Yuk you say. I personally like sauerkraut with a little Thousand Island dressing and a Good All Beef hot dog. While I like Kombucha ok it is not the best tasting drink. Yet, I still wanted the benefits. So I decided to do some research and found Sauerkraut does you just as good! Most of the recipes are with green cabbage but, purple cabbage is fine too and that is what I had in my fridge so I decided to try my hand at making my own. I thought you too might like some of my findings on the health benefits of making your own Kraut.   Did you know, it supplies Probiotics that Help Improve Digestion. Microorganisms present in sauerkraut, including those of the lactobacillus bacteria genus, essentially “feed” the good bacteria in your gut, which improves digestive health. Research shows that within sauerkraut, lactobacillus plantarum is the predominant LAB bacteria strain that’s born during the fermentation phase. Sauerkraut Improves Immune Function. Although most people don’t realize it, the gut is your biggest immune system organ, and sauerkraut’s probiotics play a major role in regulating gut health. This is a big one for me as I have always had Allergies. It Reduces Inflammation and Allergies. Autoimmunity — one of the root causes of inflammation — is a state in which the body attacks its own tissues because it suspects that it’s being harmed by an outside “invader,” whether this is a food you’re sensitive or allergic to, toxins from household and beauty products, poor quality air and water, and so on.

Having mood swings or concerned with aging? Get this:  Sauerkraut protects Cognitive Health. It’s not hard to image how our brain and digestive systems are connected.  Did you know not only can your mood can affect your digestion, but it turns out that the health of your digestive system can also affect your nervous system, brain function and moods! Probiotics found in sauerkraut can help produce and release important digestive enzymes and digestive substances that collaborate with the chemicals in your brain. These include various nutrients like vitamins and minerals that are needed for proper neurotransmitter function and cognitive processes. Even if you don’t make your own Kraut, try adding it to your diet and check out how Your Body and moods respond.

And I will end with this one…it’s a biggee, for some of us at least: Sauerkraut is beneficial for Weight Loss or Maintenance. Until I went thru menopause I never even thought about gaining weight. Then ” the change”  sure did bring a change, for me an add’l 20 lbs and now I find it difficult to maintain the weight in which I feel my best. As you can see, the state of your gut health directly affects the way you think, feel, act and view the world! Because probiotics found in sauerkraut help regulate various hormonal functions, they can have a positive effect on your cravings and appetite control. Studies now even link intake of probiotic-rich foods with a lowered risk for obesity and easier weight loss.

Ok..if I have sold you on Sauerkraut and trying to make it yourself, step one is: Create an anaerobic environment in order for the lactic acid bacteria to proliferate and here is the site to help you do just that.   https://www.culturesforhealth.com/learn/recipe/natural-fermentation/sauerkraut/

I am on day 5 of mine fermenting.. I will keep you posted on how it turns out! And how my gut reacts. smile

Shalom!