Fermented foods for men: hype or helpful?

Fermentation allows bacteria, yeasts and fungi to get the best out of certain foods. Fermented foods for men: hype or helpful? Here you can find out why and how this is worthwhile for your fitness and health.

Some microorganisms have an unfairly bad reputation: some bacteria, yeasts and fungi do valuable preparatory work in food. You benefit from this fermentation in two ways.

What is fermentation?

During fermentation, certain organisms work on a food. They basically “digest” it. What sounds unappetizing is actually a real plus: the cultures convert the substances contained in the food and in many cases make it more durable.

These cultures also ensure that some foods can be processed better by humans and are even healthier. Fermented foods can therefore improve your health and fitness.

How to improve your fitness with fermented proteins

If you supplement your diet with protein shakes to match your training , you are already doing a lot of things right. It is best to supply your body with valuable protein directly after a strenuous workout .

However, immediately after training, the intestines are still sluggish. Fermented protein makes it easier for the intestines to absorb the valuable nutrients.

You can find various products on the market that rely on this. A whey protein hydrolysate, for example, provides the valuable substance, but fermented, i.e. “pre-processed” by valuable bacterial cultures. This allows the body to absorb the protein better and the protein is particularly well tolerated.

How fermented foods support your health

After training, you can quickly recharge your batteries with fermented foods. But that’s not all that these special foods do for you: they’re also really healthy.

Fermentation is the only way to really get the most out of some foods. And it really pays off with the following positive effects on your health. One study found that daily consumption of 150 ml of fermented milk over 8 weeks led to a significant reduction in blood pressure in subjects with high blood pressure . A study by Stanford University provides strong evidence that fermented foods not only have a positive effect on the intestinal flora , but can also reduce inflammatory processes in the body .

Fermented foods can:

lower blood pressure
positively influence intestinal health
Reduce inflammatory processes
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
regulate cholesterol levels
facilitate digestion
improve the absorption of proteins and vitamins
increase the content of vitamins, iron and zinc in food

Fermented foods are definitely healthy. Whether they are healthier than others is still being researched. Nevertheless, you should definitely not miss out on the positive aspects of fermented foods.

Restrictions: Who should be careful with fermented foods?

Fermented foods often contain high levels of histamine, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, skin redness or gastrointestinal problems in people with histamine intolerance. People with certain allergies, such as soy or gluten, should also be careful, as fermented products such as miso or certain grain ferments can contain these allergens.

Frequently asked questions about fermented foods

1.How does fermentation work?

For some foods, fermentation happens on its own, for others you have to add a starter culture. These include yeast, certain bacteria or even mold. Once added, these cultures start their work and convert the ingredients of the food for you.

2.Why is fermentation so healthy?

Fermentation produces fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt or kimchi. When you eat them, you ingest the bacterial cultures, yeast and molds they contain. It is believed that they can increase the number of intestinal bacteria and strengthen the immune system.

3.What is the difference between fermentation and fermentation?

During fermentation, microorganisms work on a food and convert the substances it contains. This works with or without oxygen. During fermentation, sugar is broken down into other substances without oxygen. In everyday life, the two terms are often used interchangeably, even if that is not entirely correct.

Which foods are fermented?

More than you think, namely about a third of our food. Here are just a few well-known and common ones:

Yogurt – Contains probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus
Kefir – Fermented milk with numerous lactic acid bacteria
Cheese – Some varieties (e.g. Roquefort, Gouda, Cheddar) contain fermented bacteria
Buttermilk – Contains natural lactic acid bacteria
Beer – Contains yeast that supports the fermentation process
Wine – Made by fermenting grapes
Whiskey – Matures after fermentation, but no longer contains living cultures
Kombucha – Fermented tea with probiotic cultures
Sauerkraut – Fermented white cabbage with lactic acid bacteria
Kimchi – Spicy, fermented Korean vegetables
Pickled cucumbers – lactic acid fermented, without vinegar
Miso paste – Japanese spice paste made from fermented soybeans
Sourdough bread – Contains natural lactic acid bacteria that make the dough rise
Soy sauce – Fermented product made from soybeans and wheat
Apple cider vinegar – contains acetic acid bacteria

Important note on fermented alcoholic beverages: Although beer, wine and whiskey are produced through fermentation, they no longer contain any probiotic benefits – their consumption should therefore be moderate and responsible .

Conclusion: Healthy and fit with fermented foods

Fermented foods are particularly easy to digest and contain a lot of valuable ingredients. Fermented foods for men: hype or helpful? Sometimes foods only release all their nutrients, such as vitamins, through fermentation. So take advantage of the opportunity for your fitness and health and definitely try fermented foods.