Sauerkraut is Good for the Soul…and lots of other benefits…

In a book I recently read called, Just One Thing by Dr. Michael Mosley, he writes about a whole bunch of “just one things” that you can do to improve your physical and mental health. His guiding words are to – make it simple – be realistic – create a trigger that helps you form a habit – know why you are doing it – stick with it for at least a month – try to displace bad habits with good habits – try to do it daily (consistency and frequency) – involve a friend or loved one – be kind to yourself and keep a record.

He talks about everything from singing and dancing and playing video games to exercise and drinking coffee…but, the one thing that he advises is to eat sauerkraut or other fermented foods, like kimchi or kefir. He eats sauerkraut with an egg for breakfast so, I have decided to make some sauerkraut and eat it with an egg for breakfast every day for at least a month.

The recipe is included in the book but, I am sharing it here…
200 g of beetroot (grated)
1 kg of cabbage (I used green but, you can use purple) (finely sliced)
1/2 small apple (peeled, cored and finely chopped)
1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
I teaspoon of coriander seeds
2 tablespoons crystal sea salt
1 Liter glass jar with a secure lid
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and massage vigorously to soften the cabbage as the salt draws out the fluid. Cram the mixture in the jar, including the juices. Leave about 2 cm space at the top of the mixture for bubble and fizz. The veg should sit just below the level of juice (if you need to, add a little filtered water). Close the lid and leave the jar at room temperature, open it daily and press down the bubbles for about a week. Taste it occasionally. If it is not ready, keep going for 10 days or so (the longer you leave it, the more sour it becomes. When ready, you can store it in the fridge for several months. It should smell sweet and tangy.

Dr. Mosley talks about the recent research into gut microbiome and the link between the gut and the brain. Research says that it is probably the anti – inflammatory powers of microbes in your gut that have a positive effect on mental health. Adopting a whole food diet and avoiding foods that have a toxic effect on your gut (processed food, salt, sugar, etc.) and then layering the fermented foods on top to support gut and brain health.

So, try some fermented food…for your health.