What’s the fuss about fermented foods?

Little tip from me, it might be worth holding your nose before embracing the latest nutrition craze – fermented foods!

Thanks to their ability to boost gut health, immunity and even improve skin, top nutritionists and health foodies are singing the praises of kimchi, kombutcha, sauerkraut and pickles.

It’s all about the good bacteria fermented foods contain.

In our overly sterilised society, lots of us have an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in our guts and as the gut is the largest part of our immune system, this can have a huge impact on our overall health.

How can good bacteria help my skin?

So many skin conditions are linked to the immune system – which is why if you’re run down or stressed you’re more likely to have an eczema, urticaria or acne flare-up.

Imbalances in the gut can suppress the immune system – so swinging the pendulum back in the right direction by boosting your good bacteria levels can help prevent these flares.

Probiotic powerhouses like fermented foods can also help ease digestion and alleviate the symptoms of conditions like IBS.

What the foodies say

Fermenting foods is a traditional process that is surprisingly simple. For example, sauerkraut only has two ingredients – cabbage and salt, so it’s not only easy, it’s also cheaper than splashing out on a probiotic.

Chef Gizzi Erskine is also well known for her love of kimchi, a spicy and slightly sour dish of fermented napa cabbage, radish, cucumber and spices, popular in South Korea.

Are fermented foods something you try and incorporate into your diet? Would love to hear your recipes!