The expert told about the benefits of sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is rightly considered a folk superfood. This product is not only easily available, but it can be prepared at home without much effort. Olga Shuppo, founder and scientific director of the Grand Clinic network of immunorehabilitation, adaptive and preventive medicine clinics, told Izvestia on December 13 about the benefits of sauerkraut.

"Sauerkraut is rich in vitamins C, B, K and U, probiotics, iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, magnesium, fiber. In terms of vitamin C content, it surpasses even lemons, which means it is indispensable during the peak of viral diseases," explained Shuppo.

According to her, it is only sauerkraut made through fermentation. During this process, microorganisms convert the sugars in the cabbage into lactic acid. It is through fermentation that the ideal conditions are created for the reproduction and growth of naturally occurring beneficial bacteria, which gives cabbage that characteristic sauerkraut flavor.

According to the expert, regular consumption of sauerkraut can contribute to the recovery of the body, as it is a fermented product, which is essential for restoring the function of the gastrointestinal tract and supporting the microbiota.

"Lactic acid bacteria grow and multiply well on cabbage juice, so sauerkraut promotes good absorption of beneficial bacteria, probiotics," the expert said.

In addition, a significant amount of fiber in cabbage contributes not only to the normalization of intestinal function, but also accelerates the assimilation of nutrients, and helps to eliminate toxins, endotoxins and radionuclides. The specialist notes that the high concentration of vitamin C in this product makes it useful for blood vessels and the immune system, while the lactic acid contained in cabbage helps regulate glucose levels, which is especially important for people with diabetes.

Tartronic acid, present in the vegetable, prevents the conversion of carbohydrates into fat, which aids in weight loss, and cabbage brine has long been considered an effective hangover cure due to the presence of succinic acid, which helps neutralize harmful acetaldehyde and its salts.

It is important to understand that you should introduce sauerkraut into the diet a little at a time because of the high content of bacteria and fiber, which can act as irritants to the mucosa of the digestive organs.

"In a number of diseases sauerkraut may even be contraindicated. For example, people with gastritis, ulcer, inflammation of the pancreas or gallbladder, liver disease, digestive disorders. <...> Because of the high salt content of sauerkraut should be avoided by people with heart disease, high blood pressure, because there is a risk of high blood pressure and edema, "- summarized Shuppo.

Earlier, on October 5, gastroenterologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor - expert laboratory "Hemotest" Ekaterina Kashukh told "Izvestia" about the benefits and harms of sauerkraut. According to her, sauerkraut has a lot of fiber and probiotics, their excess in the diet can lead to bloating and discomfort in the stomach. In addition, such cabbage is usually quite high in salt, which negatively affects blood pressure and contributes to edema.