Sauerkraut (Fermented Cabbage)

Sauerkraut is cabbage transformed by simple, natural fermentation: shredded cabbage and salt, left to bubble away as friendly bacteria turn it tangy and sour. Those same bacteria are the gift - a serving of raw, unpasteurized sauerkraut delivers living cultures along with fiberThe part of plant foods your body can't fully break down — it keeps digestion moving. More → and vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → C.

Those live cultures are why it has a place at the table for digestionHow your body breaks food down into pieces small enough to use for energy. More →. Folded into meals as a small, sharp side, sauerkraut helps feed a balanced gut, which in turn supports comfortable digestion, less bloating, and regular, easy bowel movements. A little goes a long way, both for flavor and for the gut.

Two simple points keep it wholesome: choose the raw, refrigerated kind, because the heat used to can shelf-stable kraut kills the very cultures you want, and keep portions modest, since it is salty and, until your gut adjusts, a large helping can cause gas. As a small daily relish, it is a delicious way to care for your insides.