Fermentation is essentially an ancient method of preserving food and enhancing nutrients. Through keen observation, this technique was discovered thousands of years ago. It has been determined by modern scientists that the benefits of fermented foods are extensive; including improved mental health and digestive support. The fermentation process includes preservation of the food and creating beneficial enzymes, Omega-3 fatty acids, b-vitamins and several different strains of probiotics.

What are the Benefits of Fermented Foods?

Among the most essential advantages of food fermentation is that the food provides natural probiotics, is enriched with vitamins, essential amino acids, bioactive compounds and minerals. For instance, throughout the fermentation process, vitamins such as riboflavin and niacin are increased with the use of starter culture Rhizopus oligosporus.   Likewise, riboflavin and thiamine increase while idli is being fermented.

A number of individuals consume natural health products because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Now, a growing body of literature is lending support to the effective and safe use of a variety of fermented foods to enhance their effectiveness.

Various studies have indicated that fermented foods supply a more distinct anti-inflammatory influence when compared with their unfermented counterparts. In addition, it has been found that fermented herbal ingredients are more valuable to bone health, antioxidant support, safeguarding the intestinal lining and immunity.

Another essential benefit of fermented foods is its capacity to promote the production of enzymes in microorganisms that also provide extremely useful services. Anti-nutritive compounds are degraded by the enzymes and as a result, things that would otherwise be unpalatable or indigestible are made edible and have enhanced flavor and aroma. For example, some bitter types of cassava tubers have a content of a substance that is potentially poisonous. However, this substance can be detoxified with lactic acid bacteria like fufu and gari, for example, which are fermented cassava root products that originate in Africa.

A number of individuals are intolerant when it comes to lactose or they suffer from lactose mal-absorption. This is a condition that results in the primary carbohydrate of milk, lactose, not being digested completely. The cultures that are used to make curds and yogurt, contain considerable amounts of ß-D-galactosidase, which is something believed to assist in alleviating lactose mal-absorption symptoms. As a viscous food, yogurt could cause a delay in the emptying of the stomach and as such, assist in lessening symptoms of lactose intolerance.

What are Common Fermented Foods?

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented fizzy black tea that provides you with an effective boost. This is largely due to its content of various microorganisms. Drinking a bottle of kombucha means that you would be simultaneously consuming 4 to 7 microorganisms, which helps to build an extremely strong gut. Just watch out for the sugar.

Pickles

Pickles are awesome since they supply a healthy dosage of probiotics. Pickles are a familiar food item, which makes them a taste that a number of individuals already love; even individuals who gag at the thought of consuming fermented foods. Try and choose organic pickles if possible.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut, which is essentially fermented cabbage, can be eaten with way more than just your typical turkey or tofu dogs. Sauerkraut has a potent impact on brain health and this includes anxiety and depression. A tremendous connection is there between brain and gut health. The adventurous do-it-yourself type can try to make his or her own sauerkraut. In contrast to store-bought, non-refrigerated varieties, homemade sauerkraut contains no added sugar.

Tempeh

Fermented soybeans or tempeh is a complete protein that contains the complete contingent of the amino acids.   It can be used as a tasty bacon substitute in BLTs. You could also use some tamari to flavor organic tempeh and then it can be added to a sandwich with toast, lettuce and tomato. Additionally, it can be eaten tossed with steamed veggies.

Fermented Food Ingredients Found in Supplements

Recent research has indicated that fermentation amplifies the benefits of herbal and plants blends. Additionally, in some cases the fermentation process produces distinctive bioactive phytochemicals, anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that did not exist before fermentation took place.

Fermented supplement ingredients are more useful where immunity is concerned. Research has revealed that the microbes in fermented foods and natural fermented supplements can assist in improving certain aspects of immune functioning. An advance in activity of natural killer cells is among the most notable. These killer cells serve as our front-line defenders against the development of cancer and infection.

Some green drink powders, albeit a very small number, are using fermented grasses in their formulas. This increases the nutritional value of the green drink powder immensely with the added probiotics, other unlocked nutrients and the increased absorption rate. One such green drink is Living Green Supreme Food.

Augmenting your diet with fermented whole food supplements enable you to provide your body with the complexity of nutrients that are lacking in modern diets. Nutrients that come from isolated supplements and vitamins are inadequate for your dietary requirements. This is because they do not have the necessary micronutrients and cofactors and the body often does not recognize them as food.

The plethora of benefits that can be derived from consuming fermented foods significantly contribute to whole food supplements including fermented food ingredients in their products.[hr]

People who want to lose weight the natural way should consider using green drink smoothies for weight loss. This is because there are great benefits when you lose weight on a diet of fruits and vegetables, and when you add a quality green drink superfood powder to your smoothie, the health benefits are outstanding. Before discussing the benefits of the fruit and vegetable combination, it is important to point out that this combination is completely natural so it has no dangerous side effects.[divider]

Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables in Your Smoothies

A smart dietician once observed that the Almighty placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden so that they could live on fruits and vegetables only. This is an indication that every nutrient required for good health and the proper functioning of the human system can be found in fruits and vegetables. They contain vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants and natural sugar. Everybody knows this but everybody may not know the exact nutrients contained in specific fruits and vegetables. This is why it makes sense to list some fruits and vegetables here and discuss the nutrients each one contains.

Some Common Weight Loss Smoothie Ingredients

Pineapples

The great thing about the pineapple is that this fruit is very good for your health and also tastes wonderful and masks other strong-tasting vegetables. It contains dietary fiber, it is juicy and it is fleshy. This means that it fills you up and prevents cravings. Pineapple contains vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium copper and manganese. It also contains bromelain and this property helps fight certain forms of cancer.

Papaya

The papaya contains very high levels of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. It also contains vitamin A, many essential B vitamins like B-6 and B-1. This fruit also contains flavonoids like zeaxanthin, lutein, betacarotene and cryptoxanthin. This fruit aids digestion and it combats constipation too. Best of all, the papaya is low in calories, contains zero fat and has no cholesterol.

Apples

You have probably been told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, this is not just talk because the apple is one fruit that protects you from a number of ailments and medical conditions. This fruit contains potassium, calcium and phosphorus. It also contains vitamin C and a fairly long list of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Additionally, apples is one of the most common green drink smoothie ingredients that helps mask the taste of strong tasting vegetables.

Cucumber

Do not let the bland taste of this vegetable put you off because the cucumber is truly great for you. It contains water, minerals, vitamins and fiber. It also contains manganese and polyphenols.

Spinach

This leafy vegetable is perfect for people who want to lose weight the natural way. It contains dietary fiber and it is low in fat. Best of all, it has practically no calories. Spinach has a high amount of iron and it is also a good source of the healthy and safe Omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains vitamin K, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6.

Kale

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse that can be eaten raw or cooked. One of the best things about kale is that it is a natural detoxifier. This makes it popular with people who are dieting and people who use intermittent fasting for weight loss. Among other great advantages, kale reduces cholesterol and promotes weight loss. It is also nourishing and this is another advantage for people who add it to their green smoothies. Kale also contains a huge array of nutrients and these include sodium, fiber, amino acids and minerals.

The list above discusses just three fruits and three vegetables used to make green smoothies but this list is not an exhaustive one. There are other fruits and vegetables that have not been mentioned here. These fruits and vegetables give you an instant advantage because they provide energy, they are natural and do not contain chemicals. Not only do you not have to worry about the chemicals and dyes that are commonly found in commercial weight loss drinks, but they are far more delicious and satisfying.

See what www.HealthToday.com has to say about what your morning smoothie should definitaly have: http://healthtoday.com/3-must-haves-for-your-morning-smoothie-as-easy-as-1-2-3/

Adding a Superfood Green Drink Powder to Your Weight Loss Smoothie 

Adding a scoop of a quality, superfood powder drink can take your weight loss smoothie and turn it into a nutrient-dense super drink. Most good green drink powders contain more than just superfood fruits and vegetables. They also contain things like probiotics, digestive enzymes, cleansing herbs, antioxidants and more. When you add all this to the nutrients that you are getting from the whole fruits and vegetables, your green smoothie turns into a complete low-calorie and nutrient dense meal, perfect for weight loss, loaded with energy and probably the most nutritious food you can possibly consume.

Tips to Making the Perfect Weight Loss Smoothie

There are different ways to make smoothies for weight loss but the important thing is to understand that you are drinking these juices for your health as well as for your figure. For this reason, you have to avoid high calorie fruits like bananas, which are loaded with sugar.

You can experiment with different fruit and vegetable combinations but try to balance things so that your energy needs and nutritional needs are met. There is nothing wrong with making the smoothies tasty so use sugary fruits like apples and papaya to flavor your drink. Berries, which are lower in sugar, are also good for flavor and loaded with antioxidants.

Common Ingredients for Smoothies

The great thing about smoothies is that the rules are not cast in stone. You make the rules. You can be as creative as you like. You are also allowed to use a variety of fruits and vegetables to create your green smoothies.

Some prefer to use more fruits than vegetables while others prefer lots of vegetables. These include apples, berries, pineapples, papaya, cucumber, celery, kale and spinach. You can also add collards and parsley if you like.

Add Extra Zing to Your Smoothies 

For best results, you can add extra effect to your smoothies by including herbs and super ingredients. Green tea is a great idea because it speeds up metabolism and will help you naturally burn fat. You can also spice up your smoothies with flaxseeds or kombucha. Other excellent ideas are pumpkin leaves, chia seeds and some sweet basil. These are wonderful ingredients and they are great for your health to boot.

As stated already, the best way to lose weight is the natural way. Forget about diet pills and fancy diet plans because most of them will not do you any long term good. Use the green smoothie formula and you will notice great results. These green drink weight loss smoothies will fill you up, they will reduce your food cravings, they will help detoxify your body which is important for weight loss and most importantly, they will dramatically improve your overall health. [hr]