What do foods like natto, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, lassi and kefir all have in common? Hint: It’s not an ingredient. Rather, it’s actually how all of these are made: fermentation. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, fermentation refers to an enzyme-controlled chemical process that breaks down an organic substance into simpler parts, typically with help of bacteria, yeasts or carbon dioxide.¹,²

Fermented foods often have a unique taste and peculiar smell, which is why not a lot of people are drawn to them at first. In some cases, they are even considered to be an acquired taste.³ However, different studies have attested fermented foods’ benefits when it comes to improving your gut health and optimizing overall health naturally, making a strong case for why they should be added into your diet.

You can start by making this Fresh and Fantastic Fermented Veggies Recipe. Creating your own fermented vegetable mix at home is feasible and worth the hard work you’ll be putting into it.