A staple method in food preservation for ages, pickling not only keeps food edible for long periods of time, but it also infuses it with healthy bacterial flora—which plays a crucial role in our digestion. With excessive antibiotic use widespread in Western medicine and commonplace in conventionally raised livestock animals, many Americans suffer from imbalances in digestive flora, which can lead to major health problems.
Fermented foods make up as much as 40 percent of some diets around the world. The probiotic cultures actually make foods more digestible as they help to break down tough proteins like meat. And, having a healthy balance of intestinal flora can prevent and even reverse digestive issues.
