Chanchal’s Commentary
People have traditionally used fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut both to preserve food and support health. From lassi, a popular fermented dairy drink in India, to cultured butter and sourdough bread in Euorpe, to Asia’s kim chi, tamari and miso, naturally fermented foods are found in virtually every culture the world over.
Bulgarians, noted for their longevity, eat plenty of fermented milk kefir. And kombucha, a fermented tea-based probiotic beverage, is a much valued tonic in the caucausis mountains, a region noted for the longevity of it’s people.
Now, science is confirming that probiotics are an essential regulator of gut health and the immune system. Here is an interesting post by Dr. Mercola exploring the relationship between probiotics and disease prevention:
Probiotics Linked to Reduced Risk of Allergies, Psoriasis, Colitis, Periodontal Disease and More – Dr. Mercola
Dr. Mercola also looks at the relationship between probiotics, calorie restriction and longevity in the post below:
What Is the Role of Gut Bacteria in Calorie Restriction?