Calorie content of sauerkraut – 19 kcal Proteins: 1.8 g Fats: 0.1 g Carbohydrates: 4.4 g Sauerkraut, the calorie content of which is even lower than fresh white cabbage (19 kcal versus 27), is a traditional Slavic dish. However, there is a variation of it in other national cuisines. Sauerkraut does not require the addition of a large amount of salt, so it has a lot of useful substances. After salting (25 g per 1 kg of cabbage), it is kept for 1-2 days, as a result of which the process of lactic acid fermentation occurs in the cabbage. In more detail, lactic, as well as malic and acetic acids are formed from carbohydrates and fiber under the action of bacteria. Thanks to them, cabbage is stored for a long time (they have a preservative effect), and also becomes more useful than fresh. To make sauerkraut the way it should be, you need to use late varieties of cabbage, as they contain more carbohydrates and fiber. If the cabbage is plucked in the cold, it will be better stored. Useful properties of sauerkraut Sauerkraut has a rich composition. Most of all it contains vitamin U, tartronic and folic acid. There is a lot of vitamin C in such cabbage, which is contained in it in two forms – ascorbic acid and ascorbinogen. Cabbage is also rich in vitamin K, inositol, choline. There is a lot of potassium in sauerkraut (185 mg per 100 g), in sufficient quantities – potassium, iron, zinc. Doctors and scientists recognize that sauerkraut is unique. It contains natural prebiotics and probiotics that improve the functioning of the intestines, contributing to the formation of healthy microflora in it. The inclusion of sauerkraut in the diet improves digestion, prevents constipation, and treats dysbacteriosis. Lactic and acetic acids, contained in large quantities in cabbage, inhibits the growth of putrefactive bacteria, healing the intestines. The use of sauerkraut has a beneficial effect on the condition of the teeth and gums, gives an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Sauerkraut is prescribed for people with weakened immune systems, this product is useful during seasonal colds and viruses. Some scientists claim that regular consumption of sauerkraut prevents colon, liver, lung and breast cancer. Sauerkraut is definitely useful for obesity and diabetes. Considering how much in sauerkraut calories (19 kcal per 100 g), it is often included in therapeutic diets, as well as diets for weight loss. But that’s not all: the properties of vegetables that are in sauerkraut (and most often it is carrots), but are simply preserved, but also enhanced. Carrots retain carotene, apples retain carotene and vitamin P, lingonberries and cranberries retain benzoic acid. Pepper, cumin, bay leaf added to cabbage will enrich the properties of this amazing product with essential oils and phytoncides, which also have a positive effect on the digestive system. Sauerkraut in the diet For those who lose weight, who are aware of the low calorie content of sauerkraut, there is a great temptation to arrange a mono-diet in order to quickly and effectively lose weight. However, nutritionists do not advise doing this: such a diet will not become a panacea, after it you will definitely get better, and long exhaustion by hunger will turn out to be a useless exercise. And also a diet on such cabbage will inevitably lead to health problems, to diseases of the stomach and pancreas. How, then, to effectively use this miracle product in the diet? Eat cabbage with carbohydrates, healthy proteins and fats. In other words, stick to a balanced and varied diet. Add sunflower oil to cabbage (you can find out the calorie content of sauerkraut with butter if you use the food calorie table), other vegetables, onions, herbs, and also use it as a salad, and not the main and only dish.