Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage with major health benefits. It’s thought to have originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. Back then, fermentation was one of the methods used to keep foods from spoiling quickly (1Trusted Source). Sauerkraut survived the test of time to become a popular side dish and condiment in many cultures. It’s especially appreciated in Germany, where its name comes from. Due to the fermentation it undergoes, sauerkraut offers nutrition and health benefits far beyond those of fresh cabbage, as previously noted. Here Joanne Washburn, Food.news, reflects on tangy and fermented health benefits of sauerkraut:

“Eating foods that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut is one of the keys to good health. Doing so can also help support healthy energy levels, optimal immune function and a positive mood. If you’re wondering which foods are capable of providing these benefits, try fermented foods like sauerkraut.

Sauerkraut is essentially fermented cabbage. It is commonly served as a side dish or used as a condiment when eating hot dogs and sausages. The process of making sauerkraut is similar to the process of making other fermented foods, such as miso and pickles. The cabbage is not exposed to heat, which would otherwise kill the bacteria that make fermentation possible.

Pickled or fermented foods like sauerkraut were extremely valuable before refrigerators were invented because they can stay fresh for months. Today, sauerkraut is hailed as a superfood for its many beneficial properties and nutrients, which are behind its impressive health benefits.

Here’s what sauerkraut can do for you:

1. Provides nutrients

Sauerkraut is extremely nutritious. One cup of this fermented superfood contains the following:

• Fiber – 4 grams (g)
• Protein – 1 g
• Vitamin C – 23 percent of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin K – 15 percent of the DV
• Iron – 12 percent of the DV
• Manganese – 9 percent of the DV
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – 11 percent of the DV
• Vitamin B9 (Folate) – 9 percent of the DV
• Copper – 15 percent of the DV
• Potassium – 5 percent of the DV

Because it undergoes fermentation, sauerkraut is a great source of beneficial microbes called probiotics. During fermentation, microorganisms that are naturally present in the cabbage digest natural sugars and convert them into carbon dioxide and organic acids. This favors the growth and proliferation of probiotics.

2. Supports healthy digestion

Sauerkraut is good for your gut. In fact, this is one of the big reasons why healthy eaters are so into this dish. Sauerkraut is rich in probiotics, which have long been associated with good gut health. A small pilot study found that sauerkraut can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Probiotics are said to support gut health by making foods more digestible. This improves your gut’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the foods you eat.”

Read More … Article Source: https://www.food.news/2021-10-16-8-health-benefits-of-sauerkraut-recipes-included.html

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