Beet Salad with Miso Dressing

I’ve been trying to add more fermented foods into my meals lately.  Fermented foods are an excellent source of probiotics and a natural way to include them in your diet.  Some fermented foods include homemade sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, raw apple cider vinegar and plain yogurt.

Fermented foods also contain raw enzymes which give us extra energy.  These foods are easily digested in our body as well.  Often, if someone is lactose intolerant, they are able to digest yogurt due to its fermentation.  Yogurt contains the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose so the body doesn’t have to.

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria inside our bodies that support digestion, absorption and elimination.  They are also referred to as intestinal flora.  If we don’t have enough healthy bacteria in our bodies, then our digestive, immune and intestinal systems begin to suffer.

The more we consume probiotics as part of our daily diet, the more that our digestion will be strengthened and our nutrient levels will increase.  These probiotics also act as natural antibiotics and anti-inflammatories as well.  Salad dressings are a great way to add in our fermented ingredients.  This salad dressing contains miso and raw apple cider vinegar, which both help to enhance our digestion and absorption.

The bacteria in these foods break down sugars and carbohydrates, making them more digestible and nutritious for us.  When we ingest these microorganisms, they help to control the harmful bacteria in our intestines and initiate many beneficial consequences.  Immediately, the enzyme content goes up dramatically once foods are fermented.  The healing properties of these foods can help to treat or prevent an array of ailments that are the root cause of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The salad itself is very simple – just a few ingredients.  I usually tend to have a simple dressing with many ingredients or vice versa.  Too many flavours can overpower the dish and we miss out on the simplicity of the food.

Beet Salad
1 raw beet, sliced in cirlces
2 cups mixed greens
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Handful of sprouts

Miso Mint Dressing
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp flaxseed oil
2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
2 tsp fresh mint
2 tsp tamari (or organic soy sauce)
2 tsp miso

Add as much dressing as desired and toss with the mixed greens.  Arrange the sliced beets on the plate and add the salad.  Top with sesame seeds and sprouts.

Enjoy!