why should you include sauerkraut in your diet?

We, Nigerian, love pickle to such an extent that no meal is complete without them. Similar to pickles, a German staple called sauerkraut is one delicious side dish, one must try at least once in their lifetime. However, pickles have some harmful effects on your health, sauerkraut is packed with goodness!

Made from cabbage, sauerkraut is sour in taste and is a simple fermented dish. Cabbage is shredded, rubbed with salt and left to ferment. The fermentation is carried out by various lactic acid bacteria and is a natural process as these bacteria thrive on cabbage leaves. Sauerkraut can be stored for up to six months without the need of refrigeration, similar to pickles and Korean kimchi that has various health benefits including cancer fighting properties So why should you include sauerkraut in your diet?

1. Rich in nutrients: Sauerkraut is low incholesterol and rich in various vitamins like vitamin C, B6, K and folate. It is high in fibre and a rich source of calcium, iron, potassium and manganese, most of which is attributed to cabbage.
2. Improves digestion: Sauerkraut is a fermented product, which increases its content of essential micro organisms which are good for your stomach and help in digestion. It is also known to  improve bowel movement. Along with sauerkraut there are 9 other home remedies that improve digestion.
3. Helps in healing peptic ulcers: A study conducted on 13 patients revealed that cabbage juice has the ability to soothe digestive tract and hence treat peptic ulcers1. This property is attributed to the dietary factor present in cabbage.
4. Has anti-cancer activity: Sauerkraut juices are known to suppress the expression of an enzyme that promotes breast cancer. Hence, regular usage of sauerkraut can be beneficial to preventbreast cancer2. Sauerkraut juices are also known to suppress the genes which activate certain carcinogens and hence, can prevent cancer formation or tumour growth.3
5. Helps to maintain the acid-base balance of the body: The process of fermentation makes sauerkraut acidic, making it maintain the acidic conditions of the stomach.

Want to make your own sauerkraut?

All you need is a cabbage and some salt. Watch this video to make your own sauerkraut at home!

Image source: Gardener Scott/youtube.com

Video source:  Gardener Scott/youtube.com.