Cultured: How Ancient Foods Can Feed Our Microbiome

A revealing look at the 300 trillion microorganisms that keep us healthyand the foods they need to thrive These days, probiotic yogurt and other gut-friendly foods line supermarket shelves. But whats the best way to feed our all-important microbiomeand what is a microbiome, anyway? In this engaging and eye-opening book, science journalist Katherine Harmon Courage investigates these questions, presenting a deep dive into the ancient food traditions and the latest research for maintaining a healthy gut. Courages insights include: Meet your microbiome: What it is, how it works, and why its essential for our immune systemand overall health Gut-friendly food traditions: A guided tour of artisanal makers of yogurt, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, olives, cocoa, and other vibrant, ancient foods from around the world that feed our microbiome (along with simple recipes for curious at-home cooks) Cutting-edge science: A first-hand look at some of the top lab facilities where microbiologists are working to better understand the human gut and how to feed it for good health Equal parts science explainer, culinary investigation, and global roadmap for healthy eating, Cultured offers a wealth of information for anyone interested in making smart food choices in our not-so-gut-friendly modern world. PRAISE Deeply researched but conversational and even funny, Cultured is the guide we need to make sense of the hope and hype of microbiome science and what it means for our everyday lives. Maryn McKenna, author of Big Chicken, Superbug, and Beating Back the Devil This enthralling book sounds the clarion call to end the senseless onslaught of warfare waged against our microbial symbionts. It is time to embrace the world within us and feed the ferment that keeps us happy and healthy. Ken Albala, Professor of History University of the Pacific This book draws on ancient food traditions and the latest research on healthy gut maintenance to explain the role of the microbiome and how to adapt a diet to promote optimal microbiome balance. Meet the 300 trillion microorganisms that keep us healthy-and the traditional foods that nourish them. Probiotic yogurt and other gut-friendly foods line supermarket shelves. But what's the best way to feed our all-important microbiome-and what exactly is a microbiome, anyway? Science journalist Katherine Harmon Courage investigates these questions, presenting a deep dive into the ancient and artisanal foods that feed a healthy gut, as well as the cutting-edge science that's catching up to these time-honored traditions The science journalist draws on ancient food traditions and the latest research on healthy gut maintenance to explain the role of the microbiome and how to adapt a diet to promote optimal microbiome balance