Many traditional cultures swear by the health benefits of fermented foods – foods that have been transformed by live microorganisms, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, soy sauce, kimchi, and sourdough bread.  These foods can be a good source of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient you can’t get from plants.  (B12 is produced by animals and bacteria) Many fermented foods also contain probiotics – beneficial bacteria that research suggest improve the function of the digestive

and immune systems and, according to some studies, help reduce allergic reactions and inflammation.