wholesomeRaya Abid

The Mighty Microbes

wholesomeRaya Abid
The Mighty Microbes

Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.

Timeless words of Hippocrates. It is funny to see how preservation methods of the past are making a virtuous come-back and happen to be healthier than whatever modern pill you find on the market today. In modern jargon, we call it fermented foods.  Our ancient ancestors utilized fermented foods, also known as probiotic enriched foods, on a regular basis. This was a great way to preserve vegetables for a longer period of time, necessary in times without refrigeration. And if you do your research, you will notice that every ancient culture has its own unique fermented food.

But what is fermented food exactly? it's food packed with probiotics, the good bacteria that live in your gut, aka the Mighty Microbes. This bacterial optimization improves your digestive system and creates beneficial enzymes that will protect you from pathogenic factors such as salmonella and E. Coli. It also boosts your immune system, regulates the appetite and reduces sugar and refined carbs cravings.

Homemade fermented organic veggies (cucumber, cardoon, fennel, zucchini, carrot, turnip)

Homemade fermented organic veggies (cucumber, cardoon, fennel, zucchini, carrot, turnip)

Below are some examples of fermented foods commonly used today.

KIMCHI is a traditionnal Korean food made of fermented vegetables, mainly cabbage, garlic, red pepper and salt.

KEFIR is a fermented milk drink. It dates back to many centuries to the shepherds of the Caucasus Mountains who carried milk stored in leather pouches where it would ferment into fizzy sour yogurt.

LASSI in ancient India was commonly enjoyed as a pre-dinner yogurt milk. This traditional practice is anchored on the principle of using sour milk as a probiotic delivery system to the body. 

MISO is a traditional ingredient in Japanese and Chinese diets, miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and grains and contains millions of beneficial bacteria. In Japan, people begin their day with miso soup believed to stimulate the digestion and energize the body.

KOMBUCHA has been consumed for thousands of years and is a fermented probiotic drink that originated from Russia.  It is made from tea, sugar, a scoby and a starter from a previous batch. The final product is naturally carbonated making this a fizzy and tasty drink.

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