5 Traditional Foods That Everyone Should Be Eating

By Carolanne Wright (Natural News)

Oftentimes, the simplest solution to avoiding health problems can be found in the past - namely, time-honored foods that are rooted in tradition and wisdom. Long-established cultures, through observation and a close connection with the land and its people, developed exceptionally nourishing food staples. A modern revival of these most basic, yet remarkable, foods is on the upswing - with the following five edibles leading the way.

5 Traditional Foods For Outstanding Vitality

1. Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Scandinavian vikings had drums of cod livers fermenting by the doors of their homes. Likewise, Roman soldiers used cod liver oil daily. Historically, the oil was used to keep populations strong and disease-free. Unknown at the time, fermented cod liver oil contained substantial levels of naturally occurring vitamins A and D. Unfortunately, modern processing strips these valuable nutrients, which then requires "enriching" the final oil with synthetic vitamins. Low temperature fermentation of cod liver bypasses this issue and retains all the healthy perks of the natural oil, including heightened immunity and protection against Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Inflammation, Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

2. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut combines the health benefits offered by all cruciferous vegetables (a category which includes cauliflowers and brussel sprouts as well as cabbage) with the probiotic advantages derived from the fermentation process.

Cabbage offers a host of health benefits. It is high in vitamins A and C. Studies have shown the cruciferous vegetables can help lower cholesterol levels. Cabbage also provides a rich source of phytonutrient antioxidants. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and some studies indicate it may help combat some cancers. However, this already helpful vegetable becomes a superfood when it is pickled.

In periods and cultures when natural healing methods fell into disuse, people consumed fewer fermented foods and were subject to more illness. Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) killed many British sailors during the 1700s, especially on longer voyages. In the late 1770s, Captain James Cook circumnavigated the world without losing a single sailor to scurvy, thanks to the foods his ship carried, including sixty barrels of sauerkraut.

Mainstream health experts began to pay renewed attention to sauerkraut after a study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2002. Finnish researchers reported that in laboratory studies,a substance produced by fermented cabbage, isothiocyanates, helped prevent the growth of cancer.

3. Bone Broth

The age-old custom of eating chicken soup for curing a cold isn't simply a wives' tale; traditional cultures sensed the healing wisdom behind the practice. Brimming with essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, along with collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, slow-simmered bone broth is an important addition to a healthful diet. It alleviates inflammation, heals a leaky gut and fortifies against bacterial and viral infections.
Bone broth also strengthens the teeth, joints, bones, skin and hair.
Just be sure to use only pastured, grass-fed animals, or wild game, to avoid toxins.

4. Beet Kvass

A deeply cleansing brew, with an exceptional antioxidant profile, beet kvass may not be well-known, but it's certainly a potent tonic for health. Kvass is said to soothe systemic inflammation (which effectively reduces the risk of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease), boost immunity and enhance digestion.

5. Kefir

Long-used in the Caucasus Mountain region of Eastern Europe, kefir employs between 10 and 20 varieties of bacteria and yeast during culturing, thereby creating a richer probiotic profile than yogurt, which only utilizes a few strains. Moreover, kefir supplies generous amounts of calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins and protein.

It's also a significant source of tryptophan (think relaxation and sound sleep) as well as kefiran, which has been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure in test animals. Learn how to make your own kefir here.