The costs of modern living are many, but the most pressing ones are weight issues, stress and compromised immune systems. Recent studies reveal that there’s a simple remedy to these, lying in your kitchenfermented food.

Fermented and cultured food has been part of every cuisine the world over, but only recently has scientific research uncovered its health benefits. The study, conducted over a period of 12 weeks, revealed that women who consumed a strain of lactic acid bacteria called lactobacillus rhamnosus lost double the amount of weight compared to those who did not consume the bacteria. Lead researcher, professor Tremblay explains that probiotics keep certain pro-inflammatory molecules from entering the bloodstream, preventing glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. They also prevent diarrheal illnesses as well as allergic disorders, can prevent and treat bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections, and may be useful for preventing respiratory infections, dental caries, necrotizing enterocolitis, and certain aspects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

This useful bacteria can be found in yogurt with active cultures, unpasteurized sauerkraut and kimchi, kefir, beet kvass, traditional sourdough bread, Ethiopian injera, tempeh, miso, traditional buttermilk and kombucha.

Read More:
Need To Know: Fermentation
Why Fermented Food Is Good for You

Simona is a journalist who has worked with several leading publications in India over the last 17 years, writing on lifestyle topics and the arts, besides interviewing celebrities. She made the switch to public relations and headed the division as PR Manager at ITC Hotels’ flagship property, the ITC Grand Chola, but has since returned to her first love, journalism. Now she writes on food, which she is sincerely passionate about and wellness, which she finds fascinating and full of surprises. When she isn’t writing, she is busy playing the role of co-founder and communications director of The Bicycle Project, a six-year-old charity initiative that empowers tribal children in rural areas, while addressing the issue of urban waste.