People have been fermenting food since about 7000 BC without actually realising what they were doing. During that time fermentation was believed to be a totally chemical process which transformed sugar into alcohol.
But in 1857 Louis Pasteur, a French chemist and microbiologist made the shocking discovery that there are microorganisms involved at the back of this process.
Bread, beer, cheese, pickles and yoghurt have one thing in common they all are fermented products. But wait. What actually is fermentation? And why life sciences resources experiment with fermentation?
What is Fermentation? Facts about Fermentation
Fermentation is a centuries-old process in which bacteria, yeast. Or any other microorganism break down organic molecules such as sugar and starch into alcohol, gases and acids.
Fermentation enhances the flavour of the food, as a unique tartness is produced in it. Besides, it has loads of health benefits. People who make smart food choices value fermentation.
Without further ado let’s dig into the amazing facts about fermentation that might stun you.
Wonderful facts about fermentation
Here is what you need to know
Fermentation reduces the risk of diseases
By adding fermented food to your diet, you can improve your cholesterol levels and decrease high blood pressure.
Fermented food decreases your chance of heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and obesity. It also reduces the risk of diabetes. In short, these tiny organisms give us huge health benefits as opposed to their micro size. In true essence, fermentation is the beautiful mix of healthcare and life sciences.
Enhances Digestive System
In fermented food, half of your work is already done by tiny organisms. They have broken down sugar and starch. So they are relatively easy for our immune system to digest.
Can be consumed by Lactose Intolerant people
Some lactose intolerant people found it helpful to take fermented food. During fermentation, the lactose in milk is converted into glucose and galactose. So some lactose intolerant people are happy with consuming yoghurt and kefir.
Elevates Mood and helps with Depression
Science has found that fermented food has the potential to help decrease depression. Moreover, it also helps to elevate our mood along with making us physically calmer. So next time you are stressed, consume fermented food. It helps you focus on health and wellness.
Alternative for Refrigerator
Our life without refrigerator sounds hard. But not with fermentation process.
Today we are using fermentation for enhancing the flavour of food. But it’s amazing to know that in ancient times food was fermented to be preserved. In this way, they can use it for a longer time. This technique is still used in underdeveloped countries and villages where modern technology has not reached.
So next time your refrigerator is out of order, try techniques of fermentation to preserve your food.
The Balance between Good and Bad Bacteria
Fermented food contains a little number of good bacteria and yeast. They are really helpful in maintaining the balance in our intestinal tract. These good bacteria are present naturally in some food while in some foods it is added.
The presence of good bacteria creates competition for nutrition between good and bad ones and thus decreases the bad ones, harmful to your health.
You can maintain this balance between good and bad in your stomach and intestine by using fermented food.
Easy Breathing, Better Life
Recent research has discovered that fermentation helps our breathing metabolism. So people suffering from asthma and other breathing problems should definitely make these miraculous products a part of their diet.
First Alcoholic Drink
Evidence suggests that the first ever alcoholic drink was made by the Chinese. A clay pot from 7000 BCE was found in China that shows that they were making an alcoholic drink using rice, honey and grapes.
Fight Obesity with a Fermented food
Research on rats is done in which rats were divided into three groups and were exposed to different environmental conditions.
The results concluded that the rats consuming a fermented diet prevented weight gain. Many people also find that consuming fermented food helps them in their journey to overcome obesity.
Amplify the Nutritional Value
It is not common knowledge that Fermented products are richer in nutrition. During this magical process, vitamin levels are alleviated. The process of fermentation activates the endogenous enzymes thus, improves their nutritional value.
Kimchi love
Kimchi, the national dish of Korea, contains salt and fermented vegetables. Kimchi is not only popular in Korea but love for kimchi crosses borders and is worldwide. You can get an idea about how famous kimchi is by the fact that a Korean food research scientist has offered to make a space Kimchi for the first Korean astronaut in space.
You can wear Kombucha
Sounds crazy. Right? But it’s true. Kombucha is a delicious fermented tea that offers abundance of health benefits.. But you can wear a kombucha dress as well. Dried kombucha can be converted into leather-type material from which you can make clothes.
Miso
Miso is a versatile Japanese paste that is fermented in a two-step process. It is made by fermentation of soya beans with Aspergillus Oryzae or with wheat, rice and oats.
Fermented foods can be toxic
Generally, fermented foods are the safest category which is free of toxins. But if proper food safety measures are not taken, it may give rise to harmful toxins which cause diseases.
Increases Shelf life
Fermented food has a higher shelf life as compared to non Fermented ones. The reason is that in Fermented food the presence of bacteria, yeast and moulds hinders the production of unwanted yeasts and bacteria. So food doesn’t spoil.
Conclusion
Fermentation is a centuries-old technique used by our ancestors. It has extensive benefits for health and also enhances flavour. Moreover, fermented food shelf life has increased considerably.
We hope that the above-mentioned facts about fermentation have increased your knowledge and were helpful.
