Fermented foods are known to have a myriad of benefits to maintain your health. Bacteria and fungi used in the making of them make fermented foods contain microorganisms that are beneficial to the body, particularly the intestine. Some of the fermented products that we often find, including yoghurt, Kimchi, and Sauerkraut. As quoted from Medical News Today, here are some of the best fermentation products that you can consume:

• Kombucha is a fermented product made from black or green tea. The bacteria used in the fermentation helps to turn sugar in the tea into alcohol. You don't need to worry though, since the alcohol content in kombucha is low and won’t cause poisoning. According to experts, kombucha can help boost the immune system and helps fight free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant content.
• Kefir. Just like yoghurt, kefir is a fermented milk product. Its high protein content can make you feel 'full' longer. Thus, kefir can help in maintaining and reducing your weight. Also, like other probiotic products, kefir can also improve the health of the digestive system. Kefir can also be the right choice for those of you who are vegetarian or lactose intolerant.
• Tempeh. Originally from Indonesia, tempeh is currently one of the foods that you can find anywhere. This fermented soybean product is often used as a substitute for meat, because of its high protein content. The fermentation process in the making of tempeh can also produce vitamin B12, which is not contained in soybeans.
• Miso is a fermented soybean paste that is often found in Japanese food. Besides being high in protein and fibre, miso is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other compounds. Soybean fermentation is also known to produce amino acids that can reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer, help lower blood pressure, and fight infection.
• Apple cider vinegar. Besides being often used to add flavour in some foods, apple cider vinegar has also long been used as traditional medicine. Besides having probiotic properties, the results of several studies show that apple cider vinegar also has antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-tumour, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive properties, while also can reduce cholesterol.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Medical News Today - What are the best fermented foods? (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325114.php, May 16, 2019.
• Healthline - 11 Probiotic Foods That Are Super Healthy (2018). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-super-healthy-probiotic-foods, May 16, 2019.