Sauerkraut and Kielbasa ~ How Brainy

Sauerkraut offers a spectrum of health benefits...

Mainstream health experts began to pay renewed attention to sauerkraut after a study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2002. Finnish researchers reported that in laboratory studies,a substance produced by fermented cabbage, isothiocyanates, helped prevent the growth of cancer.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033659_sauerkraut_health_benefits.html#ixzz3S7IXa4mZ

Before extolling all the health benefits that are found in sauerkraut, let me begin this post by reminding you that being the Brainy Gourmet is not about being a 'gourmet' as in a food artist. The Brainy Gourmet is about being frugal and wise about food; not just about food design and display.

Of course, the presentation of food is important; especially when it comes to serving simple food as it can be made to look even glamorous which can and does give an extra sense of appreciation to those that we are cooking for ~ family and friends.

A jar of homemade sauerkraut or store bought and a few links of kielbasa is a simple meal with simple health benefits.  What is so good about sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut delivers some solid health benefits, including providing fiber and a significant amount of vitamins C and K. It also boosts your energy and immune system with iron. In spite of the positives, you should limit the amount you eat. Since it’s fermented with salt, sauerkraut is high in sodium. One cup contains 39 percent of your recommended daily intake. You can cut sodium in half by buying low-sodium brands.s cabbage ferments to produce sauerkraut, it produces a diverse population of live bacteria. These probiotics replenish the good bacteria in your gut and help inhibit the growth of bad bacteria. They may also boost your immune system, synthesize B vitamins and relieve diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics. However, heat kills live bacteria. If you cook it or buy pasteurized sauerkraut, you won't benefit from probiotics. Look for fresh sauerkraut or brands that add live bacteria back to the product after pasteurization.

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/374784-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-sauerkraut/  and also check out * http://www.easy-immune-health.com/benefits-of-sauerkraut.html