Cultured: How Ancient Foods Can Feed Our Microbiome

Name: Cultured: How Ancient Foods Can Feed Our Microbiome
SKU: 58293
Availability: InStock

4.7 | 61 ratings

Price: 13.78

Last update: 05-27-2024

About this item

A revealing look at the 300 trillion microorganisms that keep us healthy - and the foods they need to thrive

These days, probiotic yogurt and other "gut-friendly" foods line supermarket shelves. But what's the best way to feed our all-important microbiome - and 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. Topics include:

Meet your microbiome: What it is, how it works, and why it's essential for our immune system - and 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.

Includes a bonus PDF of recipes.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Customer

I'd give it a 10 if I could.

Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2019

Increasingly, we are as humans beginning to wake up and take more control over our bodies. Recently our family converted to doctors who practice "Integrative Medicine." Drugs are a last resort, and vitamins and supplements, an increasing number of specialty teas, are suggested alternatives. They work well!
Our gut Biome is being investigated in ever more detail as to its possible healing, and hurtful impacts on overall health. Digestive health has changed our lives for the better, and we get more calories from less food because our "second stomach" (AKA the large intestine) that exists to devour whatever the stomach cannot and to absorb what the liver filters out and send its way out eventually disposing of those toxins. That's "PRE" biotics, NOT "Probiotics."
This book is your guide to better overall health, not as a singular "thing" but as an integrated part of understanding your digestive system's overlooked and under worked large intestine, and how to re-invigerate it. Hard to read at first as some technical books are, but the last few chapters will blow your mind and convince your skepticism to stand down. Cannot say how much this book has changed our lives for the better. IBD, yes included and why most importantly along with suggested solutions. Crohn's, yup, but "permanent re-population is possible."

Gloria Anderson

E dry American needs to read this.

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021

This book takes complicated issues about food and the micro biome and makes them accessible. It is an encouraging read because there are simple steps Americans cand take to protect their Heath via dietary choices. It is clear that Americans eat way too much processed food, to our detriment, while ignoring ancient foods supplying health promoting microbes. I re-read sections of this book often. Highly recommend.

Sterling Wright

Great book for those interested in the microbiome!

Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2020

I am an ancient DNA researcher and so always interested in reading about the microbiome. Harmon does an excellent job in this book. She writes clearly and accessible. I could tell that she had done her research. Her book forced me to rethink what it means to be eating healthy. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the microbiome.

Sfeks

Great read, but complete lack of references.

Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2019

Great topic and easy, interesting read. I love fermenting and enjoyed learning more about the diversity of fermenting traditions around the world. I would definitely recommend to others.
BUT! How can you have done so much research and include quotes etc. and not include references!!!? This makes it impossible to know what her sources are and dive into the details if you are interested. She mentions a lot of "studies" but denies the reader the opportunity to undertake their own exploration of the data/source material. If this is ever republished in 2nd edition, this needs to be rectified!

L. A. Cathey

Worth every penny

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2019

Very informative and interesting. Written to keep your interest and give information about fermenting.

christopher idzik

Informative

Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2019

Well writen, enjoyed reading

Amazon Customer

Glad I read this book

Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2019

Very informative.

Bob B

GREAT IDEA! Travel the world and write a book about poop. Brilliant!

Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2019

Now that I have your attention, the author, Ms. Courage, did a really nice job explaining the highly complex relationship, between what we see in the mirror and the plethora of "bacterial buddies" that we harbor that are largely responsible for our well being. While NOT a lofty scientific treatise with innumerable references, I get the impression she clearly knows of what she speaks. The beauty is her style keeps it interesting and at times amusing with fun filled facts that point to some pretty powerful emerging science.

Filled with hands on DIY recipes that take the mystery out of things like kimchi and other fermented foods including, veggies, meats, fish, etc. The buzz words like "Microbiota" and Microbiome" are now showing up in marketing ads for stuff on TV. Don't be fooled...read the book. It's no nonsense approach to anti-microbial this and that, gives one pause. This book will make you think..."am I better off feeding my taste buds or the 3 trillion "buddies" we provide a home for everyday whose main job is to keep us healthy? BTW you can do both...taste AND buddy healthy, with modest dietary modifications. Ms. Courage gets it and provides info for the reader to get it too, without making outlandish health claims like so many "health fad" books are prone to do. (my opinion)

A good read but, then again, I like green hot dogs. (It's a joke I hope the author appreciates)

Keep reading, keep learning, keep healthy.

Best Sellers in

How to Be a Patient: The Essential Guide to Navigating the World of Modern Medicine

4.3 42

22.04

The Morning Mind: Use Your Brain to Master Your Day and Supercharge Your Life

4.2 172

17.32

Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

4.8 3606

15.74

Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life

4.5 2596

19.1

Stop People Pleasing: And Find Your Power

4.8 21

17.71

Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child

4.7 25

17.72

Letting Go of Overthinking in Relationships and Relationships Anxiety Workbook: Rewire Your Anxious Brain to Fix an Unhealthy

4.7 101

17.46

The Purest Bond: Understanding the Human-Canine Connection

4.7 99

13.12