Quick take
Eating fermented food is trendy right now. But is it actually worth the hype? Yes and YES! Fermented foods are more than just a passing fad; they're loaded with surprising health benefits that help to keep your body balanced. What are fermented foods and which ones do you need to add to your plant-based diet ASAP? We've got you covered below.
But first....boost your gut health with the MamaSezz Weight Loss Bundle.
This bundle of ready-made plant-based meals is loaded with prebiotic and probiotic foods to keep your digestion functioning properly. Ready to get your gut health on track and kick inflammation to the curb? Order your MamaSezz Weight Loss Bundle now.
On this page
Why you need to get to know your gut
What are fermented foods? Plus top 5 plant-based fermented foods that aren't pickles (+ how to eat them)
6 reasons to eat fermented foods every day
More tips for using fermented foods in everyday cooking
Key takeaways
Why you need to get to know your gut
When we think of the gut, we think of digestion. We chew, swallow, digest, and dispose fairly frequently. But our guts do so much more than just process sustenance.
Your gut is so complex it's often referred to as the “second brain." That's why gut health is so important. To function effectively, your gut needs a ton of good bacteria. The good bacteria, known as microbiota symbiosis, are found primarily in plant foods; while "bad" bacteria known as microbiota dysbiosis, the type that can cause intestinal disorders, are most commonly associated with the consumption of animal products.
Good bacteria (found in fermented foods) not only help to aid digestion and fight off bad bacteria, but they affect your entire body from your heart to your brain.
Your gut's ultimate goal? To maintain equilibrium, which is a healthy balance of good bacteria.
The more fiber, antioxidants, and probiotics you eat, the easier it is for your body to function, thrive, and fight off disease.
What are fermented foods? 5 of our favorite fermented plant-based foods (that aren't pickles) + how to eat them
The process of fermentation is a chemical breakdown by microorganisms like bacteria and yeast, preserving the food product. In fact, preservation was its original purpose, but it is used to this day and is associated with a surprising number of additional health benefits.
Pickles are a famous fermented food, especially here in America. But they're not everyone's cup of tea! Not into the vinegary-bite of pickles? No worries. Here are some of our favorite fermented plant-based foods, aside from pickles (which by the way, we do love!):
1. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is made from finely shredded raw cabbage that's been fermented in its own juices. It's usually made with green cabbage. Made famous by Eastern European cultures (sauerkraut means "sour cabbage" in German), it actually originated in China over 2000 years ago!
Favorite ways to enjoy sauerkraut on a plant-based diet:
- In salads
- On your MamaSezz Breakfast Sausage
- On vegan pizza
- On vegan pulled jackfruit sandwiches
- With a veggie Reuben (don't forget to add MamaSezz Awesome Sauce, aka our vegan and oil-free Thousand Island Dressing!)
2. Kimchi
This spicy fermented cabbage is a Korean dish very similar to Sauerkraut in that it's another fermented cabbage dish. Kimchi, however, is usually made from Napa cabbage and is usually spicy!
Favorite ways to enjoy kimchi on a plant-based diet:
- In stir-fry
- On top of your vegan Mama's Burger
- Add to your vegan Buddha Bowl
- On its own!
3. Miso
Paste made from fermented soybeans, miso is a staple in Japanese cultures and is definitely on the uptick here in the United States. If you've ever gone out for sushi, you've probably enjoyed some miso soup. Salty, earthy, tangy, and savory, the perfect way to add umami to your favorite dishes.
Favorite ways to enjoy miso on a plant-based diet:
- With roasted vegetables
- As a marinade for tempeh or tofu
- In soups
- In salad dressings
- Added to stir fries
4. Tempeh
Tempeh is made by fermenting cooked soybeans and then forming the mixture into a firm, dense cake. Like tofu, tempeh can be a great meat alternative, especially if you're new to a plant-based diet.
Favorite ways to enjoy tempeh on a plant-based diet:
- In a big hearty vegan sandwich
- Crumbled into a vegan bolognese sauce
- Crumbled in tacos
- Paired with veggies and grilled on kebobs
- Oil-free tempeh bacon
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples and water. When purchasing apple cider vinegar for your gut health, look for brands that come with "The Mother," AKA all the good bacteria for your gut!
Favorite ways to enjoy apple cider vinegar on a plant-based diet:
- In oil-free salad dressings
- As a leavening agent in baked goods, like these no oil vegan banana bread muffins
- To add tang to vegan cashew cream cheese
6 reasons to eat fermented foods every day
1. You can improve your gut health
I know... we've been over this. But gut health is so important it's worth harping on. Fermented foods can help restore good gut bacteria, which is especially important if you eat the Standard American Diet, or a low fiber diet, or if you are taking an antibiotic (2). Once your gut is healed, you may start to notice improvements to the rest of your body too, like clearer skin, a happier mental state, and even heightened immunity.
2. You can reach your healthy weight loss goals
Gut bacteria helps to keep your BMI lower. Individuals with higher bacterial richness are associated with a healthier overall weight, while those with low levels of good bacteria are more susceptible to obesity and are more likely to gain weight over time (3).
So what can you do to maintain a healthy weight? Eat more plant foods to help you reach that ideal bacteria equilibrium. Already overweight? Changing your lifestyle to incorporate more plants in your diet can even reverse obesity and help you regain critical gut bacteria while promoting overall health.
(Need help getting started with your weight loss? Order the MamaSezz Weight Loss Bundle to get ready-made and plant-based meals delivered.)
3. You can boost your heart health
Food can mend broken heart, literally. Research shows the more good bacteria living in your gut, the less likely you are to have a cardiac event.
Our gut flora converts choline found in animal products, especially eggs, into trimethylamine which is later turned into TMOA in the liver. TMAO is a toxic compound that leads to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, atherosclerosis and early mortality (4). People with higher TMAO levels in their bloodstream have more than twice the risk for cardiovascular complications and failures.
Those who eat a primarily plant based diet do not have spikes in TMAO, even if they were to consume an animal product here and there, while those who eat a more standard American diet have spikes in TMAO when they consume foods with choline. This is due to the different flora found in the guts of vegetarians versus meat eaters. Vegetarians are unable to synthesize the compounds into TMAO in the liver, resulting in an absence of the toxic chemical altogether.
4. You can improve your mental health
Ever feel a little down after binging on junk food? Turns out this reaction is not just psychological, but chemical and biological, too! Your mental health is directly affected by your gut health, which can over time be controlled by what you eat.
Our guts and brains are connected by neurotransmitters that transmit chemicals between nerve cells during a process called synapses (5). These endogenous chemicals like dopamine and serotonin help control our emotions. Our gut actually produces a large amount of these neurotransmitters, like serotonin, or the “feel good” chemical.
High fiber plant foods increase your neuroplasticity, making that transmission during synapse more effective. That is why a healthy gut full of good bacteria can help with mental illness conditions like anxiety and depression. Load up on probiotic fermented food for your mental health!
5. You can strengthen your immune system
Turns out, a robust gut microbiome can actually help to build up your immune system! These good bacteria help harmful pathogens from entering your body through your gut. Probiotics found in fermented foods can actually help your body track down invasive organisms, and help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses by lowering your mucus production (6).
6. You'll have more flavorful food!
Fermented foods have a tangy, tart, sharp, smooth acidic flavor (although they are alkaline!). They pack a large punch, so if you’re a fan of intense flavor then these probiotic packed fermented veggies are for you!
More tips for using fermented foods in everyday cooking
Layer pickles, tempeh, and sauerkraut into your sandwich or grain bowl. Mix diced pickles, dilly beans, kimchi and sauerkraut into your salad, pasta salad or potato salad. Use miso, apple cider vinegar, and pickle juice in your salad dressings. Use as a garnish for soups, stews, breakfast, lunch or dinner! To summarize: if it’s savory, it could use a spoonful of sauerkraut.
Key Takeaways
- A plant-based diet, coupled with fermented foods is good for your gut health
- There are tons of fermented foods you can add to your plant-based diet. 5 of our favorites: sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, apple cider vinegar.
- Enjoy fermented foods to boost your immunity, promote mental health, boost heart health, aid in healthy weight loss, and more!
- There are plenty of ways to use delicious fermented foods in everyday cooking
Citations:
(1)NCBI
(2) National Library of Medicine
(3) NutritionFacts.org
(4) National Library of Medicine
(5) Harvard Health
(6) National Library of Medicine
By The MamaSezz Team