My grandpa always talks about how much he loves my Nana’s homemade fermented beverages, which got me curious about their health benefits. I also love when Nana makes her homemade kefir and other fermented beverages made from fruits and grains.
So, I took it upon myself to delve into the fascinating world of fermented beverages such as kefir, kvass, and others. After researching and gathering information, I discovered that these drinks are made by introducing beneficial bacteria or yeasts to certain ingredients, which then results in fermentation. These drinks have various health benefits due to the probiotics within them and can be used as a delicious alternative to sugary sodas or juices.
What are Fermented Beverages?
Fermented beverages are drinks that are made by allowing yeast and bacteria to break down the sugars in the liquid. This process produces alcohol and other compounds that give the drink a unique flavor and texture.
Usually, when we hear about fermented beverages, we usually think that we’re talking about wine and beer. While wine and beer are some of the most popular fermented beverages, many other options are available that provide unique flavors and health benefits.
In fact, fermented beverages have been consumed for thousands of years across different cultures around the world. These beverages are fermented using different ingredients, ranging from milk and grains to tea and fruits.
Healthy Benefits of Fermented Beverages
Since most fermented drinks are made of grains and fruits, there’s no wonder they can provide nutritious benefits to our bodies. Here are some of the reasons to choose fermented beverages over carbonated drinks.
Boost Digestive System
Fermented drinks are renowned for enhancing the digestive system, as the fermentation process produces probiotic bacteria. Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria that have many positive effects on your overall health, including aiding digestion and improving immune function.
You’re probably thinking that bacteria are harmful. Well, yes, some forms of bacteria can be dangerous. But probiotics actually help to protect against illness by creating an environment in which disease-causing organisms cannot thrive. So, incorporating fermented drinks into your diet can help to promote optimal health and well-being.
Boost Immune System
Fermented drinks not only have probiotics, but they also have vitamins and nutrients that help your immune system. Tepache, for instance, has a lot of vitamin C, which can help the immune system. Regularly drinking tepache can be a good way to help your health and well-being as a whole.
Make Foods Easy to Digest
Fermentation is a process that not only breaks down anti-nutrients but also enhances the nutritional value of beverages by making the nutrients more easily digestible. For example, lactose – which is a sugar found in milk – can be broken down into simpler sugars such as glucose and galactose during fermentation. This makes it easier for our bodies to absorb these essential nutrients. So, even people who are lactose intolerant can consume fermented dairy beverages like kefir.
Improves Mood
The fascinating relationship between the gut and our brain often referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or HPA axis, is something that scientists have been exploring for years. Our gut contains a huge network of neurons which can affect how we feel emotionally and mentally. So, consuming fermented beverages such as kombucha or yogurt can also help to improve our mood by supporting these pathways in the body.
Healthy Fermented Beverages for You
If you’re looking for inspiration or fermented drinks recipes, here are some of the common beverages you can try.
Kefir
Kefir is a drink made from fermented milk. It comes from the Caucasus Mountains. Nana usually makes this drink by adding kefir grains, which are made up of bacteria and yeast, to milk and letting it ferment for 24 to 48 hours. You can find lots of probiotics in this drink, which can help with digestion and boost the immune system. It also has a lot of calcium and protein, which makes it a great addition to a healthy diet.
Kvass
Kvass is a traditional Russian drink made by adding yeast and bacteria to bread or grain and letting it sit for a while. It’s a low-alcohol drink that’s often drunk in the summer to cool down. Kvass is a great beverage choice to help promote your heart health and overall well-being.
It is full of beneficial antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, as well as an abundance of vitamins B and C, making it a nutrient-rich addition to your diet. Consuming this drink can offer myriad health benefits, ranging from improved immunity to increased energy levels.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that is both healthy and energizing due to its high content of beneficial bacteria and potent antioxidants. This is the perfect drink for you if you’re health-conscious, as it offers several health benefits. Kombucha can help increase your immunity, improve better digestion, and decrease inflammation. The drink might help you get through the day by giving you a surge of energy. As a result, kombucha has emerged as a popular option for those seeking a nutritious substitute for sugary beverages.
Ginger Beer
This one is my grandma’s favorite. Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic, carbonated drink that is produced by fermenting ginger root, sugar, and water together. It has a unique flavor that is both sweet and spicy at the same time, which makes this refreshing drink her number-one favorite.
Lassi/Chaas
You can also experiment with the tantalizingly tasty and refreshing fermented dairy drink, Lassi or Chaas, as an alternative to other beverages. To do this drink, blend yogurt or buttermilk with water and spices such as cumin and cardamom, producing a creamy texture that will be sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – or just a snack – a glass of Lassi/Chaas is perfect for everyone.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Fermented Beverages
Store-bought fermented beverages may be easily accessible, but they often come with added sugars and preservatives that can compromise the drink’s health benefits. On the other hand, homemade fermented beverages are generally healthier and contain fewer additives. By making your own fermented drinks, you can ensure that the ingredients are fresh and of high quality, resulting in a more nutritious and flavorful beverage.
Creating your own fermented beverages from scratch may be an enjoyable and satisfying hobby. Online, you can find an abundance of recipes to suit any dietary restriction or personal choice. You can choose a recipe that suits your palate and experiment with different flavors and ingredients, from sour and fizzy kefir to sweet and spicy kombucha.
Moreover, homemade fermented beverages can also be more cost-effective in the long run. Once you have mastered the process, you can make larger batches and store them for later use, saving you money on store-bought drinks. Additionally, fermenting your own drinks is an eco-friendly alternative to buying pre-packaged drinks that come in plastic containers, reducing your carbon footprint.
Fermented beverages like kefir, kvass, and others are not only delicious but also have numerous health benefits. They are a great source of probiotics, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can improve digestion, boost the immune system, and promote overall health. So why not try making your own fermented beverage today and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer?
