Fermented foods: what they are, all the benefits and a list of the more or less known

Fermented foods are a real resource within a healthy and balanced diet. Not only do they aid in digestion and support the immune system, they are also capable of improving bone health. Let's find out what it is and all the benefits they offer.

I fermented foods they are a real resource within a healthy and balanced diet. Not only do they aid in digestion and support the immune system, they are also capable of improving bone health. Let's find out what it is and all the benefits they offer.

Index

What are fermented foods

Fermented foods (of which the best known and most used is undoubtedly yogurt) are foods that are colonized by bacteria and good yeasts which in this way "pre-digest" them, giving them particular characteristics. Fermentation, in fact, ensures that the level of sugars and starches present inside is reduced in these foods. It is no coincidence that one of their peculiar characteristics is that they are particularly digestible foods. But this is certainly not the only benefit they offer.

Benefits of fermented foods

Fermented foods have existed since the dawn of time, the ancient populations often used them as it was an excellent method of preserving foods, especially those that are easily perishable such as milk, cereals and fruit.

The presence of yeasts and bacteria causes preservative substances such as lactic acid, ethyl alcohol and acetic acid to be produced. These prevent food and drinks from becoming filled with mold or other dangerous microorganisms that are potentially responsible for food poisoning.

But the benefits of these foods do not end there are in fact:

Easily digestible and assimilable: given that microorganisms act on fermented foods and drinks by carrying out a sort of predigestion, it goes without saying that these foods are more easily digested and assimilated by our body.
More vitamins and more bioavailable nutrients: again thanks to the action of microorganisms, these foods are enriched with vitamins and increases the ability of our body to be able to absorb important nutrients such as proteins.
They protect against fractures: a study conducted in Sweden on over 60 women found that those who ate a lot of fermented products (especially yogurt compared to plain milk) combined with lots of fruit and vegetables had stronger bones and were able to prevent hip fractures . According to this research, women in menopause would be advised not to consume fresh dairy products but fermented ones.
Promote intestinal well-being: it is in effect foods with a natural probiotic effect that help restore the balance of the intestinal flora.
They help the immune system: thanks to the action on the intestine, a place where it is now known that part of the body's defenses reside, these foods also help the proper functioning of the immune system.