7 Fermented foods that are good for maintaining digestive health

Without realizing it, you may often eat fermented foods every day. Whether it's tempeh, tofu, tauco, soy sauce, tape, and so on. This type of food is believed to be good for health because it contains probiotics, aka good bacteria in it. However, it turns out that not all fermented foods are good and safe for digestion, you know. So, what are the fermented foods that can make digestion smoother and healthier? The following is the complete information.

This type of fermented food is good for digestion

Fermented food is a type of food that is processed with the help of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and others. These foods not only increase the shelf life of food and are rich in nutrients, but can also help increase the good bacteria in the gut.

The more good bacteria in the intestines, the smoother your digestive system will be. Well, here are fermented foods that you can consume to improve digestion.

1. Tempe

Tempe is a source of vegetable protein that is cheap, easy to obtain, and of course nutrient dense. The reason is, tempeh contains rich essential amino acids needed for metabolism and body health.

Foods made from fermented soybeans are also rich in probiotics, you know! Probiotics, aka good bacteria from tempeh, can increase the number of natural bacteria in the intestine. The more probiotics, the smoother your digestive system will be and avoid constipation, aka difficulty defecating.

2. Yogurt

Yogurt is made from fermented milk with certain microorganisms to increase its nutritional content. Yogurt contains many important nutrients that are good for the body, such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12.

Not only that, every one cup of yogurt contains billions of probiotics which are useful for maintaining digestive health. In fact, people with lactose intolerance can eat yogurt, you know.

This is because the probiotic content in yogurt can help digest the sugar content in milk (lactose). That way, you will not experience any allergic reactions during and after eating yogurt.

What's more, nowadays there are many food companies that produce milk-free yogurt so it is suitable for consumption by vegans.

3. Pickles

Source: Vero at Home

It's not complete if you eat fried rice or satay without the presence of pickles. This food is made from a mixture of cucumber, carrots, and chopped onions, then fermented with sugar, salt and vinegar so that it tastes very fresh when eaten with other foods.

When these vegetables are fermented, the good bacteria in vinegar can help break down the hard-to-digest sugars and cellulose in food. These bacteria help to keep food durable and increase the number of good bacteria in the intestines.

4. Kefir

Kefir milk is made from milk processed with kefir seeds, then fermented with yeast and bacteria. This fermentation process produces kefir with a more liquid texture but with a sharper taste than yogurt.

Compared to yogurt, kefir actually contains three times as much probiotics which can help break down lactose. This makes the sugar content in kefir easier for the body to digest, especially in people with lactose intolerance.

A small study found that as many as 15 people with lactose intolerance tended to digest better after consuming kefir. Whereas previously, the lactose content in dairy products could make participants experience cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

5. Japanese miso soup

Source: Healthline

Miso soup is a food made from processed wheat, rice or soybeans, and barley. This traditional Japanese food is then fermented with salt and a type of mushroom called koji.

Miso soup can be the right choice for consumption when you have digestive problems. Not only is it rich in probiotics, miso soup also contains antioxidants and B vitamins which are good for your health.

6.Kombucha tea

Kombucha is a type of tea that is often referred to as mushroom tea, because it is made from fermented black or green tea with some yeast and bacteria. That's why kombucha tea contains various substances such as acetic acid, folate, essential amino acids, vitamin B, vitamin C, and alcohol.

The bacteria content in kombucha tea makes this tea tend to have a strong aroma. Even so, this is actually a good sign because these bacteria can improve the health of your gut.

7. Kimchi

Source: Michelin Guide

For those of you who love Korean food, you must be familiar with kimchi. In addition to its fresh taste, foods made from fermented cabbage or turnips can unknowingly make your digestion run smoothly, you know.

In addition, a study from the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2013 proved that regularly consuming kimchi can help reduce insulin resistance and blood cholesterol. For those of you who have diabetes and cholesterol problems, it doesn't hurt to add kimchi to complement your diet.

However, be careful with the acidic and spicy content in kimchi. If you are not strong with the sour and spicy taste, you should limit the portion of kimchi to keep your stomach acid.