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Sugar and Fermentation: Series 3 of 3

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Fermentation has been touted for quite sometime as a extra healthy way to consume certain foods and beverages. In fact, fermentation has been used in some cultures for centuries. But how can a process that requires the use of sugar be so healthy?
What is Fermentation?

Fermentation is a process in which sugar is consumed by microbes. The sugar converts to acids, gases, or alcohol.

What is Lacto-Fermentation?

Whereas wines and beers need yeast to convert the sugar during fermentation, a process known as lacto-fermentation utilizes bacteria to convert the sugar. Lacto is short for Lactobacillus, a healthy strain of good gut bacteria. This bacteria converts sugar into lactic acid while at the same time preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Lacto-fermented foods have been known to contain more vitamins and enzymes than canned foods as well as fresh foods, making it easier for the body to absorb the necessary nutrients.
Lacto-fermentation also predigests food through the conversion process, making the digestive process gentler on the body.

Popular Lacto-Fermented Foods & Beverages for Gut Health

1. Kombucha- a fermented tea that uses tea, sugar, & a SCOBY (culture)
2. Kefir-a tart tasting drink (much like drinkable yogurt) typically using cow’s milk & kefir grains
3. Cultured Vegetables- any vegetable can be fermented, popular ones are pickles, sauerkraut, & kimchi
4. Sourdough Bread- fermented bread using bacteria & yeast *NOTE: most store bought sourdough breads are not lacto-fermented

Interested in trying Lacto-Fermentation at home? Here are some beginner recipes.

Lacto-fermented Garlic-Dill Carrot Sticks
Kombucha Tea
Milk Kefir

Concerned about your gut health? Contact Balanced Health at 612-812-9121 to order your Wellness Analysis Kit!