As a fermented form of cabbage, sauerkraut provides the body with some pretty amazing health benefits. It's packed with healing probiotics that are linked to a strengthened immune system and improved digestion. Sauerkraut health benefits also include the ability to reduce allergies, fight inflammation, support cognitive health and provide the body with plenty of cancer-fighting antioxidants.
Sauerkraut Health Benefits
1. Provides the Body With Probiotics
Sauerkraut health benefits include the ability to provide the body with healing probiotics. The beneficial bacteria present in sauerkraut helps feed the good bacteria in the gut, to improve digestive health. Probiotics help fight inflammation, rid the body of toxins and reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the gut. Sauerkraut health benefits include the ability to reduce digestive problems, including
irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, bloating and
constipation. (
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2. Improves Immune Function
Sauerkraut health benefits include the ability to improve immune function. The probiotics in sauerkraut help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from harmful bacteria. Research has shown that probiotics are effective against diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases, constipation and even cancer. (
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3. Reduces Allergies and Inflammation
Sauerkraut health benefits include the ability to reduce allergies and
fight inflammation. The beneficial probiotics in sauerkraut work to increase NK cells, which are responsible for controlling the body's inflammation pathways. Sauerkraut health benefits include the ability to lower the risk of chronic disease, from heart disease and cancer to
food allergies and sensitivities.
4. Supports Mood and Cognitive Health
Sauerkraut health benefits include the ability to stabilize mood and support cognitive health. Research has shown that gut health is directly linked to brain health. Mood can end up affecting digestion, the same way that digestive problems can affect mood, brain function and the nervous system. By improving gut health, sauerkraut health benefits include the ability to reduce symptoms of anxiety and even help improve
autism markers. Studies have shown that supplementing with probiotic foods like sauerkraut can help reduce symptoms of depression and lead to an improvement in mood. (
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5. Provides the Body With Cancer-Fighting Antioxidants
Sauerkraut heath benefits include the ability to provide the body with disease-fighting antioxidants. Like other
cruciferous vegetables, sauerkraut is known as a powerful
cancer-fighting food. It contains phytonutrients that have the ability to protect the body from cancerous cell formation. Sauerkraut health benefits also include the ability to lower inflammation and fight free radical damage to reduce the risk of cancer. Sauerkraut can be made from white cabbage,
red cabbage or green cabbage. Red cabbage in particular contains special antioxidant properties, known as anthocyanins. These phytonutrients are responsible for the dark color of
wine and blueberries. They have strong antioxidant properties that help protect the body from illness and disease, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive disorders and cancer.
