The Benefits and Side-Effects of Fermented Vegetables
Fermentation is a food preservation technique which has been
around for centuries. Before the invention of refrigerators and high-tech food
processing, our ancestors relied on fermentation for the preservation of food.
Fermented foods are said to be better for digestion and stronger immunity due
to its richness in beneficial probiotics. It is a natural process through which
micro-organisms like bacteria converts carbohydrates into alcohols and acids.
The two being a natural preservative, preserves the food from degradation. This
also gives the food a distinct zest.
The benefits of fermenting vegetables include:
●
Improves
digestion
Fermentation of vegetables which are consumed can help
restore the bacteria in the gut and alleviates digestive problems because of
the balance in acidity. The probiotics reduce irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) –
which is a widespread digestive disease. Fermented vegetable consumptions also
reduce diseases like diarrhoea, gas and constipation.
●
Boosts
immunity
The bacteria in the gut has a crucial impact on the
all-round immunity of the person. The high content in probiotics in the
vegetables boosts in the immune system and can help reduce the chances of
catching infections.
●
Mental
Health
Studies have shown that some of the probiotic strains
in fermented foods help in the reduction of symptoms like anxiety and
depression. These probiotic strains are the Lactobacillus
helveticus and Bifidobacterium
longum.
●
Weight
Loss
Research has shown that probiotic strains such as the Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus gasseri help in reducing
belly fat and causes weight loss.
●
Heart
health
Probiotics help in reducing blood pressure and also
help in the reduction of cholesterol. Hence, they reduce the chances of getting
heart-related diseases.
The side effects if fermented vegetables are
●
Gas
This is caused when too many probiotics kill the
essential bacteria in the gut and cause the release of excess gas.
●
Headaches
The probiotics in fermented vegetables contain certain
biogenic amines. Those sensitive to histamine and various other amines might
get headaches and migraines after eating fermented vegetables.
●
Diarrhoea
Sometimes food poisoning causing bacteria survive on
fermented vegetables that could secrete toxins that could cause diseases like
diarrhoea.
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