Sauerkraut is a favorite snack for many people. From time immemorial to the present, zealous housewives, starting in late autumn, continue to prepare it, having in their arsenal a huge number of recipes, secrets and tricks. Let's figure out what exactly the benefits and harms of sauerkraut are.

The ripening of cabbage itself occurs due to the fermentation of lactic acid bacteria, a similar process is called lactofermentation. The remarkable beneficial properties of sauerkraut are its positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and assistance in general cleansing of the body.

It is considered a paradox that sauerkraut is much healthier for humans than fresh cabbage. The fermentation process enriches fresh cabbage with new useful substances and vitamins that are absolutely necessary for normal life. After all, 100 grams of sauerkraut eaten daily contain the necessary amount of vitamin C, which significantly increases human immunity. Absolutely all the beneficial qualities of sauerkraut are preserved for ten months from the date of preparation of this incredibly tasty and healthy product.

Compound

The main beneficial substance is vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This vitamin is a natural antioxidant. After proper fermentation, vitamin C is retained in cabbage for a long time. Since no heat treatment is required when sauerkraut is sauerkraut, vitamin C is completely preserved.
In addition, this food product, beloved by many, contains especially valuable B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, B9), vitamin K, vitamin U (methylmethianine), and a large amount of minerals: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium , iron, zinc, silicon, selenium, iodine. During the fermentation process, cabbage is enriched with lactic and acetic organic acids.

Benefit

1. Anti-cancer drug. Research has shown that this simple, familiar food prevents cancer cells from dividing. The substances contained in sauerkraut have a particularly intense effect on malignant tumors of the intestines, mammary glands, and lungs.

3. Disease of the heart and blood vessels. Cabbage juice normalizes cholesterol levels, helps with vascular atherosclerosis, and as a result improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

4. Strengthens the nervous system. B vitamins support the functioning of the nervous system, increase resistance to stress, and the aforementioned vitamin U helps fight depression.

5. Strengthens the immune system and has general strengthening properties. The beneficial properties of sauerkraut include the fact that it is an excellent preventative against seasonal diseases such as flu, colds, etc., thanks to the antioxidants present in it and its rich vitamin and mineral composition.

6. Weight loss product. This is a natural and very effective remedy for those who want to lose extra pounds. This happens due to the low calorie content of cabbage and its ability to quickly create a feeling of fullness. And the presence of tartronic acid prevents the formation of fatty deposits. Moreover, the positive effect appears quite quickly. Many were able to verify its effectiveness.

7. Regulates metabolism. Thanks to the content of iodine and nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) in cabbage, metabolism is normalized. Which also helps reduce excess weight.

8. Reduces blood sugar levels , thanks to its fiber content. Cabbage is low in carbohydrates (sucrose and fructose), so it is very useful for people suffering from diabetes.

9. Helps with allergies and bronchial asthma. Studies have confirmed that sauerkraut contains substances that suppress the development of an allergic reaction, that is, they have an antihistamine effect (for example, vitamin U). It is known that an allergic reaction often triggers an asthma attack.

10. Fights pathogenic bacteria. Sauerkraut prepared according to all the rules has a bactericidal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect.

11. Sauerkraut in cosmetology. Many women use it for cosmetic purposes. Masks based on it get rid of acne, remove pigment spots, and make the skin velvety, soft and fresh. Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) contained in cabbage strengthens nails and hair.

12. Sexual health. Acts as a powerful aphrodisiac and helps men maintain sexual strength and potency for many years.

13. Rejuvenates the body. Eating this product helps cleanse the body, enrich cells with nutrients that promote their regeneration, all this gives a rejuvenating effect.

14. Improves appetite. Eating sauerkraut as a snack before lunch significantly increases the secretion of the gastric glands. This is necessary for people who are weakened by a long-term illness and/or who want to gain weight.

15. Remedy for vitamin deficiency. If there is a lack of vitamins, it is strongly recommended to include sauerkraut in the daily menu; this will support the body and give strength.

16. Anti-nausea remedy. Sauerkraut juice is recommended for toxicosis in pregnant women; according to reviews, this remedy is a great remedy for nausea.

17. Helps with hangovers . It is known that cabbage pickle helps after heavy drinking. It is clear that it is better to observe the measure. But if you failed to follow this rule, then sauerkraut brine will come to the rescue.

According to generally accepted opinion, sauerkraut is a Russian national product. However, much earlier than the Russians, residents of Korea and China fermented cabbage. Historical fact - mention of cabbage fermentation is contained in chronicles, as we would now say, publications from the time of the construction of the Great Wall of China. True, the Chinese fermented cabbage in white wine.

Nutritionists all over the world today literally sing the praises of the benefits of sauerkraut. Sauerkraut contains a large amount of vitamin C - 100 grams of sauerkraut contains up to 20 mg of the vitamin of life, which strengthens the immune system and prevents premature aging of cells and tissues. In addition, sauerkraut is full of vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamins K and U. These substances prevent the occurrence of many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Sauerkraut also contains a lot of iodine.

Lactic acid bacteria ferment cabbage. Getting into the intestines along with cabbage, these bacteria improve its functioning, normalizing beneficial microflora and suppressing harmful ones. Thus, eating sauerkraut eliminates dysbiosis.

As a medicinal product, sauerkraut is used to treat or relieve symptoms of chronic gastritis. A reliable way to prevent gastritis is to eat cabbage 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals for 2-3 weeks. The same recommendation can be given to patients with diabetes, because eating sauerkraut reduces blood sugar levels.

For pregnant women, drinking brine makes it easier to tolerate the symptoms of toxicosis. And according to traditional healers, a man who regularly eats sauerkraut does not have problems with potency.

The beneficial properties of sauerkraut in reducing blood cholesterol levels have been proven. And not so long ago it was established that sauerkraut contains many substances that prevent the development of cancer tumors. The data is confirmed by experiments of scientists from Finland. Feeding sauerkraut to hamsters inoculated with malignant tumor cells suppressed the growth of cancer cells. According to German scientists, eating sauerkraut at least 2-3 times a week significantly reduces the risk of intestinal cancer.

Sauerkraut has been on our table for a long time. Long before the advent of potatoes, it was considered a staple food and a source of vitamins during the period of vitamin deficiency in winter and spring. Due to its high level of vitamins, it saved travelers from scurvy. However, this product is not only a tasty snack and a remedy for vitamin deficiency, but also a powerful healing agent that is widely used in folk medicine.

Composition and calorie content

Sauerkraut has a number of undeniable advantages over fresh cabbage. Sauerkraut contains an order of magnitude more vitamins and minerals. Unlike fresh cabbage, it retains its beneficial properties for a whole year.

The energy value of sauerkraut is only 19 calories per 100 grams of product. At the same time, it is more filling due to the fiber it contains.

Sauerkraut contains the most vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process and a strong antiseptic that strengthens the body.

Sauerkraut also contains:

• group of vitamins B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9),
• vitamin U,
• vitamin PP,
• extremely rare vitamin K,
• potassium,
• calcium,
• iron,
• phosphorus,
• sodium.

Don’t forget about lactic acid, which helps normalize food processes and cleanse the body. The product contains useful amino acids: lysine, tyrosine, tryptophan and methyl methionine.

Sauerkraut and its brine are often used to relieve hangovers or nausea. Cabbage acts as an effective antioxidant that reduces the risk of cancer. The vegetable strengthens the cardiovascular and nervous system, and also improves the secretion of the digestive glands.

Sauerkraut has powerful immunoprophylactic and tonic properties.

Sauerkraut lowers blood sugar levels, making it suitable for people suffering from diabetes. At the same time, it is a tonic for the skin of the face and body. However, you don’t have to eat cabbage.

It is enough to apply the product or its juice to the face and rinse with water after half an hour. Your skin will transform before your eyes and will remain smooth and fresh for a long time.

Traditional medicine has long known the benefits of sauerkraut and its brine. Since ancient times, it has been used as an antiseptic for infectious diseases and for disinfecting wounds. In addition, the product has quite powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sauerkraut can be used to treat the following ailments:

• Sore throat and its varieties;
• Wounds and Burns;
• Deprivation and lice infestation;
• Helminthiases;
• Vitamin deficiency;
• Insomnia;
• Asthma;
• Hemorrhoids;
• Hangover.

However, you should not rely solely on traditional medicine. Sauerkraut is not a miracle panacea. But if used as an additional remedy, it will significantly speed up recovery.

Sauerkraut juice or cabbage pickle is often used to relieve a hangover. It removes waste and toxins from the body and relieves withdrawal symptoms. But its beneficial properties do not end there.

With long-term use, cabbage brine can cleanse the circulatory and lymphatic systems, liver and kidneys.

Brine has the same beneficial properties as cabbage itself, but it lacks coarse fiber. Due to this, the drink has a gentler effect on the body and helps cope with:

People suffering from diabetes or undergoing chemotherapy are recommended to drink this drink. The juice activates the natural production of insulin and also speeds up the recovery process after cancer therapy. Brine can be used as an antioxidant that prevents the development of cancer pathologies.

Medicinal properties of sauerkraut

The abundance of beneficial properties, vitamins and minerals makes sauerkraut an indispensable ingredient in traditional medicine. It is used in recipes for various diseases:

• diabetes mellitus,
• hypotension,
• constipation,
• gastrointestinal diseases,
• cardiovascular diseases.

Sauerkraut also helps to relieve internal inflammation, it normalizes the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and helps normalize the digestion process.

Use for diabetes

Due to the high content and almost complete absence of sucrose and starch, sauerkraut will be an excellent addition to the menu for diabetics. Moreover, due to its ability to remove sugar and toxins from the body, it is recommended for frequent use.

And thanks to the presence of alkaline salts, glucose is converted into fructose. Thus, the body can absorb fructose without the participation of insulin.

In turn, cabbage brine normalizes the functioning of the pancreas and stimulates the functioning of the intestines. In addition, vitamins B and C strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of nervous diseases.

For hypertension and hypotension

Eating sauerkraut for hypertension is not recommended. This is due to the fact that this product contains a large amount of salt.

Salt retains fluid in the body, which in turn increases blood volume and leads to increased pressure, which can provoke a hypertensive crisis.

Thus, in case of hypertension, cabbage prepared by sauerkraut should be excluded from the diet, or the product should be thoroughly rinsed to remove salt.

In turn, eating sauerkraut is acceptable for hypotension. Due to its properties that increase blood pressure, it strengthens the cardiovascular system and has tonic properties.

For gastrointestinal diseases

Sauerkraut helps improve microflora in the intestines, eliminate inflammation in the mucous membranes and eliminate constipation and improve digestion. However, despite all these properties, the use of this product is contraindicated for certain pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Sauerkraut should not be consumed in case of pathologies caused by increased stomach acidity and heartburn.

If the symptoms of the disease decrease, sauerkraut will be an excellent addition to the diet. It works well as a prophylactic against gastritis, helps improve appetite and the production of gastric juice, microflora in the intestines, and eliminate inflammation of the mucous membrane.

Sauerkraut has a number of beneficial properties that promote weight loss. This product contains few calories, but at the same time gives you a feeling of fullness for a long time. And thanks to the high concentration of fiber, more calories are spent on digestion.

Sauerkraut improves digestion, promotes the removal of toxins, and also regulates fat metabolism in the body.

However, doctors are skeptical about diets based on this product. The fact is that low-calorie nutrition causes a slowdown in metabolism. The body tries to limit calorie expenditure by slowing down metabolism.

After finishing the diet, metabolism remains at the same level for some time, since it cannot immediately switch to a diet with a higher calorie content. As a result, the body begins to convert unused calories into fat.

Thus, after switching to a normal diet, a person begins to gain weight again. You should not hope for the miraculous effect of such a diet. In order to maintain weight, you will have to stick to a balanced diet and exercise for some time.

For cosmetic purposes

Thanks to its tonic and whitening properties, sauerkraut has found wide application in the field of cosmetology. There are a number of recipes based on sauerkraut; the simplest and most effective are collected below.

To prepare universal face mask, we will need some cabbage and a gauze bandage. Take the cabbage and spread it in a thick layer on a gauze bandage, then apply it to your face. After fifteen minutes, remove the mask and wash your face. We carry out the procedure once a month.

For the whitening mask Take a tablespoon of cabbage juice, two tablespoons of yogurt and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply to the face. The mixture has a powerful effect, so it should be washed off after ten minutes.

For the mask, reducing the intensity of sebaceous jelly work h, we need 4 tablespoons of chopped cabbage, 50 grams of oatmeal and one egg block. Mix the ingredients and apply the mask to your face. After 15-20 minutes, the mask should be washed off.

To renew and soften facial skin You can use a mask based on sauerkraut and cottage cheese (or sour cream). To enhance the effect, you can use beaten yolk. The ingredients you will need are a tablespoon of cottage cheese or sour cream and a tablespoon of sauerkraut. Mix the ingredients and apply to the face. After fifteen minutes, wash off the mask with warm water.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the abundance of beneficial properties and qualities, sauerkraut has a number of contraindications. It is not recommended for use for the following diseases:

• stomach ulcer,
• duodenal ulcer,
• gastritis,
• heartburn,
• increased acidity,
• hypertension.

In certain cases, eating sauerkraut can lead to flatulence and bloating. People with thyroid pathology should not consume sauerkraut.

In other cases, sauerkraut brings great benefits to the body, enriching it with essential vitamins, macro- and microelements and helping to maintain health.

17.01.17

In our country, sauerkraut is very popular, but not everyone knows about its health benefits. And it is there, and a considerable one.

From our article you will find out whether sauerkraut has any benefits or is more harmful, what beneficial properties and contraindications it has, and about the healing effect of the juice from this product for weight loss.

Product Features

Sauerkraut - shredded vegetable, preserved under the influence of lactic acid formed during the fermentation of sugars in cabbage juice.

This snack is very healthy and nutritious.. It is prepared by mashing shredded cabbage along with salt.

The mixture is kept in a container so that the juice appears on the surface and ferments.

Cabbage is not always chopped: sometimes it is fermented with quarters, halves, even whole heads of cabbage.

The preservative effect is provided by salt and lactic acid. The latter is the reason for the characteristic smell of the dish.

Which cabbage is healthier - sauerkraut or pickled? It differs from pickled one by the presence of a fermentation process, which is not present in the first case. Almost the same thing - the difference from salted cabbage, which is simply salted.

How to leaven

First, it is important to choose a vegetable for sourdough. You can ferment any cabbage, but to make it very tasty, choose responsibly.

It is best to use mid-late-season white cabbage or late varieties. Early ones are quite loose, they contain less sugar, which will negatively affect fermentation.

Therefore, the optimal period for sourdough is mid-to-late autumn. At this time, the forks of late varieties are already mature and have the correct density.

It is better to choose large heads of cabbage, slightly flattened, almost white. Their impressive dimensions indicate that they have matured enough. But you shouldn’t buy excessively large fruits either. Firstly, cutting them is inconvenient, and secondly, there is a possibility of using chemical fertilizers when growing vegetables.

When choosing a fork, inspect the outer top leaves that cover them. Their color should be light green. If it is almost white, this indicates that the heads of cabbage were probably frozen.

Damage and rot on the head of cabbage are not allowed. The smell should be fresh, vegetable. Do not buy it if there is even a slight smell of rot.

Sourdough is troublesome and time-consuming. In addition to vegetables and spices, you need to prepare containers where the preparations will be stored. The procedure itself includes several stages:

• The main products - cabbage and carrots - need to be chopped or grated on a fine grater. Place them in a large container in layers.
• Now you need to salt the workpiece. Salt moderately, as you do when preparing salads.
• Set a small handful of vegetables aside and add sugar. This will trigger natural fermentation, which is necessary for sourdough.
• The salted and sweetened part of the vegetables must be mixed, squeezing out the juice that has been produced.
• Now the cabbage is neatly laid out in different containers.

The prepared dish should be left to brew at room temperature for three days. The accumulated juice should be removed periodically with a spoon. Containers with the workpiece are tightly rolled up and lowered into the basement.

From this video you will learn how to properly ferment cabbage at home:

On the pages of our website you will also learn what delicious dishes can be prepared from this vegetable.

Health Benefits

Which cabbage is healthier - sauerkraut or fresh: fermented cabbage is considered much healthier than fresh cabbage.

The composition of sauerkraut deserves attention - it is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. It contains a lot of vitamin C, A and K,.

What other beneficial substances are in sauerkraut? The unique property of fermented cabbage– formation in it of various enzymes, Omega-3 acids, B vitamins.

All these components are beneficial to the body and are necessary for its normal functioning.

For men and women

The value of the product for adult men and women is explained by the following:

You can learn a few more interesting facts about the health benefits and potential harms of sauerkraut from this video:

Benefits for pregnant and lactating women

The product can be used by expectant mothers. The vitamins and microelements contained in sauerkraut bring many benefits to a woman during pregnancy and help in the formation of the fetus. But it is especially important to use high-quality vegetables and the correct sourdough technology.

Cabbage is a gas-forming agent and can cause gas in a nursing mother and baby.. But if you use it a little at a time, and not in small bowls, this side effect is unlikely to make itself felt.

A strict diet for a nursing mother is relevant in the first 2-3 months, then you can gradually add familiar foods to the diet, including cabbage.

Is it harmful for children?

The dish can be introduced into a child’s diet from 2-3 years old when the body is already able to cope with its absorption. This product is very useful for children.

It contains a lot of vitamin C, organic acids, and mineral salts.

A child's body, which is growing and developing, needs all these components especially.

A The fiber content helps improve digestion.

Vitamins and active substances help strengthen the immune system and prevent infectious diseases.

Studies have proven that the active substances in the composition help improve memory and concentration. But children need to consume sauerkraut in moderation.

Features of the influence on older people

This product is also useful for older people. It helps improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines, which can be disrupted over the years, saturate the body with valuable elements, and speed up metabolic processes that slow down with age.

Remembering the dangers and benefits of sauerkraut, we can add that this snack is useful for cleansing and restoring the liver.

By purifying the blood, the product slows down the aging process. Regular consumption helps maintain mental alertness and memory.

Danger and contraindications

The negative point is that consuming this fermented vegetable leads to increased gas formation due to the sulfur in the composition.

It also negatively affects absorption.

But this is only relevant with uncontrolled use of the product, so it is important not to abuse its quantity.

The dish contains salt, therefore it may be contraindicated for those who are prone to edema and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Due to the presence of organic acids in the composition, caution is needed for those who have and for hypertension, renal failure and a number of other diseases of the pancreas.

If there are no contraindications, use You can cabbage as often as you want. No one regulates the quantity either, but, as in the case of any other products, it is still worth remembering a sense of proportion. To provide yourself with a daily dose of vitamin C, it is enough to eat about 200 g of this tasty snack.

It is recommended to use cabbage fermented at home. A store-bought one is unlikely to provide the same amount of useful components. You can eat it in its pure form, use it as an appetizer with fish and meat dishes, cereals, and add it to salads.

Use in cooking

Sauerkraut is a complete dish, which goes well with meat, fish, and cereals. But there are also a number of recipes where it is one of the ingredients. Here are some of them that both adults and children will enjoy:

• Sauerkraut salad, And . To prepare it, you need to cut the pepper into strips and mix it with cabbage. Season with vegetable oil, sprinkle with pre-chopped green onions.



• Stew with sauerkraut. You need to pour two glasses of cabbage with a glass of water and let it brew for half an hour. Squeeze out the water and simmer with a spoonful of vegetable oil. Then the potatoes need to be boiled until tender in the same water where the cabbage was soaked. Separately sauté onions and. The ingredients need to be mixed, add salt, spices, and place in the oven. Bake until the potatoes are done.



• Goulash with fermented cabbage. Cut the meat into small pieces and fry until golden brown. Salt it, add chopped and sweet pepper, let it boil. Now pour tomato juice over everything, cover with foil or a lid and put in the oven for half an hour. Then you need to add diced potatoes and sauerkraut. Leave in the oven for another 45 minutes.

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The healing effect of cabbage juice in folk medicine and for weight loss

The scope of sauerkraut is not limited to cooking. It is used in folk medicine. For example, the benefits of sauerkraut are valued for constipation: it is recommended to consume cabbage pickle on an empty stomach.

Cabbage juice helps with gallstone disease. It is recommended to drink it three times a day before meals.

Drink helps with diarrhea from brine and fresh tomato juice. Cabbage juice is useful for a number of digestive problems. It is recommended to be included in the diet for cholecystitis, gout, and hepatitis.

The juice of the fermented vegetable is also used externally., making lotions with it at night. Such compresses help fight psoriasis and eczema.

In folk cosmetology Sauerkraut is often used to whiten facial skin: For greater benefits, it is combined with fermented milk drinks and lemon juice.

And cabbage in its pure form is used to fight wrinkles. You need to apply it to a gauze base soaked in water and apply it to the skin for 20 minutes. Cabbage juice is a component of hand baths that help fight peeling and redness.

It is also used to care for oily hair, making a mask of honey, medical alcohol and brine.

In contact with

Since ancient times, sauerkraut has been the calling card of many nations, as soon as the name changes, while the dish itself remains unchanged.
Each fruit or vegetable has its own signature vitamin, and cabbage has methylmethionine. At the same time, sauerkraut is highly valued for its ability to retain the most important and necessary vitamin “C” for the body for a long time.

This longevity of vitamin C is due to the fact that it is not only found in cabbage in its pure form, but also in various chemical compounds. That is, it is not destroyed during storage; even slight heat treatment does not destroy vitamin C.

In addition to the main two components, this product, obtained by natural fermentation, contains the most valuable substances for the human body: phytoncides, enzymes, vitamins, micro and macroelements, fiber.

Sauerkraut is a healthy and tasty pickle that is prepared for the winter in almost any family. Did you know that during the process of ripening, cabbage becomes several times healthier than a fresh vegetable, since it not only retains all the existing vitamins and microelements, but also acquires new medicinal properties.

This feature was noticed by the peoples of Asia, and it was the Chinese and Koreans who were the first to learn how to ferment cabbage. There is even documentary evidence that this pickle was fed to the workers who built the Great Wall of China. So this dish cannot be called an original Russian product, since the Eastern Slavs adopted the recipe for preparing cabbage from other peoples.

Sauerkraut made it possible to preserve vitamins, so necessary in the long and cold Russian winter, and helped to resist vitamin deficiency. In the past, not a single feast in Rus' was complete without this beloved vegetable. They prepared cabbage for the winter in large quantities and fermented it in huge oak barrels. There was even a special holiday - Sergei Kapustnik. On this day, the whole family worked: chopped and fermented cabbage according to special family recipes.

This vegetable is no less popular in other countries. The Germans cannot imagine their table without their signature national dish - pork legs with stewed sauerkraut, and the Poles invented a mind-blowing thing - bigus, which is also prepared from a mixture of sauerkraut and fresh cabbage. In Asian countries, it is used to prepare savory snacks, and Romanians ferment whole heads of cabbage in barrels and then prepare stuffed dishes.

Useful microelements contained in sauerkraut

The vitamin range contained in sauerkraut is very wide: A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, K, P, U. The latter belongs to the category of rather rare vitamins, it has an amazing property - warning
There is no appearance of ulcerative lesions on the walls of the stomach and duodenum. In addition to vitamin C, cabbage contains ascorbigen (a derivative of ascorbic acid), which is not destroyed even during long-term storage; moreover, with moderate heat treatment it turns into vitamin C and the amount of ascorbic acid per 100 g of sauerkraut increases.

Choline (it belongs to the group of B vitamins), contained in sauerkraut, has a beneficial effect on metabolism and normalizes lipid processes in the body. If we take into account the fact that 100 g of the product contains only 27 calories, then this is an ideal food product for those who are struggling with extra pounds.

The minerals contained in sauerkraut make it practically a record holder among similar products. It contains: iron, potassium, iodine, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, cobalt, fluorine, silicon, arsenic, boron, copper, zinc, sulfur, selenium, etc.

No less useful and valuable are the amino acids contained in sauerkraut: lysine, tyrosine, tryptophan, methylmethionine. The flavonoids and probiotics contained in the product also have a beneficial effect.

Useful properties of sauerkraut

At the same time, despite the presence of all the listed beneficial properties, sauerkraut also has its disadvantages. They must be constantly taken into account, since consuming sauerkraut can harm your body. Namely, due to the content of high levels of organic acids, the consumption of cabbage is prohibited for people with high acidity of gastric juice.

The benefits of sauerkraut for weight loss

Researchers have found that when cabbage is fermented, tartronic acid is formed. This substance is the worst enemy of fat; it not only prevents its formation, but also successfully breaks down even old, perennial deposits. Moreover, fresh cabbage does not contain tartonic acid.

It is formed only as a result of fermentation processes and ripening of vegetables. It is this component that effectively reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and prevents the formation of plaques that clog blood vessels. Thus, sauerkraut not only helps you lose weight, but also heals the body as a whole.

Anyone who wants to have a beautiful figure needs to introduce sauerkraut into their diet, as it is a low-calorie vegetable that contains only 20 kcal per 100 grams of product. It should be noted that this is one of the available methods of losing weight. Diets that include sauerkraut are usually the same.

Nutritionists warn that to combat obesity you cannot use a mono-diet, that is, eat only sauerkraut. It contains a lot of organic acids (lactic, acetic), which irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines and, if consumed regularly on an empty stomach, can lead to diseases of the digestive tract.

The fiber contained in cabbage is quite coarse and can provoke fermentation processes in the stomach, bloating and increased gas formation. Therefore, you need to use pickles for weight loss correctly and follow a cabbage diet under the supervision of a specialist. And it can be prescribed only if there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

With the right approach, you can lose up to 5 kg in a week of the cabbage diet. It is recommended to consume sauerkraut in small portions and combine this product with neutral side dishes and protein foods. The ideal option is boiled chicken breast and rice as a side dish.

Additionally, once a week you can drink 50 ml of cabbage brine before each meal, this will help speed up metabolic processes, cleanse the liver and remove toxins, heavy metal salts and other harmful substances from the body. Sauerkraut enhances intestinal motility, helps get rid of constipation and has a positive effect on digestion processes.

When following a diet, you should not forget about increased drinking regimen. You need to drink at least 1.5 -2.5 liters of liquid per day. Moreover, this volume should not include tea, coffee, juices, compotes. This should only be clean drinking water.

Since pickled vegetables contain quite a lot of salt, this product can cause fluid retention in the body and, as a result, swelling. Therefore, a diet based on sauerkraut should not be followed by those who have heart pathologies and serious diseases of the digestive system. This option for losing weight is suitable only for those who do not have severe health problems and concomitant diseases in which the consumption of salted and fermented foods is contraindicated.

What are the benefits of sauerkraut for women?

The benefits of sauerkraut for women are due to its high cosmetological properties; it is used to prepare masks and lotions for acne, age spots, freckles, and oily porous skin. Don't forget, when preparing sauerkraut, to make simple masks with it for facial care.

Sauerkraut face masks

• The simplest mask is to squeeze out the sauerkraut, chop it finely and apply it to the skin of the face, covering it with a napkin on top. After 10 – 15 minutes, rinse and apply nourishing cream. This mask whitens the skin, cleanses, tightens, smoothes out fine wrinkles.
• You can use not the cabbage itself, but its brine, for which the cabbage is also chopped and squeezed well. Soak a napkin in the resulting brine and apply it to the face, having previously made holes for the eyes, nose and lips. After 10 minutes, you need to wash your face with cool water. It is useful to do such lotions 2 times a week for acne.
• For oily and porous skin, prepare the following mask: chop two tablespoons of sauerkraut, add beaten egg white and a spoonful of potato starch. Apply the mask to your face for 15 minutes, then wash.
• For dry skin, you can also make an excellent mask from sauerkraut. Chop two tablespoons of cabbage, add egg yolk and a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Apply to facial skin for 15 minutes. After removing the mask, wash with warm water and apply nourishing cream.

Hair Mask

To strengthen hair, rub sauerkraut brine into the scalp once a week or prepare a mixture of cabbage juice and liquid honey, taken in equal quantities, which is applied to the hair roots 30 minutes before washing your hair.

For women, the low calorie content of sauerkraut and the presence of organic acids in it, which prevent the accumulation of fat deposits, are important.

What are the benefits of sauerkraut for men?

Is sauerkraut good for men? We can say with confidence that it is useful, its regular use increases physical and mental activity, low calorie content, high fiber and ascorbic acid content serve as a good prevention of obesity and hemorrhoids.

Benefits of sauerkraut juice

In addition to information about the content of vitamins and minerals in the product, you need to know the benefits of sauerkraut juice. It, like the vegetable itself, contains a large amount of lactic acid, which is so necessary for proper carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, it is very often prescribed to patients who have diabetes. In this case, the juice should be mixed with lemon and consumed three times a day.

Many people confuse the drink with cabbage brine. But the juice is contained inside the cabbage and is obtained by passing it through a juicer. It is much more concentrated than brine. The enormous value of juice lies in its mineral and vitamin composition.

Many people know the benefits of sauerkraut and how to use it. And the use of a drink from it as a remedy is much wider. The juice is prescribed by doctors to patients who have low acidity, as well as weakened intestinal motility and poor appetite.

Gargling with cabbage juice can cure pharyngitis, laryngitis, sore throat and other diseases. Nectar can be consumed for poor digestion, which was caused by overeating, as well as alcohol abuse. With this treatment, the functioning of the stomach improves and the production of gastric juice improves.

Sauerkraut during pregnancy

Cabbage brine helps pregnant women cope with toxicosis. The beneficial properties that sauerkraut has allow men to avoid prostate diseases and maintain their potency at normal levels.

Cabbage brine will help with a hangover

Probably everyone knows the benefits of pickling sauerkraut after a good time with friends. Both cabbage itself and its brine help with a hangover. If you don’t forget about this dish during the feast, then the likelihood of waking up in a good mood is very high.

Another amazing property of brine is its ability to increase male strength. People have long noticed this feature and used it as an aphrodisiac that can keep a man in great shape for many years.

As for women, cabbage pickle helps maintain beauty and serves as an excellent remedy for strengthening hair, improving the condition of skin and nails. In addition, the healing drink speeds up metabolic processes, breaks down fat deposits and helps you lose extra pounds.

When diluted, cabbage brine can be used for rinsing. For sore throats, such procedures help relieve irritation, swelling and other unpleasant sensations. The antiseptic properties of cabbage juice prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and speed up recovery.

Concentrated brine can be taken as a prophylactic for atherosclerosis, lack of appetite, and low blood pressure. In this case, treatment begins with a minimum dose (1 tablespoon) and gradually increases the volume to 50 ml of brine per dose.

How to cook sauerkraut

This recipe eliminates the addition of sugar, spices and other ingredients. For 2 kg of white cabbage you should take 40 g of coarse salt (not iodized) and 1 kg of carrots. Vegetables are finely chopped or chopped in a wooden trough (whoever has such an opportunity). Next, the vegetable mass must be thoroughly ground with salt so that it releases the juice and compacted tightly into jars up to the hangers. Cover the top of the neck with a clean gauze cloth.

The cabbage should stand at room temperature for 4-5 days, during which time the fermentation process takes place and it must be pierced from time to time with a wooden stick to release the gas. The fermentation process is considered complete when foam stops appearing on the surface of the cabbage. After this, the jars are closed with lids and put in the refrigerator. The tasty, and most importantly, healthy pickle is ready, and you can safely use cabbage not only for culinary, but also for medicinal purposes.

Sauerkraut and folk beliefs

When it comes to traditional medicine, sauerkraut practically has magical beneficial properties. Traditional healers recommend cabbage and its juice for practical treatment.
all possible diseases. Starting from colds and ending with severe forms of illness (asthma, epilepsy). There is also some magical mention of cabbage in a dream.

Important: German scientists conducted a study that confirmed that if any person eats a serving of sauerkraut at least 2-3 times a week, he will significantly reduce the risk of intestinal cancer.

If you see cabbage in a dream, then some troubles are expected soon.

Well, there is a belief that if a young girl wants to increase her dignity (breasts), then she should constantly eat sauerkraut.

How does it affect the liver?

It is believed that sauerkraut helps cleanse the liver and enhances its ability to eliminate toxins and other harmful substances. For this purpose, it is recommended to make a special “health cocktail”. His recipe is extremely simple. You need to mix cabbage brine and tomato juice in equal proportions and drink this invigorating drink three times a day after meals.

At the same time, excessive consumption of sauerkraut can harm the liver due to excess salt and will not be beneficial for severe pathologies of the organ. In case of severe liver failure, hepatitis, cirrhosis, sauerkraut should not be consumed. In other cases, you should consult your doctor about in what quantities and how often you can consume sauerkraut to improve your liver health.

Contraindications for taking sauerkraut

At the same time, despite the presence of all the listed beneficial properties, sauerkraut also has its own flaws. They must be constantly taken into account, since consuming sauerkraut can harm your body. Namely, due to the content of high levels of organic acids, the consumption of cabbage is prohibited for people with high acidity of gastric juice.

Pickles should not be consumed under the following conditions:

• exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• hypertension (high blood pressure);
• cholelithiasis;
• renal failure;
• pancreatitis;
• increased acidity of gastric juice, gastroesophageal reflux;
• dyspepsia, tendency to heartburn.

Sauerkraut is loved by many. It has long been an excellent addition to the diet. Appetizing, extremely healthy - sauerkraut is valued for its rich vitamin composition, taste and the ability to prepare it yourself, when familiar and no less healthy products can serve as additional components.