Fermented foods have remarkable effects in preventing tumors
Fermented foods have remarkable effects in preventing tumors
Fermented foods are delicately crafted by humans using beneficial microorganisms, offering unique flavors and enriching our diet. Examples include yogurt, cheese, rice wine, pickled vegetables, soy sauce, vinegar, bean paste, fermented tofu, yellow wine, beer, wine, and even stinky tofu and stinky winter melon—all long cherished and beloved foods.
Plant cells have cell walls that make some internal components difficult for the human body to digest. During fermentation, microorganisms secrete enzymes that break down cell walls, enhancing nutrient absorption. Microbes can also synthesize certain B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, which neither animals nor plants can produce—only microbes can “manufacture” it. Thus, fermented foods are rich in vitamin B12, which also helps prevent dementia.
Fermented foods generally have low fat content. During fermentation, carbohydrates are consumed for energy, resulting in a lower caloric value—making them ideal low-calorie options for people aiming to control calorie intake and lose weight.
During fermentation, microbes preserve active components from original foods, such as polysaccharides, dietary fiber, bioflavonoids, and other substances beneficial to health. They also break down harmful factors like oligosaccharides, flatulence-inducing compounds, and beany odors in legumes. Many microbial metabolites regulate biological functions in the body, inhibit the formation of harmful substances, and recent research indicates that many fermented foods exhibit unique preventive effects against tumor development.
Fermented foods consumed without heating contain beneficial microbes known as probiotics, which help maintain microbial balance in the gut, improve gastrointestinal function. Many probiotic-based health supplements are made based on this principle.
Unassuming microbes have contributed diverse flavorful fermented foods, bringing us culinary enjoyment while promoting health and longevity.