General 2 — Tennessee Milk

Functional Foods: Fermented Dairy for Health

Top 5 Foods for a Healthy Gut:

healthy-fermented-food-kefir-concept-probiotic-150612411.jpg — Kefir

*a fermented milk drink*

plain-yogurt-in-wooden-bowl-and-wood-spoon-on-wood-texture-background-148592879.jpg — Greek Yogurt

*a thick yogurt with probiotics*

close-up-of-cottage-cheese-in-bowl-on-wooden-table-163880788.jpg — Cottage Cheese

*also known as curds and whey*

Kimchi

*seasoned, fermented vegetables*

The human digestive tract has trillions of bacterial cells that make up what is called the gut microbiome. Consuming fermented foods with live cultures, like yogurt, can add “good” bacteria to your microbiome.

But not all fermented foods contain probiotics. According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. For a fermented food to be considered a probiotic, it must have both enough living microbes and show a proven health benefit. Many yogurts are examples of fermented foods that are considered probiotics.

pouring-homemade-kefir-yogurt-with-probiotics-probiotic-cold-fermented-dairy-drink-trendy-food-and-drink-copy-space-rustic-style-150151323.jpg — What are Fermented Foods?

Between fad diets, workout routines, and an every-growing list of supplements, Americans are looking for the best way to take control of their health.

In addition to practicing well-studied health habits, such as getting adequate sleep and exercise, and managing stress, nutrient-rich food plays a role in keeping us healthy. In 2019, according to dietitians surveyed regarding “What’s trending in Nutrition,” fermented foods, including yogurt and kefir, were voted the number one superfood trend. But fermented foods are not new; they have been around for centuries and can be used to help boost your health today.

If you eat yogurt, kefir, sourdough bread, or kombucha, you are already including fermented foods in your diet! Fermentation is the breakdown of carbohydrates, like starch and sugar, by bacteria and yeast. The process was first used for preserving foods but became less popular as refrigeration and pasteurization came about. Today, we look to fermentation for its ability to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics.

There are many benefits to consuming fermented foods. They can be a source of live and active “good” bacteria, improve taste, texture, and digestibility, increase vitamins, and increase food’s shelf life. Fermentation can also change the taste and texture of the food. For instance, yogurt and kefir are thicker and tangier than milk due to fermentation.

How to Add More Fermented Foods to Your Diet

There are plenty of ways to incorporate fermented dairy foods into your daily routine! Research shows that most Americans eat a breakfast low in protein, while dinner tends to be protein-heavy. Instead, aim for protein at every meal. Milk at meals is a nutritious choice providing 9 essential nutrients and 8 grams of high-quality protein, and adding fermented dairy takes it up another notch.