermented foods can be made at home inexpensively. In addition to knowing exactly what’s in your food, it’s much more affordable to eat foods you fermented yourself than to buy them already prepared. Think of the money you can save on probiotics and digestive enzyme supplements.
Also, because fermentation was originally developed as a way to store foods for the winter, the fermentation process, sometimes called lacto-fermentation, helps foods keep longer in your kitchen.
It is now beginning to become clear why many individuals choose to incorporate these substances into their diets. Let’s move on by listing some well-known examples of fermented foods and how they can be made at home.
Fermented food recipes
It’s time to talk about some ideas of fermented foods for weight loss that you can include in your diet. Fermented foods can have a strong taste, so you might want to start with something familiar, like sauerkraut. It requires very few ingredients and can be made with anywhere from a few heads of cabbage to up to 25 heads.
Note that patience is required for making fermented foods. If you are keen to leverage the health benefits mentioned in the previous section, the following examples of fermented foods should not be overlooked.
Fermented Vegetables
These include beetroot, carrots and radishes. Any vegetables will first need to be chopped to the appropriate size. Both salt and whey can be used as starter cultures. Water is then made to create a brine. The vegetables are placed within this brine and moved into cold storage. Depending upon the type of culture, the vegetables will slowly ferment (completing in between 24 and 48 hours).
Fermented Milk
Fermenting milk is rather straightforward. Kefir grains are the main ingredient. These are placed within a closed jar and allowed to remain at room temperature for approximately 36 hours. Strain the kefir grains out of the milk and chill the beverage for later consumption.
Fermented Soybean
Place the beans within a large bowl and fill this bowl with warm water. Cover the bowl for 24 hours. Periodically replace the water to drain out excess starches. Rinse the beans a final time before cooking.
Fermented Sauerkraut
You will first require fresh cabbage. Cut the cabbage into small slices and sprinkle salt over the top. Place this mixture into a canning or mason jar that offers an airtight seal for 24 hours. Occasionally open the jar and compress the cabbage (it will become limp over time). Once a noticeable amount of liquid has risen above the cabbage, place it in a new jar and allow it to sit for an additional three to ten days (depending upon the intensity of flavor that you desire).
Fermented Kefir
Combine one pint of milk with 0.5 tablespoons of fresh kefir grains. Leave a small amount of space between this solution and the top of the jar. Allow between 18 and 24 hours for the kefir to ferment. The process is completed when the milk has significantly thickened.
Take advantage of the power of fermented foods with Spatz
Whether you are interested in fermented foods for gut health or you wish to lose excess body fat, the suggestions outlined above will come in handy. These are even more relevant for those who hope to take full advantage of the benefits associated with the Spatz3 adjustable weight loss balloon.
Using fermented foods for weight loss is a powerful option to consider and above all, these tasty treats will provide your body with a host of health benefits!
