TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Professor of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at IPB University, Antonius Suwanto, stated that fermented foods hold significant benefits that can promote health. The preservation process to produce foods such as tempeh, yogurt, and kimchi can enhance nutritional quality and strengthen the immune system.
"Consuming fermented foods is an easy way to expose the immune system to antigens. Antigens from these microorganisms help the immune system recognize threats and form antibodies," said Antonius in a written statement on Monday, November 17, 2025.
He explained that fermentation is a natural process where microorganisms convert carbohydrates into alcohol, organic acids, and gas. In the context of food, fermentation not only makes food more durable, but also alters certain tastes, aromas, and textures that are favored by many people.
The main benefits of fermented foods come from the microorganisms within them. When consumed, these microorganisms help strengthen the immune system. "White blood cells are our main defense system, but they need to be stimulated to become active. One way is by providing harmless bacteria through fermented foods," Antonius explained.
Regarding consumption, he assured that fermented foods remain good when eaten raw or cooked. In a study, Antonius and the team from IPB compared raw and steamed tempeh in terms of antibody formation. The results showed that antibody formation in steamed tempeh was slightly lower than in raw tempeh, but the difference was not significant.
However, the fermentation process still needs to be carefully considered to avoid damaging the microorganism structure. "If it's made into chips, maybe the bacteria are already ruined, so the quality is lower compared to fried tempeh or sweetened tempeh," said Antonius.
Antonius further emphasized that fermented foods deserve to be an essential part of a healthy and natural modern diet. Apart from preserving local wisdom, consuming fermented foods is also a simple step to maintain body immunity. "Make fermented foods an integral part of a healthy lifestyle," he said.
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