Lacto-fermented Benefits

Surfing the internet tonight I came across Wise Choice Market a small company that sells lacto-fermented vegetables.

Here are some claims from their health benefits page (and remember, you can make your own lacto-fermented foods.)

• The live lactic bacteria that are involved in the production of our products are so beneficial to health that they have often been called "life preserving agents".
• They contribute to the protection of the body against infections and stimulate the immune system.
• They improve the digestion process by regulating the level of acidity in the digestive tract and by stimulating the production of beneficial intestinal flora.
• They act as anti-oxidants.
• They facilitate the synthesis of certain vitamins, such as vitamins C and B12 (which can only be produced in the presence of lactic bacteria).
• They are known to have a soothing effect on the nervous system.
• In producing lactic acid and enzymes, the lactic bacteria also facilitate the break-down of proteins and hence their assimilation.
• Our fermented vegetables are recommended for diabetics, since the sugar content of vegetables is transformed by lactic bacteria into a more assimilable form.
• The lactic acid contained in our products does not have the harmful acidifying effect on the human system that other organic acids tend to have. In fact, it helps prevent arthritis.
• Our fermented vegetables are an important component of a yeast-free diet (as in the case of candidiasis).

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

If you're not up for making lacto-fermented foods, buy a jar of Bubbies sauerkraut or pickles and eat a couple of tablespoons with your meal.  Whole Foods and Drug Emporium carries Bubbies in the refrigerated section.  Your gut will thank you.

You know what they say, "A tablespoon a day (of lacto-fermented food) keeps the doctor away."

OK, I just made that up.  But it sounds like a good phrase, don't you think?
Just eat it.  It's good for you.  I promise.

-Julie