The word sauerkraut may sound foreign if you’re hearing it for the first time. But the truth is that it is a popular dish with its origins lying in Central Europe. Although the term originates from Germany with a literal translation to “sour cabbage,” it was not discovered in the country.
People all over the world ingest sauerkraut in different forms using different recipes. However, it might be standard for an observer to wonder about the popularity of this food. If you’re wondering about the health benefits of sauerkraut, too, read on to find out!
Sauerkrauts – Different from Traditional Cabbage?
The name sauerkraut may invite numerous queries since it does not clarify anything about the food item. In simple terms, sauerkraut is a naturally fermented form of raw cabbage to help it stay fresh for extended periods. The preservation occurs because fermentation prevents bacteria from occupying the surface of the cabbage.
As the name suggests, sauerkraut is sour due to the deposition of lactic acid on its surface after fermentation. It is widely used as a garnish with meats and finds a place in salads and sandwiches.
Contrary to popular belief, fermentation does not alter the properties of cabbage. The health benefits of fermented raw cabbage may resemble traditional cabbage. Let’s understand these benefits in detail.
What the Fuss is About – Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
For starters, fermenting cabbages allows them to have a longer shelf life, preventing the need to be worried about consuming them quickly. Apart from that, sauerkrauts also offer multiple health benefits, such as:
Digestion Aid
Fiber is your best friend in handling all digestive issues. Sauerkrauts maintain this friendship, constituting 2 grams of fiber. Not only does this help with loose stools and relieve constipated individuals, but it also absorbs excess water if you’re suffering from diarrhea. Sauerkrauts also consists of probiotics that assist in ensuring gut health and play a vital role in aiding digestion.
Source of Surplus Nutrients
Sauerkraut is a source of multiple nutrients, eliminating the need to consume different foods for your daily requirements. For example, one cup of sauerkraut consists of calories, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, sodium, vitamin C, vitamin K1, vitamin B6, iron, and manganese, among others. The nutrients are present due to fermentation, which promotes the growth of beneficial probiotics.
Integral Role in Reducing Stress
Recent research has more or less confirmed that gut microbes are associated with gastrointestinal and extragastrointestinal diseases. Due to this, your gut must be populated with microbes that promote a healthy gut. Ingesting fermented products like sauerkraut helps solve this since these products may help reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle.
With so many health benefits in one place, sauerkraut offers the perfect balance of health and taste. Although dubbed ‘raw cabbage,’ you can mix it with various recipes to improve the taste and take advantage of the health benefits of sauerkraut.
Not only does sauerkraut promote overall health by keeping the immune system healthy, but it also has a longer shelf life than most vegetables. So, you can prepare it according to your cravings without feeling a necessity to ingest it before it expires, like other vegetables!
