Tag

Fermentation

All articles tagged with #fermentation

Daily Kimchi Powder May Fine-Tune Immunity, Study Finds
health1 month ago

Daily Kimchi Powder May Fine-Tune Immunity, Study Finds

A 12-week trial led by Dr. Wooje Lee at the World Institute of Kimchi found that daily kimchi powder can subtly tune the immune system, boosting antigen presentation and regulated CD4+ T-cell activation without causing broad immune stimulation. Effects were observed in overweight adults using single-cell RNA sequencing, with fermentation method (traditional vs. starter-culture Leuconostoc mesenteroides) influencing strength of signals. B cells and cytotoxic T cells were largely unchanged, and illness outcomes were not measured. Further international research is planned.

Sourdough’s Fiber Makeover: Fermentation Trims Wheat Arabinoxylans and Refreshes Flavor
science1 month ago

Sourdough’s Fiber Makeover: Fermentation Trims Wheat Arabinoxylans and Refreshes Flavor

Researchers from Vrije Universiteit Brussel show that sourdough fermentation activates wheat enzymes to convert water-extractable arabinoxylans into water-unextractable forms, shrinking fibers and potentially altering bread texture and digestibility. The process also yields distinct flavor compounds from lactic acid bacteria, with Lactococcus lactis contributing buttery aromas and Limosilactobacillus fermentum producing sugar alcohols. Experiments with high-AX flour baked into real bread demonstrated improved nutrition and novel flavors, indicating sourdough reshapes wheat fibers more than previously thought.

Fermentation Enthusiast's Delight: Crafting Creamy Ant Yoghurt
food-science4 months ago

Fermentation Enthusiast's Delight: Crafting Creamy Ant Yoghurt

Researchers explore the traditional and scientific aspects of making ant yoghurt, a fermented treat from Bulgaria and Turkey, revealing that ants contribute microbes and formic acid to ferment milk into yoghurt. While promising for food innovation, ethical and sustainability concerns prevent DIY attempts, but the research opens possibilities for novel flavors and plant-based alternatives.

Stevia and Sugar Substitutes Show Promise in Cancer Treatment
health7 months ago

Stevia and Sugar Substitutes Show Promise in Cancer Treatment

Research in Japan suggests that fermented stevia, a natural sweetener, may have potent anti-cancer properties, particularly against pancreatic cancer, by producing a compound called CAME through fermentation, which kills cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. However, these findings are preliminary and based on lab studies, requiring further research to confirm potential therapeutic uses.

Stevia's Potential as a Safe and Effective Cancer Fighter
health-and-science7 months ago

Stevia's Potential as a Safe and Effective Cancer Fighter

Researchers found that fermenting stevia with a bacterium from banana leaves enhances its ability to target pancreatic cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, potentially due to the formation of a more active compound called CAME, which induces cancer cell death and alters gene activity, offering a promising natural approach for cancer treatment.

Stevia: A Natural Sweetener with Potential to Fight Pancreatic Cancer
health7 months ago

Stevia: A Natural Sweetener with Potential to Fight Pancreatic Cancer

Scientists have found that fermenting stevia leaf extract with a specific bacterial strain enhances its ability to selectively kill pancreatic cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, thanks to a compound called chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME). This discovery suggests potential for natural, probiotic-based cancer therapies, with further research needed in animal models and human trials.

Ancient 10,000-Year-Old Rice Beer Unveiled in China
archaeology1 year ago

Ancient 10,000-Year-Old Rice Beer Unveiled in China

Researchers have discovered evidence of a 10,000-year-old beer brewing tradition in China's Lower Yangzi River valley, suggesting that ancient societies may have cultivated rice not only for food but also for brewing. The study, involving Stanford University and Chinese institutions, analyzed pottery vessels from the Shangshan site, revealing a sophisticated brewing process using rice, grains, acorns, and lily bulbs with a fermentation starter called "qu." This finding highlights the cultural significance of alcohol in early Chinese civilization and its potential role in the development of agriculture.

Study Reveals Animals Regularly Consume Alcohol in Nature
science-and-nature1 year ago

Study Reveals Animals Regularly Consume Alcohol in Nature

A study published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution reveals that many animals, including vultures, bears, and monkeys, consume alcohol in their natural environments, often from fermented fruits. Researchers propose four theories for this behavior: incidental consumption, nutritional benefits, medicinal properties, and the pleasurable effects of alcohol. The study highlights that animals, like humans, may seek out ethanol for its intoxicating effects, which could enhance social behaviors and survival.

Advancements in Fecal Transplants Enhance Safety and Efficacy for GI Disorders
health1 year ago

Advancements in Fecal Transplants Enhance Safety and Efficacy for GI Disorders

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to improve fecal transplants by cultivating beneficial bacteriophages from feces through fermentation. This technique aims to create a standardized, bacteria-free treatment that could be used for a wider range of gastrointestinal disorders and potentially other health issues. Initial studies in mice have shown promising results, particularly in treating infections with Clostridioides difficile, suggesting the potential for broader medical applications.