The sauerkraut, originally known as Sauerkraut, is a preparation of culinary-it is made by the fermentation of the fresh leaves of the savoy cabbage, or kale.
The fermentation process takes place when the bacteria and yeasts present in a natural at the job, they come into contact with the sugars released by the pulses, producing lactic acid. It is about growth and development of probiotics and the same type of micro-organisms that are found in foods such as yogurt or kefir.
By fermentation, and is rich in probiotics, the sauerkraut can have a number of health benefits, improving the digestion and the absorption of nutrients and strengthen the immune system, and promote a general improvement in health status.
Health benefits
This is due to the fermentation process of this vegetable, which comes of the acid taste and the odor that is characteristic of the sauerkraut. In addition, the fermentation process also which nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are more bioavailable when compared to the raw form.
The main benefits of sauerkraut to your health, they appear to be:
1. Promotes gastrointestinal health
To be a food, fermentation, sauerkraut have probiotics, which are bacteria that live in the intestine and improves the overall health of the gut.
Thus, the consumption of this food helps to increase the absorption of important nutrients such as B vitamins, calcium, and iron. In addition to this, it seems to help to improve the digestion of the food, the fighting, the acidity of the stomach, regulate your intestinal tract, and to assist in the digestion of lactose, especially in those with an intolerance.
For all these reasons, sauerkraut can also be used for preventing inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, for example.
2. To help you lose weight
The sauerkraut can be used in the diet for weight loss because it is a bit rich in calories and has a high content of fiber, which is that there is a greater feeling of fullness, thereby reducing the intake of other foods are the most calorific.
In addition to this, some studies have indicated that the use of probiotics, such as those contained in the sauerkraut, can help to reduce the absorption of fat at the level of the bowel, promoting weight loss.
3. Reduces stress and anxiety
Some studies have shown that the brain and the gut are connected, so by eating fermented foods rich in probiotics can maintain a healthy intestinal flora, while ensuring the health of the brain and reducing the risk for stress and other psychological problems.
In addition to this, there are also studies that show that probiotics can help you improve your memory, and reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and autism.
4. It strengthens the immune system
To keep the gut healthy, probiotics, from sauerkraut, will also help to prevent the toxic substances can easily enter the body through the intestines, thereby preventing infection, and the immune responses that are required.
In addition, probiotics also seem to interact with the immune system, providing a signal that promotes the maturation stage of the cells of the body’s defense. The sauerkraut is also rich in vitamin C and iron, which are important nutrients to keep the immune system healthy.
5. Helps prevent cancer
The sauerkraut is a food that is rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and protector of the cells in the body. Thus, there is a greater resistance to damage caused by free radicals, which are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
The sauerkraut is a good source of glucosinolates, which are substances that protect the body against infection and has anti-cancer action proven to be true.
6. It promotes the health of the heart
To be a source of fiber and probiotics, and the sauerkraut help to reduce the levels of cholesterol, preventing their absorption at the level of the bowel. It also has a high level of menaquinona, also known as vitamin K2, which, according to some studies, it seems to reduce the risk of heart failure, to prevent the buildup of calcium in the arteries.
The nutritional information for the Sauerkraut
In the beautiful next to the nutrition facts of 100 grams of sauerkraut:
To get the benefits of sauerkraut is advised not to consume the raw material, and it can add up to 1 tablespoon, about 10 grams of sauerkraut in a salad or in a sandwich, for example.
How to make Sauerkraut
The sauerkraut is the result of a method of preservation on the job, what it is used for a number of years in some european countries, such as Germany. To prepare the sauerkraut at home, you must follow the pattern:
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage, mature;
- 1 tbsp (tablespoon) of salt is not iodized, for each kg of cabbage;
- 1 vial, glass air-tight;
- 2 carrots, grated (optional).
Preparation:
Put the potatoes in the container. Remove some of the outer leaves, cut the cabbage into 4 pieces, and then into thin strips. Place the strips of cabbage in a large bowl, add the salt, and mix thoroughly with your hands. Let it stand for at least 1 hour, and after that, stir it again in the cabbage to release the water.
In the end, you put the cabbage into the jar from glass to air-tight, and pressure to be compressed. To add to the water that has been released to fill up the entire bottle. Store the sauerkraut in a dry and dark place for up to 4 weeks, without opening it. After that, the sauerkraut is ready and can be stored in the refrigerator.
Side effects and contraindications
While the sauerkraut is a food with many benefits, they were found to have high levels of histamine in some of the preparations of this product. If this is the case, it is possible that arise from an allergic reaction, especially in people who are more sensitive.
The people who are taking anti-depressants-type HUMIDITY do not eat sauerkraut, because, depending on the time of conservation of the sauerkraut may contain high levels of tyramine, which interact with this medication. So, the idea is that, in such cases, always check with your doctor before you drink it.
