_REJUVELAC

Rejuvelac, a fermented beverage made from sprouted and soaked grains, was essential to the program outlined in the book. Rejuvelac is a probiotic, which means it's excellent for digestion, and helps to restore beneficial bacteria.

Benefits of rejuvelac:

Promotes beneficial bacteria in the intestines

A vegetarian/vegan source of B12

Fights bad intestinal bacteria

Aids in reducing inflammation

Improves skin health

Corrects digestive dysfunction

Aids in producing and absorbing vitamins, enzymes and oxygen

Is Rejuvelac a probiotic?

Well, rejuvelac is a probiotic, so, to put it simply, it aids in digestion. ... And if you eat a lot of cooked food, which destroys enzymes needed for digestion, consumingrejuvelac will help. But, this fermented drink isn't only good for your gut.

Because it's fermented, Rejuvelac is a rich source of lactobacillus acidophilus, a beneficial bacteria found in miso, yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and other fermented foods. Probiotics like acidophilus populate your intestines and other areas like your mouth and crowd out harmful pathogens that cause problems like inflammation. They balance the ratio of good to bad bacteria to keep your intestines healthy, which may improve digestive conditions like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

Vitamins and Minerals

The traditional Rejuvelac recipe made from wheat berries is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, writes Deirdre Rawlings in her book "Fermented Foods for Health." Namely, this beverage is rich in the vitamins E, K, C, B-1, B-3; the minerals magnesium, potassium and manganese; and amino acids. However, it's not clear how much of each nutrient you'll get per serving.

Nutritional Profile of Rejuvelac

Rejuvelac contains all the nutritional content of the grain it is made from, plus any natural additives to augment its flavor, such as beet juice, lemon or honey. As such, nutrients can vary, but in general, Rejuvelac is rich in protein, carbohydrates, phosphates, digestive enzymes, lactobacillus and aspergillis, which are friendly bacteria essential for a healthy gastrointestinal tract, according to “Contemporary Nutrition.” In terms of vitamins, Rejuvelac typically contains the entire B complex as well as vitamins C, E and K.

The B Complex

The B complex consists of eight vitamins that are all involved in the metabolism of food into usable forms of energy, especially B 6 and B 12. Vitamin B 12 is also involved in red blood cell production and cellular division and growth, much like folic acid. Many B vitamins play roles in brain chemistry, regulating certain neurotransmitters and hormones related to cognition, mood and memory, according to “Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health.” Deficiencies in B vitamins often lead to a lack of energy, digestive problems and reduced brain function.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates harmful free-radicals that contribute to tissue deterioration and aging. Vitamin C is also needed to repair and maintain collagen, the material in skin, cartilage and other connective tissue. Further, vitamin C stimulates certain cells and compounds that aid immune system function.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E represents a collection of eight fat-soluble substances that are divided into four tocopherol types and four tocotrienol types. Most forms of vitamin E are very strong antioxidants, especially for the cardiovascular system. Vitamin E helps to modulate the immune system and reduces the clumping ability of blood platelet cells, which “thins” the blood and reduces the risk of clogged arteries.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K also affects the blood, but in opposition to what vitamin E does. Specifically, vitamin K promotes the aggregation of blood platelet cells at injury sites, which triggers the coagulation cascade and promotes wound healing.

Rejuvelac is a fermented beverage, refreshing to drink and FULL of wonderful nutrients for your body. A healthy probiotic, it also has vitamins B, K and E, proteins, and enzymes. It is beneficial to your digestive system, promoting a healthy intestinal environment.