Fermentation may sound like a far out idea that would require fancy equipment and take up way too much of your valuable time. That’s what I thought. Until I took a class on fermentation and saw how incredibly easy it actually is:) Many of the probiotic strains that we eat in traditionally fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, miso, kefir, kimchee, kombucha, and yogurt, help to keep our digestive system strong. Healthy gut bacteria contribute to a well functioning endocrine system, overall immune function, healthy brain and weight loss.
Unfortunately, the processed foods that are promoted as high probiotic foods, don’t always live up to their good name. Many yogurts can be laced with sugar and use strains of probiotics that are not normally present in human bodies, and therefore eventually get eliminated. They can also displace the good bacteria that should be present in your gut. Recently, there has been an explosion of new dairy free yogurts on the market, which are a great alternative to those with dairy sensitivities. These plant based alternatives include soy, almond and coconut yogurts. As with any packaged foods, read the ingredient list before you consume these products. They may contain added sugars and additives such as carrageenan, which can be irritating to the digestive tract. I also wouldn’t recommend soy based products, as they can be GMO and a source of allergies.
- Synthesize vitamin K and important B vitamins
- Communicate with and regulate the immune system
- Play a role in reducing inflammation both in the gastrointestinal tract and in other areas of the body
- Detoxify heavy metals from the body
- Help digest food
- Promote gut motility (move things along:))
- Help heal and protect the lining of the gut
- Help prevent and reduce allergies
- Help prevent and reduce yeast infections
Amazing health benefits of coconuts:
- Coconuts are a great source of plant based protein
- Great for relieving constipation and any build-up of gas in the intestinal tract
- The meat of coconut is great for destroying intestinal parasites
- Coconut oil can help promote diet-induced thermogenesis and weight loss
- Supports healthy metabolism
- Supports your immune system health
- Provides an immediate energy source
- Supports the proper functioning of the thyroid gland
- Anti-fungal and anti-viral properties
- Electrolyte minerals in coconut water help to hydrate the body
Raw Coconut Vanilla Yogurt with Fruit on the Bottom
Meat from 2 young coconuts (or 2 cups)
2-4 Tbsp water (you may have to add a bit more to get things moving in the blender)
2 probiotic capsules (only use 1 if you have a high potency probiotic) or 1 tsp of powder
Fruit on the bottom:
How to make:
What’s your favourite fermented food?
Yogurt has to be my favourite fermented food. A few years ago, I developed lactose intolerance. In the years since, I discovered the more basic the yogurt, the better I could digest it. Greek yogurt (that's suddenly so popular), as long as it's pure and basic, does wonders for me.
You're right about reading the ingredients of products we plan on buying. Even food marketed as healthy can contain a lot of superfluous and sometimes harmful stuff. Look for very few ingredients and ingredients that you can read and understand.
Hey Rosemary!
Thank you for your comment.
I have grown up on yogurt as well and don't seem to have an issue digesting it, however, I do find that my skin is so much clearer when I skip the dairy.
I'm experimenting with lots of fermented foods at the moment so please check back soon for more recipes:)
In health, Al