Fermented Foods Are Just Superb！

It is said that there are more than 1,000 kinds of fermented foods in the world. Famous fermented foods include kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, kefir, pickles, cheese, and Japanese items such as miso and natto.
Fermented foods have been produced since ancient times and throughout the world. This is because they offer significant benefits.

Three benefits of fermented foods are as follows:

1. Increased Preservability
As the microorganisms involved in fermentation proliferate, the environment becomes more suitable for them, such as by lowering the pH value*. in an environment with a low pH value, spoilage bacteria have a harder time multiplying, which leads to the prevention of spoilage.

The sterilizing effect of alcohol produced by yeast also suppresses the growth of spoilage bacteria. As a result, fermented foods can be preserved for a long time. 2.

 2. Create A Lot Better Taste and Flavors
Soybeans, for example, are difficult to describe as "flavorful" when consumed as is. However, when fermented, glutamic acid and inosinic acid, which are components of umami, are produced. Not only soybeans, but also cured ham and cheese have greatly increased umami components after fermentation.

3. Good for the Body
In addition to umami components, fermented foods are rich in antioxidants such as B vitamins.

And the followings are more benefits of fermented foods:

Regulate the intestinal environment
Microorganisms that make fermented foods break down macromolecular nutrients such as starch into finer molecules such as glucose. The finer molecules are easier to digest and absorb, allowing the body to smoothly incorporate the necessary nutrients.

Improve metabolism
As the intestinal environment and blood flow improve, metabolism naturally improves as well. This will help eliminate waste products, in other words, constipation, and lead to the prevention and elimination of obesity.

Stress relief and aging prevention
GABA, a type of amino acid contained in lactic acid bacteria, is attracting attention as having an anti-stress effect. GABA reduces nervous excitement and has a relaxing effect, which improves the quality of sleep.

Although humans naturally have the ability to relieve stress, we tend to lack it today due to aging, fatigue, and intense stress. It is a great idea to supplement with fermented foods for anti-aging.

Japanese natto (fermented soybeans) is said to have particularly high health benefits.

Natto is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. In particular, the protein obtained from soybeans provides the body with the amino acids it needs.
Also, Natto is a rich source of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 supports calcium metabolism and contributes to bone health.

Natto is a fermented food, and the bacteria (Bacillus subtilis natto) produced during the fermentation process improves the intestinal environment and helps balance the intestinal flora. A healthy intestinal environment contributes to improved immune function and absorption of nutrients.

Natto contains an enzyme called Nattokinase. This enzyme promotes blood flow, helps prevent the formation of blood clots, and supports cardiovascular health.

(Depending on your personal health and dietary restrictions, you may need to be careful when consuming natto. For example, if you are allergic to soy or have vitamin K restrictions, it is important to consult your physician.)

A good selection and consumption of fermented foods will greatly extend your healthy life span.

In any case, it seems certain that fermented foods have a positive effect on the body.

Cheese, tempeh, miso, sauerkraut, vegemite...
Which fermented foods would you choose as your favorites?