What does sauerkraut help with? Useful properties of this product. Eating precautions

Sauerkraut is a food product that is obtained from a fresh vegetable by lactic acid fermentation. This is not only a great side dish, suitable for almost all products, but also a very healthy independent dish. Cabbage contains a huge amount of a variety of vitamins and amino acids that are indispensable for human life.

Methods for preparing sauerkraut

Usually, before starting to ferment cabbage, it is chopped into rather thin strips, then it is slightly crushed together with salt and placed in prepared containers. Then it is covered with a cloth and pressed down with a heavy load. Thanks to this technology, this vegetable gives a large amount of juice. Fermentation takes from two to seven days, the time will depend on the temperature in the room. After cooking, the cabbage is taken out to the cold so as not to peroxide.

To prepare such a dish, it is not necessary to chop the vegetable into thin strips, you can simply divide it either into 4 parts, or into two, or even leave it whole. According to the traditional recipe, it is allowed to add not only carrots, but also beets, cranberries, apples, peppers and horseradish - all this is very useful. Sauerkraut is best obtained in wooden barrels and vats, which are first fumigated with sulfur or treated with alkali.

Vitamins and minerals found in sauerkraut

Knowing how sauerkraut is useful is very important, since it primarily contains vitamin C. It is enough to add only 200 grams of this product to your diet, and then you can get half the daily intake of this vitamin. It is important that not a single vegetable can preserve this useful component, which is the main protector against colds in winter, for as long as cabbage.

A vitamin such as U is very rarely mentioned, but it is extremely necessary for the stomach and the entire digestive system as a whole. There is a lot of it in sauerkraut, so it perfectly helps with gastritis and ulcers, but you should not abuse it during periods of exacerbation of such diseases. With the initial signs of illness, sauerkraut, whose beneficial properties are diverse, can become indispensable.

Sauerkraut contains vitamin B6, which makes meat easier to digest. The presence of fiber also has a wonderful effect on digestion and at the same time reduces the level of sugar and cholesterol in the blood. And beneficial lactic acid bacteria do a good job with dysbacteriosis.

If you eat just one spoonful of cabbage, you can provide the body with a daily supply of vitamin K. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the liver and bone formation and helps the body quickly cope with scratches on the skin.
Cabbage also contains vitamin P in its composition, and after fermentation, its amount increases by 20 times. The finished product is rich in iron, zinc, iodine, potassium and many other useful substances.

properties of sauerkraut

Whether sauerkraut is useful can be understood from the above material. And its effect on the body, consider below:

due to its qualities, protein, phosphorus and calcium are better absorbed, therefore it is desirable to combine it with meat dishes;
has an antibacterial effect;
perfectly strengthens the immune system;
enhances the body's resistance to stress;
helps reduce the likelihood of peptic ulcer;
improves the condition of the heart and reduces cholesterol levels;
provides vitamin K, which is necessary for a person for good blood clotting;
enriches the body with iodine for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland;
the content of lactic acid bacteria increases appetite, helps the stomach and improves the intestinal microflora.

Benefits of sauerkraut juice

In addition to information about the content of vitamins and minerals in the product, you need to know how sauerkraut juice is useful. 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 mellitus. In this case, the juice should be mixed with lemon and consumed three times a day.

Many people confuse the drink with cabbage pickle. 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 great value of juice lies in its mineral and vitamin composition.

Many people know how sauerkraut is useful and how to use it. And the use of a drink from it as a remedy is much wider. Juice is prescribed by physicians to patients who have low acidity, as well as with a weakening of intestinal motility and poor appetite.

When gargling with cabbage juice, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis and other diseases can be cured. Nectar can be consumed in case of poor digestion, which was caused by overeating, as well as alcohol abuse. With this treatment, the work of the stomach is improved and the production of gastric juice improves.

Sauerkraut is healthier than fresh

As a rule, products that undergo one or another processing lose part or all of their beneficial properties. And here the question may arise: "Is sauerkraut good for a person?" Such a product is much more valuable for the body than fresh. Thanks to the fermentation process, cabbage is enriched with new useful vitamins and substances, and all these properties are preserved for 10 months. Housewives need to know how sauerkraut is useful, and also that the larger it is chopped, the more valuable substances, vitamins and minerals it will retain.

Slimming with sauerkraut

What is useful sauerkraut for weight loss? Anyone who wants to have a beautiful figure should include sauerkraut in 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 type.

You can not think about diets and do it easier. To do this, you need to replace all food components with a high calorie content with a product such as sauerkraut. The beneficial properties of this ingredient will support the body during a period of vitamin deficiency. Due to the large amount of coarse fibers that it contains, you can eat less food, and satiety will come faster. In addition to the fact that excess weight will be perfectly dropped, you can thoroughly cleanse all organs and systems of toxins. Skin improvement will be observed, and a healthy glow will appear on the face. It is also possible to reduce the manifestations of cellulite faster and better, which occurs due to a slowdown in blood circulation and stagnant processes in the body.

cabbage during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body's reserves need to be replenished with a large amount of minerals and vitamins, and cabbage, by the way, contains a lot of folic acid, which is necessary for the mother and her unborn child. Due to the presence of iron, anemia can be avoided, as well as a constant feeling of fatigue. It is popularly believed that the use of cabbage brine perfectly helps with toxicosis. But do not overdo it, because a large amount of a vegetable can cause thirst, which will eventually lead to swelling.

cabbage in cosmetology

There are many folk recipes for self-care. After the information received, one may wonder whether sauerkraut juice, and the vegetable itself, is good for the skin. For those who constantly have freckles, it is enough to use the brine, in which you need to place a napkin and apply it to your face for 10 minutes. This procedure is repeated regularly.

If you have oily skin and acne, you need to chop the cabbage and keep it on the problem area for 30 minutes, once a week. The result will be noticeable in a month.

Help with a hangover

Probably everyone knows how sauerkraut brine is useful after a good time with friends. With a hangover, both the cabbage itself and its brine are excellent. If you do not forget about this dish during the feast, then the probability of waking up in a good mood is very high.

Contraindications to the use of sour cabbage

In this paper, information was presented about what each of us can find useful in sauerkraut. But there are also contraindications to the use of this useful product.

Unfortunately, there are some diseases in which its use is strictly prohibited. For example, mustard oils, which cabbage contains, after they accumulate in the intestines, can cause severe bloating.

For people who have stomach and duodenal ulcers, doctors recommend excluding sauerkraut from the diet. Also, with such ailments as kidney failure, hypertension and diseases of the pancreas, you should not abuse this vegetable.

In Germany, sauerkraut is the national dish. She is also very fond of the French and the British. And in the cuisine of Alsace there is such a dish as choukrut, it is prepared from sauerkraut with the addition of seafood and pork.

Of Russian traditional dishes, sour cabbage soup can be noted. This is a soup that is prepared on the basis of sour cabbage. Even Korea has its own national product called kimchi. This is also a kind of sauerkraut, only when cooking, not white cabbage is used, but Beijing.

If you believe the popular belief, then those who see sauerkraut in a dream should not hope for a good day, they will be in trouble. So it’s better to look at it not in a dream, but on the dining table, and during the meal, get all the beneficial properties that this product can bring.

We can safely say that sauerkraut is the national dish of the Russian people. But few people know that much earlier than in Russia, they learned to ferment this vegetable in other countries. For example, in China and Japan. Interestingly, the first mention of this dish was found in ancient chronicles from the time of the construction of the Great Wall of China. True, the recipe of Asians was very different from ours, it included white wine. To date, all dietitians in the world are praising this product in every possible way.

And this is not surprising, because it contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals.

Useful and medicinal properties of sauerkraut

For example, such a cabbage contains a huge amount of vitamin C. Even 10 grams of this product contains about 2 milligrams of this useful vitamin. Thanks to this, cabbage strengthens the immune system and prevents the aging of tissues and cells.

In addition, sauerkraut contains a lot of vitamin A, vitamins K and U, as well as B vitamins.
Due to this rich composition, the regular use of this product is the prevention of various diseases of the intestines and stomach, including gastric or duodenal ulcers.
There is a lot of iodine in such cabbage, which is very useful for the work of various organs.

As you know, special sour-milk bacteria ferment cabbage. When they enter the intestines from the product, they improve the functioning of the intestines, suppress the harmful microflora, normalize the beneficial microflora and eliminate dysbacteriosis. As a result, the feeling of discomfort disappears and the general well-being of a person improves.

Also, as a medicine, sauerkraut is used to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis, especially chronic, as well as to treat this disease.

To prevent gastritis, doctors recommend eating sauerkraut three times a day before each main meal. A fairly small portion of this vegetable seasoned with sunflower or olive oil. You need to stay at least three weeks. And it's best to make a new habit and enjoy this salad all the time. This is especially useful for people suffering from diabetes. After all, sauerkraut effectively reduces the amount of sugar in the blood.

For pregnant

For pregnant girls, sauerkraut is especially useful. True, it must be consumed in moderation, because this product is high in sodium. Canned sauerkraut is especially rich in this substance. Excess salt from this product can cause high blood pressure.

In the very last months of pregnancy, a woman's body produces additional red blood cells, which are necessary for the normal development of the fetus. It is very dangerous if at the same time she has a lack of iron, which can lead to anemia with such unpleasant symptoms as feeling constantly tired, weak and feeling unwell. Just sauerkraut will help a pregnant girl to avoid such consequences. 200 ml of this product contains almost 2 milligrams of iron. For the body of the expectant mother, it is necessary to receive about 30 milligrams per day. Therefore, sauerkraut is recommended to be added to salads and other dishes.

American scientists have proven that children whose mothers ate this product are the least at risk of developing cancer. And, besides, like many other vegetables, it contains special antioxidants that “know how” to neutralize free radicals in the human body that cause cancer. It is equally beneficial to the health of both the woman herself and the fetus.

For example, it helps to cope with all sorts of problems of the digestive system. If any products cause increased gas formation in the expectant mother, then you just need to eat sauerkraut with them. It contains prebiotics, which contribute to normal human digestion, and also remove harmful bacteria from the intestines.

One serving of sauerkraut contains more than three grams of fiber, which heals the digestive system and also regulates bowel function.

It also contains folic acid. This is a nutrient that every mother-to-be needs to get enough. After all, it is she who prevents many birth defects of the fetus, for example, spina bifida. It also promotes proper DNA development and healthy cell division.

For men

It is very useful to regularly consume sauerkraut for the stronger sex. Scientists have proven that if you eat this product every day, then a man will be able to not only significantly increase potency, but also maintain it for many years. And older men can use it as a safe drug to restore their sexual abilities.

Sauerkraut juice (brine)

Most often, for medical purposes or as a cosmetic product, not sauerkraut itself is used, but its juice, or rather, brine.

Benefits for the face

In order to rejuvenate the face, make the skin supple, healthy, beautiful and elastic, you can prepare a cabbage-egg mask with your own hands. To do this, three tablespoons of brine are mixed with one egg white, beaten to a strong foam. The ingredients must be very thoroughly mixed until smooth and applied to the face, décolleté and neck. After 15-20 minutes, the mask is washed off with water at room temperature. It is also used to prepare a face mask, our other article will tell about this.

For weight loss

Girls really like sauerkraut also because it actively promotes weight loss. This product contains few calories, so it can be safely consumed in large quantities, without being afraid to get better and without suffering from severe hunger.

With pancreatitis

But with pancreatitis, on the contrary, it is recommended to use it very carefully. It strongly irritates the mucous membrane, therefore, with inflammation of the pancreas, it can only worsen the patient's condition. It is best to completely abandon its use or to bring the amount of this product in the diet to a minimum.

How many calories are in sauerkraut?

The product in question contains less than 20 kilocalories per 100 grams. Even if you fill the salad with any vegetable oil, for example, sunflower, then in 100 grams of this dish you will still get a minimum of calories - about 50. Therefore, such a salad can be eaten even on a strict diet, especially since it is tasty and satisfies hunger well.

It is important to note that this product has a so-called "negative" calorie content. This means that the body spends much more on digesting this dish than it receives from it.

Are there any contraindications?

Despite the fact that sauerkraut is a very useful product for adults and children, it still has some contraindications. Although it is recommended to use it for ulcers of the duodenum and stomach, during a severe exacerbation of these diseases, it is better to refuse sour cabbage.
A vegetable prepared in this way is also forbidden to anyone who has an increased acidity of gastric juice.
It is contraindicated in diseases of the pancreas, any problems with the thyroid gland, hypertension (because it contains too many organic acids), kidney failure and gallstones.

Of course, if a person with any of the listed diseases really wants to treat himself to his favorite product, despite contraindications, then you don’t need to deny yourself this, you just need to properly prepare sauerkraut in advance.

For example, you can bake it with meat, fish or chicken in the oven. Heat treatment will eliminate all its possible negative consequences for the body weakened by the disease. You can also add a vegetable to a salad of fresh vegetables, if you first thoroughly wash and soak from the brine in ordinary clean water. Another way out is to initially prepare this product, deviating a little from the recipe, or rather adding as little salt as possible to it. True, the taste of ready-made sauerkraut will noticeably suffer from this.
In addition, additional ingredients will reduce its harmful effects on the body in these diseases. For example, you can add cabbage to a vegetable platter. An excellent dish in this case is a vinaigrette. Sauerkraut will need very little, and it will perfectly complement the taste of the dish.

Video about useful properties

Since ancient times, sauerkraut has been a hallmark of many peoples, as soon as the name changes, while the dish itself remains unchanged.
Each fruit or vegetable has its own visiting 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 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, during storage, it is not destroyed, even a 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 macro elements, fiber.

Sauerkraut is a healthy and tasty pickle, which is harvested for the winter in almost any family. But did you know that in the process of fermentation, cabbage becomes several times more useful than a fresh vegetable, since it not only retains all the available vitamins and trace elements, but new, medicinal properties appear.

This feature was noticed by the peoples of Asia, and it was the Chinese and Koreans who were the first to learn how to make sauerkraut. 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 a native Russian product, since the Eastern Slavs adopted the cabbage recipe from other peoples.

Sauerkraut made it possible to preserve vitamins, which were so necessary in the conditions of a long and cold Russian winter, and helped to resist beriberi. In the past, not a single feast in Russia was complete without this beloved vegetable. They harvested 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: they 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 the crown national dish - pork legs with stewed sauerkraut, and the Poles have invented a breathtaking thing - bigus, which is also made from a mixture of sauerkraut and fresh cabbage. In Asian countries, it is used to make spicy snacks, and Romanians ferment it in barrels with whole heads of cabbage and then prepare stuffed dishes.

Useful trace elements found 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 vitamins B), contained in sauerkraut, has a positive effect on metabolism and normalizes lipid processes in the body. If we take into account the fact that there are only 27 calories in 100 g of the product, then this is an ideal food product for those who are struggling with extra pounds.

Minerals contained in sauerkraut make it almost a champion 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 found 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, in the presence of all the listed useful properties, sauerkraut also has its drawbacks. They must be constantly taken into account, since the use of sauerkraut can harm your body. Namely, due to the content of a high level of organic acids, the use of cabbage is prohibited for people with high acidity of gastric juice.

Benefits of sauerkraut for weight loss

Researchers have found that when fermented, tartronic acid is formed in cabbage. This substance is the worst enemy of fat, it not only prevents its formation, but also successfully breaks down even old, perennial deposits. Moreover, in fresh cabbage, there is no tartonic acid.

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

Anyone who wants to have a beautiful figure should include sauerkraut in 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 type.

Nutritionists warn that to combat obesity, you can not 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 rather 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 the cabbage diet under the supervision of a specialist. Yes, and it can be prescribed only if there are no problems with the digestive tract.

With the right approach, you can lose up to 5 kg in a week of a cabbage diet. It is recommended to eat 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 to get rid of constipation and has a positive effect on digestion.

When following a diet, one should not forget about the enhanced drinking regimen. You need to drink at least 1.5 -2.5 liters of fluid per day. Moreover, this volume should not include tea, coffee, juices, compotes. It should be only 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 kept by those who have heart pathologies and serious diseases of the digestive system. This weight loss option is only suitable for those who do not have severe health disorders and concomitant diseases, in which the use of salty and pickled foods is contraindicated.

What is useful sauerkraut for women

The benefits of sauerkraut for women are due to its high cosmetic properties, it is used to prepare masks and lotions for acne, age spots, freckles, and oily porous skin. Remember, when preparing sauerkraut, make simple face masks with it.

Sauerkraut face masks

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

Hair Mask

To strengthen the hair, sauerkraut brine is rubbed into the scalp once a week or a mixture is prepared from cabbage juice and liquid honey, taken in equal amounts, which is applied to the hair roots 30 minutes before shampooing.

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

What is useful sauerkraut for men

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

Benefits of sauerkraut juice

Sauerkraut during pregnancy

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

Cabbage pickle will help with a hangover

Another amazing property of brine is the ability to increase male power. 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 to maintain beauty and is an excellent tool for strengthening hair, improving the condition of skin and nails. In addition, a healing drink speeds up metabolic processes, breaks down body fat and helps to lose extra pounds.

In a diluted form, cabbage brine can be used for rinsing. With pain in the throat, such procedures help relieve irritation, swelling and other unpleasant sensations. The antiseptic properties of cabbage juice prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria and speed up recovery.

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

How to cook sauerkraut

This recipe excludes 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 (who has such an opportunity). Next, the vegetable mass must be carefully rubbed with salt so that it starts up the juice and tamp tightly into the jars on the shoulders. From above, the neck is closed with a clean gauze napkin.

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

Sauerkraut and folk beliefs

If we touch on traditional medicine, then sauerkraut there practically has magical beneficial properties. Traditional healers recommend cabbage and its juice practically for treatment
all possible diseases. Starting from colds and ending with severe forms of diseases (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 bowel cancer.

If cabbage was seen 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 use 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. It is necessary 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 in severe organ pathologies. With severe liver failure, hepatitis, cirrhosis, you can not eat sauerkraut. In other cases, you should consult your doctor about how much and how often you can use sauerkraut to improve the liver.

Contraindications for taking sauerkraut

At the same time, in the presence of all the listed useful properties, sauerkraut has its own limitations. They must be constantly taken into account, since the use of sauerkraut can harm your body. Namely, due to the content of a high level of organic acids, the use of cabbage is prohibited for people with high acidity of gastric juice.

Salt should not be consumed under the following conditions:

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

Sauerkraut is a favorite of 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 possibility of self-cooking, when familiar and no less healthy products can act as additional components.

Today we will talk about the benefits of sauerkraut. But first, let's mention how widespread this product is in Russia. Previously, perhaps, not one feast was complete without Her fermented in large quantities. Rich cabbage soup was prepared from it. A brine from sauerkraut was used as a hangover remedy. And it's no accident.

And now let's go directly to the topic of our conversation and talk about how sauerkraut is useful. Let's start with the fact that this product has a very beneficial effect on the human body as a whole. The composition of sauerkraut contains a large amount of vitamins, including vitamin C. It is he who strengthens the human immune system, as a result of which the aging process slows down.

Sauerkraut contains vitamins such as U, K, B6, B2 and B1. Thanks to them, the stomach is also cured, and dysbacteriosis also disappears.

What else is sauerkraut good for? One of its components is iodine, which is so necessary for a person for his normal life. In addition, sauerkraut actively lowers blood sugar levels.

For preventive purposes, it will be enough to eat a small portion of this product as a side dish or salad. The main thing is to do this daily for two to three weeks.

Of course, not only sauerkraut has useful properties, but also the juice obtained as a result of its preparation. Nutritionists advise drinking it with a general deterioration in health.

All of the above speaks of Perhaps, already at this stage, no one doubts whether sauerkraut is useful at all.

However, this is not all. Such a product is an excellent tool in the fight against cholesterol. And if you regularly eat sauerkraut, then the risk of cancer is reduced.

Its brine is very useful for cardiovascular diseases and pathologies that occur in the intestines. The fiber contained in the product enhances the body's production of gastric juice.

In continuation of our conversation, we will talk about how sauerkraut is also useful. It contains quite a lot of lactic acid, thanks to which the beneficial bacteria that inhabit it survive in the intestines. It is they who play the main role in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. In this regard, regular consumption of sauerkraut in food can reduce the risk of infection with E. coli.

Based on the foregoing, there is no longer any doubt that sauerkraut has beneficial properties. And not everything has been told here. In folk medicine, it is widely used to treat diseases such as bronchial asthma and SARS. It is used for epilepsy. And it's all sauerkraut. How useful it is, it is already clear to everyone.

And, of course, do not forget about the pleasant taste of this widespread dish. Despite all the variety that can be found on the shelves of our supermarkets today, sauerkraut is still a great success. And how many recipes for preparing this dish have been known since ancient times! Let's still not give up such a healthy product and try to eat it as often as possible. This will not only bring joy to our stomach, but will save the body from a number of pathologies.

Fermentation - preservation, the basis of which is the fermentation of vegetables. Preservation occurs with the help of lactic acid, which is produced by lactic acid bacteria. It is unlikely that our distant ancestors knew about this. But every autumn, starting from mid-October, both in the old days and in our days, everyone sauerkraut. There is even a day on the calendar - Sergey kapustnik, falls on the eighth of October.

There are a large number of sauerkraut recipes, the taste of sauerkraut is different for each housewife, but the beneficial properties are the same. Properly fermented cabbage is well stored from autumn to spring, and if the cellar is cold, then until summer. To obtain different tastes, different vegetables and fruits are added to it: apples, cranberries, carrots, beets. Dry spices: dill seed, cumin also add their own notes to the taste of ready-made cabbage.

Cooking sauerkraut is not difficult. The taste will depend to a greater extent on the variety of white cabbage. It is better to use late varieties suitable for salting.

For two or three heads of medium size, you will need three carrots, coarse salt, not iodized. Chop cabbage, grate carrots, salt to taste and grind everything well in a basin. Put in a saucepan, press down with oppression. After a few days, the fermentation process will begin in the cabbage, it will need to be pierced, opened for ventilation. When the gurgling in the cabbage stops, the juice will become transparent, it is ready for use. And in this article we will consider

Compound

The benefits of any product are determined by its composition, cabbage contains:

Vitamins.
Bioflavonoids.
A nicotinic acid.
Methylomethonine.
Complex carbohydrates.

Cabbage is rich in vitamins, most of all it contains vitamin C. The human body does not produce it, so the vitamin must come from consumed foods. It affects the state of the cardiovascular system, the normal functioning of the liver, blood production, and the state of the immune system.

For good absorption of vitamin C, bioflavonoids are required. In cabbage, they are represented in sufficient quantities by vitamin P. Thanks to bioflavonoids, the process of assimilation of oxygen by human tissues is underway.

It is enough to add 100 gm of sauerkraut in the form of a salad for lunch or dinner, and a person will be provided with vitamins C, P for the whole day.

Sauerkraut, its juice, sources of vitamins: A, E, H, K, nicotinic acid, methylomethionine. Methylomethionine - vitamin U, protector of the gastric mucosa.

Starch, fiber, pectins, organic acids are complex carbohydrates found in sauerkraut. They contribute to normal digestion, the removal of toxins, and can serve as protection against the occurrence of malignant neoplasms.

Useful properties of sauerkraut

There are a number of useful qualities of cabbage that have a good effect on the organs of the human body, such as:

Digestion.
Heart, vessels.
endocrine system.
Immune system.
nervous system.

Digestion

The main organs that perform the functions of digestion in the body:

Stomach
Intestines

The use of sauerkraut has a slight laxative effect, promotes the development of beneficial intestinal microflora, and causes appetite. It is recommended to include it in the diet for people with a diagnosis of gastritis with low acidity, hemorrhoids, chronic constipation.

The effect of sauerkraut on the heart, blood vessels

Sauerkraut is a good prophylactic against diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The high fiber content contributes to the removal of bad cholesterol, and this leads to the health of blood vessels. Reduces the likelihood of atherosclerosis.

Diseases of the endocrine system

A common disease is diabetes mellitus. People with such diseases are forced to adhere to a diet. Sauerkraut is allowed to be included in their diet. The main preservative in fermentation is lactic acid. It works well on the pancreas. Sauerkraut, having a low calorie content, reduces the feeling of hunger for a long time. This helps to normalize weight, which is important for patients with diabetes.

Strengthening the immune system

Eating cabbage, vitamins included in it, strengthen the immune system. There is a chance not to get SARS. Unlucky, sick, cabbage can act as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent. Juice diluted with water is a good gargle for a sore throat.

Nervous system

If you regularly use sauerkraut, the body will receive vitamins of group B in sufficient quantities. The body can more easily tolerate excessive emotional stress and stress. Frequent headache, insomnia, poor memory are a sign of a lack of these vitamins. Eating cabbage will help get rid of them.

Sauerkraut treatment

Some diseases can be treated with sauerkraut and its juice.

Treatment of bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma can be: hereditary, allergic, infectious. Symptoms: cough, heavy breathing, frequent suffocation. Explained by bronchial spasms.

Folk recipe for the treatment of bronchial asthma: daily norm of half a kilogram of sauerkraut, chopped onion head, small size, garlic clove.

Treatment of hemorrhoids

A sedentary lifestyle leads to stagnation in the pelvic organs, frequent constipation. The consequence of this is pathological changes in the rectum, the appearance of hemorrhoids. You can relieve inflammation, reduce pain, if you apply a medical napkin soaked in sauerkraut juice. In addition, drink a glass of brine. One in the morning, the other in the evening.

Sexual dysfunction

If from the transferred stress, taking antibiotics, frequent alcohol consumption, a man has problems in the sexual sphere. Sauerkraut may help. It is necessary to eat about 300 gm daily.

Stones in the gallbladder

In case of metabolic disorders, malnutrition, the presence of chronic diseases, stones can form in the gallbladder, bile ducts. To alleviate the condition, you can drink half a glass of sauerkraut juice before each meal.

Avitaminosis

In the absence of good nutrition, beriberi can develop. Its symptoms:

Headache
The gums are bleeding
Non-healing cracked lips
Frequent SARS

From bleeding helps rinsing with brine, prolonged chewing of cabbage. To replenish the missing vitamins, eat freshly prepared salads with sauerkraut every day. Before eating, drink half a glass of brine.

Get rid of worms

The presence of worms in the human body leads to weight loss, the appearance of excessive irritability, frequent dizziness. Sauerkraut will help to bring them out, you need to eat it at least 200 gm, and separately from other food.

Benefits of sauerkraut juice

All the beneficial substances present in cabbage are also in its juice, only in greater concentrations. You can get more juice by chopping cabbage and then squeezing it.

Benefits for Women

Any woman can use cabbage for cosmetic purposes. Cabbage will help lighten the skin, get rid of age spots on the hands, face.

Making a mask out of it is not difficult.. Grind the cabbage very finely, keep it on your face for about 12 minutes. Cleanse face, rinse with warm water. This procedure tones, reduces wrinkles, slightly brightens the skin.

Having oily skin use a slightly different recipe with the addition of protein and starch. The essence is the same. Keep for 10 minutes, then rinse. Oily sheen will decrease, pores will narrow.

Dry skin mask will help: 2 tbsp. l. chopped sauerkraut mixed with one yolk, 1 tsp. sunflower oil. Keep the mixture for 12 minutes. Rinse with warm water only. To eliminate the feeling of tightness of the skin, apply a face cream.

Hair health

A mask is useful for hair roots: brine one part, honey one part, mix well. Rub into hair roots, wash off after half an hour. For the best effect, put on a shower cap, wrap your head with a towel.

Benefits for men

Men should eat sauerkraut. It will only bring benefits. Physical and mental activity will increase. A small amount of calories will eliminate the possibility of obesity. Good bowel function will prevent the development of hemorrhoids.

For weight loss

For people involved in weight loss, the properties of sauerkraut will come in handy. Its ability to speed up metabolism, improve bowel function, leads to weight loss. There are few calories in cabbage. You can not limit its quantity. It is digested for a long time, so the feeling of satiety does not disappear for a long time.

You do not need to go on a complex diet, it is enough to exclude starchy foods and sweets from the diet. There are salads with sauerkraut. The weight will gradually go away. Juice can also be used for weight loss. Drink a quarter cup before meals.

Contraindications, possible harm

Juice and cabbage are forbidden to be used by people who are in the acute stage of diseases:

gastritis
Peptic ulcer of the stomach
Kidney
The gallbladder and its ducts.
pancreatitis.

There are diseases in the presence of which, doctors do not recommend the use of sauerkraut and its juice, this is with such diseases as:

Excess flatulence
Gastritis with high acidity.
Hypertension.
Heart disease causing edema.

Not always the acids and salts contained in sauerkraut and juice can be beneficial. Even a healthy person should assess his well-being, moderately eat any food. To soften the action of acids, cabbage should be seasoned with sunflower oil, squeezed out the brine.

Video recipe for sauerkraut - simple and healthy

Regularly, eating sauerkraut in reasonable amounts, you can prevent the occurrence of diseases caused by a lack of vitamins.