Fermented foods are becoming increasingly popular among people these days due to their enormous health benefits. But, do you know what fermented foods are?
Fermented foods go through a process of lacto-fermentation. Natural bacteria/ yeast feed on the sugar and starch in the food creating lactic acid, and that initiates the fermentation process. Fermentation preserves the food, creates beneficial enzymes, and improves the amount of B-vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics in the food that makes these foods nutritious and healthy.
Examples of Some Indian Fermented Foods:
FERMENTED FOOD |
INGREDIENTS |
PLACE OF ORIGIN |
Rabdi (rabadi) |
Flour of barley, pearl millet, corn or soybean and buttermilk |
Rajasthan |
Kulu |
Wheat flour and buttermilk |
Himachal Pradesh |
Idli |
Rice, black gram dhal, table salt and fenugreek seeds |
South India |
Dosa |
Rice, black gram dhal and table salt |
South India |
Dhokla |
Bengal gram dhal, rice and leafy vegetables |
Gujarat |
Nan |
Wheat or refined flour |
North India |
Chilra or Lwar |
Wheat/barley and buckwheat flour |
Himachal Pradesh |
Sinki |
Radish root |
North-east India |
Kinema |
Soybeans |
Darjeeling, Sikkim |
Kanji |
Carrot or beet root, rice and mustard |
North India |
Curd (Dahi) |
Milk |
India |
Gundruk |
Leaves of mustard/ radish/cauliflower |
Arunachal Pradesh |
Health Benefits of Fermented Foods:
1. Increases taste, flavor, and aroma of foods.
2. Makes food more digestible.
3. Fermented foods have more nutrients.
4. Improves the shelf life of foods.
5. They are full of good bacteria (probiotics).
6. Helps keep your immune system healthy.
7. Helps curb sugar cravings.
8. Reduces the risk of many health conditions.
Make fermented foods a part of your daily diet and add variety to your diet, increase your nutritional intake and keep your gut healthy.
A little progress each day adds up to big results. How dedicated are you towards your wellness goals? Even after trying hard, if you have been struggling to attain your idle body index and just don’t know where to start, skip the hassle by consulting a dietitian at The Wellness Corner to help you choose healthy meal plans.
