Ferment THIS!

Fermented Foods and Bone Broth – A Winning Combination

There was a time when processed foods weren’t even a twinkle… When traditionally prepared foods like fermented vegetables and bone broth were the most commonly consumed meals. Fermented foods are not only an effective method of food preservation, but offer fantastic intestinal support and are great for overall health.

Food fermentation is a highly valued, ancient art. People of the Roman era, Ancient Indians, Bulgarians, Ukrainians, Swedish and various Asian cultures all consumed fermented foods for centuries. Many modern illnesses were virtually non-existent in these times, so it makes sense that we begin to question the very nature of modern foods and diets.

Fermented or cultured foods that are known to have been popular for centuries include;

Sauerkraut
Yoghurt
Milk
Kefir
Buttermilk
Raw yoghurt

Our ancestors and predecessors lived in a way that many people are beginning to try to emulate. With the core values being to live and eat as naturally as possible, it’s easy to see how our bodies could benefit. Diet plans, such as those for the FODMAP and GAPS diets, stress the importance of combining fermented foods with the liquid gold that is bone broth. Given that both are nutrient dense and immune system supporting their combination seems to be a match made in heaven.

On their own, bone broth and fermented foods are healing sources to be reckoned with. Put them together and you can imagine their power. Think Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader… Or Wolverine and Storm. The results of such combinations would be mind blowing, right?

Bone Broth is one of the most healing staple foods available. It provides important minerals and vitamins that can be easily absorbed. It’s high levels of collagen mean it is excellent for improving hair and nail strength and even skin elasticity. It is also an incredibly powerful healing agent for joint and gut issues. If you’re reading this article, I am probably preaching to the bone broth converted. Fermented foods though, if you’re not already aware, are also a powerhouse of deliciously healing proportions!

Fermented foods have many key benefits. Fermented correctly, varied and consumed in moderation, they;

Contain important nutrients like vitamin K2 and many B vitamins
Are packed full of gut healing probiotics [1] – more than you will ever find in any supplement
Can assist the detox process by drawing out a wide range of toxins from the body
Have even been linked to improved mental health [2]

While the addition of fermented foods to your diet is a wonderful thing, as they inoculate the gut with a multitude of organisms, it’s important to remember to introduce them into your diet gradually. Too many, all of a sudden, can result in adverse reactions or detox symptoms, so, introducing small amounts is key.

Another benefit of fermented foods is that you can ferment in the comfort of your own home if, of course, you have the time. Fermented foods you might consider processing yourself include;

Condiments
Cultured vegetables
Cultured dairy including yoghurts and sour cream
Fish

If you’re keen to get started, you can find an abundance of fermenting recipes online. Click here for some excellent guidance and great recipe suggestions. Likewise, if you haven’t already stocked up on bone broth, now is the perfect time. Click here to place your order now.

References:

[1] J Appl Microbiol. 2006 Jun;100(6):1171-85.
Probiotics and their fermented food products are beneficial for health.
Parvez S¹, Malik KA, Ah Kang S, Kim HY.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16696665

[2] J Physiol Anthropol. 2014; 33(1): 2. Published online 2014 Jan 15
Fermented foods, microbiota, and mental health: ancient practice meets nutritional psychiatry
Eva M Selhub,^#¹ Alan C Logan,^#² and Alison C Bested^#³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3904694/