What is useful sauerkraut for the human body

Cabbage was called second bread along with potatoes. She was present on the table all year in any form. Its useful qualities are widely used in cosmetology and traditional medicine, and a festive dinner is unlikely to do without sauerkraut, especially in the winter, when you really want something sour on the background of fresh products.

The composition and useful properties of cabbage

As an agricultural crop, it has been known for a long time, it is grown on an industrial scale and in a personal garden. Many varieties open up a wide selection; when planting, large species with high resistance to diseases and pests are preferred. There are a lot of people who want to enjoy it right on the bed: aphids, slugs, caterpillars of cabbage white. It is as if they sense the benefits of cabbage and try to be in time before the owner.

The use of cabbage is very wide, therefore varieties of different maturity are grown. For winter stocks, late varieties with dense upper leaves of dark green color are used. For the first fresh cabbage salad, early varieties are planted. For the preparation of sauerkraut, large heads of medium-term ripening with juicy leaves of varieties are best suited:

• Glory;
• Belarusian;
• Present;
• Hope;
• Moscow late;
• Atria
• A miracle of salting;
• Sauer.

It doesn’t matter whether a variety or hybrid is selected for fermentation, this factor will not affect the taste and storage of the product. Every year new species appear, but most often time-tested names are taken for cooking. They have common characteristics in terms of composition and effects on the body. In the cabbage leaf there are:

• organic acids;
• vitamins A, C, E, K, PP, including group B;
• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• zinc;
• silicon;
• chlorine;
• calcium;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• chromium;
• manganese;
• iodine;
• selenium;
• fluorine;
• copper;
• cobalt;
• ash;
• starch;
• arginine;
• alanine;
• glycine;
• Omega 3.6 fatty acids.

A long list can be supplemented, but it is also clear that most substances necessary for an active, full life are contained in cabbage. The uniqueness of the pickled product lies in the fact that under the influence of lactic acid, which provides fermentation, special compounds are formed that have a therapeutic and prophylactic effect on the body.

Important: only in sauerkraut, the rapidly disintegrating vitamin C is able to maintain its properties for up to 2 days.

The most famous action is the prevention of colds during seasonal epidemics of SARS and influenza. In addition, fixed benefits for other body systems.

1. The digestive system needs regular cleaning. Dietary fiber of cabbage provides gentle removal of congestion, stimulates intestinal motility, normalizes microflora, restoring its viability after a course of antibiotic treatment. On people prone to constipation, it acts laxatively, reduces acidity, which leads to increased immunity.
2. A weak cardiovascular system requires the maintenance of a certain level of cholesterol. This helps fiber, which removes bile acids, excess cholesterol, which improves the absorption of nutrients.
3. The nervous system reacts sensitively to a lack of B vitamins, irritability, emotional lability, unmotivated anxiety, which develops into neurosis and panic attacks, increase.The regular use of sauerkraut compensates for the deficiency of elements, restoring emotional balance, increasing resistance to stress, normalizing sleep, giving energy, relieving depressive states.
4. In case of malfunctions of the endocrine system, it is important to stabilize the pancreas, which provides lactic acid contained in sauerkraut and its brine. For those diagnosed with diabetes, sauerkraut in the diet will be a way to normalize the state and level of blood sugar.
5. Support for the immune system is due to vitamin C, along with lemon and currants, cabbage is able to provide it in the required volume.

The content of folic acid in cabbage guarantees accelerated regeneration, and a large percentage of the remaining B vitamins helps the intestines work, helping to fully digest food, including fatty meat and smoked delicacies without any special consequences. Sauerkraut is often used as an independent dish or as a side dish when a festive feast is planned.

For pregnant women, the product is necessary at any time, it removes the symptoms of toxicosis, helps to normalize the digestive tract, increases strength and strengthens the immune system.

Please note: since fermentation is a natural way, you can not be afraid of allergic reactions.

Sauerkraut occupies an honorable place in the diet. Its calorie content is low, 23 kcal. per 100 g, but due to the presence of coarse fibers, it creates a feeling of satiety, without overloading the body. Saturation with useful substances allows you to make up for their deficiency in diets aimed at weight correction.

For men, the value of the product is to increase mental and physical activity, maintain vitality and resistance to colds.

Enzymes and acids in the product have an anthelmintic effect, cleanse the body of parasites and neutralize the results of their activities. Another important feature of sauerkraut is the ability to restrain cell degeneration, which reduces the risk of cancer. It is indispensable for vitamin deficiency and anemia.

Limitations and Potential Harm

Sauerkraut has some features that even big fans of this product need to consider. It is not recommended to include cabbage in the diet for exacerbation of kidney disease, inflammation of the gallbladder, pancreatitis. The sour taste of cabbage stimulates appetite, which can lead to weight gain during uncontrolled eating. For those who suffer from increased gas formation, cabbage can enhance the process, it can be eaten, but in small quantities. It is necessary to exclude it from the menu with increased acidity of the gastric eye and during breastfeeding.

In preparing the product, salt is used. In excess, it can cause swelling, worsening of the joints, sudden pressure surges. But if you include small amounts of cabbage in the diet 2 to 4 times a week, then it will only benefit. The best indicator will be well-being, which will suggest the optimal dosage.

Cosmetology and sauerkraut

Its whitening properties have been known for a long time, it also regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, cleans and tightens the pores of the skin, relieves inflammatory processes, accelerates cell regeneration, improves complexion, giving the skin velvety, brightens age spots. On the basis of juice make moisturizing, nourishing, brightening face masks. An excellent nourishing and healing effect is exerted by cabbage on the hair, restoring their structure and giving them silkiness and shine.

Warm brine is used for hand care, the procedure takes 20 minutes. Hands should be immersed in a shallow container and lightly massaged in a circle, gently rubbing the liquid into the nail plates.After this, rinse the skin with water and apply a nutritious cream.

Rules for preparation and storage

In the classic recipe there are:

• cabbage;
• carrot;
• salt.

In the old days, there were many recipes, each mistress had her own, family, they approached the matter creatively. Cabbage was fermented in barrels and apples, cranberries, lingonberries, plums, mountain ash, horseradish, watermelons were added to it. In different countries they also love this dish and use caraway seeds, bell pepper, currant leaf, juniper berries for pickling.

The use of sauerkraut is great, it deservedly enjoys love and respect, brings health and good mood.

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