That’s a famous quote from the Eastern European country of Georgia (formerly of the Soviet Union) related to the long life of the people in that region. Traditionally, they have consumed large amounts of fermented foods, including yogurt, but this is not very realistic in many parts of the world today, including the United States. Many people are lactose intolerant, but you can still eat fermented foods!
Today, the benefits of fermented foods are really catching on, but did you know that the fermentation process was originally used to improve food preservation and storage? Camel, buffalo, goat, sheep and cow milk is believed to have initially been naturally fermented into yogurt. The high temperatures (110 F) of the North African deserts were ideal for lactic acid-producing bacteria to ferment the milk carried by camels in goat bags. Almost all regions of the world have developed fermented foods in their quest to acquire new flavors and improve shelf life. Farmers, rather than scientists, used their ingenuity and imagination. They were thinking in terms of how best to provide for their families, not realizing that thousands of years later, scientists would be examining the potential health benefits of fermented foods.
Elie Metchnikoff, a famous Nobel Prize-winning Russian bacteriologist, investigated the potential health benefits of fermented foods in the early 20th century. He noted that Bulgarians had an average life expectancy of 87 years, much more than the 50-year life expectancy in the US at the time and almost 10 years more than the current average life expectancy of 78 years. One of the most significant differences in his lifestyle was the consumption of fermented milk! Since Metchnikoff’s original study, researchers have found that many populations use fermented foods. Georgians, from what was formally known as the Soviet Union, live to be over 100 years old and play polo and work in the agricultural fields! They attribute their long life to fermented or “soured” milk, hence the title quote for this blog! I’m not sure I want to work in the farm fields at 100, but I would love to still be riding my horses at that age!
I know my family has benefited greatly from fermented foods. My husband and I are in our 50’s, we feel and look better than we did when we were 30! CJ’s intestinal problems are healed, his mind is clear, and his body is healthy. In fact, all of our children are healthy. I KNOW we would not be where we are today health wise without the benefits of raw organic fermented probiotic foods.
There are so many benefits to eating fermented foods, and researchers keep adding more to the list. Here are some of the benefits of fermented foods:
- Improves digestive function
- Improves bowel function
- improves mood
- Improves liver function
- reduces wrinkles
- Improves circulatory function
- Improves joint and muscle function.
- Improves sleep function.
- Improves resistance to allergies.
- Improves the absorption of vitamins.
- Improves lactose tolerance
- Improves gluten tolerance
- improves appetite
- Improves skin quality
- Improves metabolism
- Improves mental clarity (gut-brain connection)
- Reduce your digestive foods
- Reduces food from the stomach
- Decreases the incidence of heartburn
- Reduces the incidence of constipation
- Reduces the incidence of diarrhea.
- Reduces the presence of candidiasis
- Reduces the incidence of infections of the oral cavity
- Reduces gas and bloating.
- Increases nutritional absorption.
- increases energy
- Increases hydration
Sometimes we are so overwhelmed with modern technology that we forget the benefits of simplicity. Today there are so many genetically modified refined and processed foods polluting our bodies. They were designed to make our lives easier, but that does NOT mean they are healthier! Our ancestors were onto something by fermenting their food to keep it edible for longer periods of time. Our bodies cannot handle the chemicals required to keep food stable/fresh on our shelves for years. I would rather have the “good” bacteria from my fermented foods in my gut, rather than subject my body to harmful toxins from processed foods. It’s a “no brainer!” So if you haven’t tried Real Food Real Life Organic & Raw Fermented Probiotics yet, do it – you’ll notice a healthier, happier you, not to mention a better looking physique! Learn about what cultured/fermented foods are available (such as miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir, to name a few) and how you can add them to your daily diet. A fun family adventure would be to do a quick internet search on what fermented foods YOUR ancestors ate! Mine made and ate fermented meats and cheeses like salmon and parmesan.
Eat fermented foods!
Eat Well, Be Well”Living more time“