4 Benefits Of Eating Sauerkraut More Often

Sauerkraut is delicious, but if you're like most people, it's something you enjoy on occasion, not as a part of your regular diet. It might be time to change that. Sauerkraut is not one of those foods or condiments that you need to feel guilty about enjoying too often. In fact, this fermented cabbage dish has a lot of health benefits that you can start to experience once you incorporate more of it into your diet.

Improved Digestion

Did you know that your digestive tract is actually filled with bacteria? These are not bad bacteria; they are beneficial ones known as probiotics. They help your body digest certain components of food and absorb various nutrients. Many people have depleted levels of probiotics due to factors like stress and antibiotic use. Sauerkraut is a good, natural source of probiotic bacteria and can help rebuild the population of probiotics in your intestines. Over time, this can lead to improved digestion. You may have fewer issues with diarrhea, constipation, and general upset stomach.

Better Immunity

The probiotic bacteria in your gut are also meant to help with your immunity. Some of them fight off pathogenic bacteria so your own immune system does not have to. Eating sauerkraut on a regular basis may help keep you from becoming sick so often simply because it reduces the burden on your immune system. 

More Stable Moods

Probiotic bacteria also help your digestive tract absorb the minerals magnesium and zinc, which are known to have an impact on your mood and mental health. If you don't have enough probiotic bacteria in your gut, you can take endless supplements, but you may not get the full effect of them. Eating sauerkraut on a regular basis will help build your probiotic levels so you can absorb these minerals and enjoy improved mental health as a result.

A Healthier Heart

Sauerkraut is a good source of vitamin K, a nutrient that is good for your heart and helps prevent the formation of calcium deposits in the arteries. It is also a good source of fiber, which helps moderate your cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease.

There are many health benefits of sauerkraut. As such, it deserves to be more than the condiment that you occasionally add to a hot dog or sausage. Find ways to include it in your diet at least a couple of times per week, and you'll enjoy plenty of health benefits as a result.

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