Sauerkraut is not only a valuable culinary delight - brine from it has been widely used in alternative medicine and home cosmetology. What is useful and whether the juice of sauerkraut can be harmful to the body, read below.
Energy value and calorie content
100 g of pickled cabbage brine contains 18.5 kcal, which accounts for:
- proteins - 0.9 g;
- fats - 0.1;
- carbohydrates - 3.6 g;
- dietary fiber - 2 g;
- water - 89 g.
Biochemical composition
The use of pickled cabbage brine is due to its biochemical composition. Its basis is a saline solution, which during the fermentation process is enriched with lactobacilli and enzymes contained in spices added to products at the time of preparation, and in cabbage itself.
The biochemical composition of sauerkraut juice:
- protein group of elements;
- retinol acetate;
- antioxidants;
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- fluorine;
- chromium;
- lithium;
- vanadium;
- rubidium;
- iodine;
- nickel;
- molybdenum;
- boron;
- iron and others
Important! If mold appeared in the brine, then it is strictly forbidden to use it and the cabbage itself.
Useful properties for the human body
The high content of antioxidants helps to restore the protective functions of the body. Thanks to vitamin A (retinol acetate), the ability of the skin to regenerate increases. A wide protein complex improves the central nervous system and helps stimulate the formation of muscle fibers.
Lactobacilli present in the composition of the product in question are natural probiotics that can restore and improve the functionality of the digestive tract.
Lactic acid effectively inhibits the development of pathogenic microflora in the intestine and contributes to the gentle removal of toxins from the body. A rich vitamin complex and a wide range of trace elements help maintain the proper functioning of the endocrine system, which has a beneficial effect on sexual functions.
Harm and contraindications
Before you start using the brine for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, it is worth examining the information about whether it will be equally useful to everyone.
- With all its beneficial effect, the described product has an increased level of acidity, therefore it is contraindicated in:
- gastritis;
- pancreatitis;
- peptic ulcer diseases;
- enterocolitis;
- cholecystitis;
- lactation;
- renal failure.
For children under 5 years old, sauerkraut juice is contraindicated. Excessive consumption of brine can lead to a delay in salt in the body and will provoke the appearance of swelling. Gastrointestinal disorders in the form of vomiting, diarrhea are also possible.
Did you know? For a long time, sauerkraut was practically the only salvation of travelers from scurvy.
Scope of application
The concentrate is widely used in:
- treatment of various ailments;
- cooking culinary delights;
- cosmetology;
- weight loss diets.
In folk medicine
- Sauerkraut juice is actively used as an addition to the main treatment of the following ailments:
- hemorrhoids in the initial stages - as a wound healing and restorative agent;
- diabetes mellitus - in order to restore salt balance and reduce blood glucose;
- hepatitis A and B;
- decreased potency;
- neurosis;
- gout;
- constipation
- ARVI - as an immunostimulating agent;
- intoxication, accompanied by dehydration.
In cooking
The concentrate can be used to make various sauces and marinades. They go well with meat and fish dishes.
Important! In a diet, the intake of brine should be carried out in a strictly dosed amount and over time. When it is absorbed at night, the load on the kidneys increases, as a result - morning swelling and weight gain appear.
In cosmetology
For cosmetic purposes, the products in question are used as part of:
- strengthening and regenerating hair masks;
- funds to eliminate acne on the face;
- whitening face masks;
- cosmetic ice for the face;
- restorative compositions for the skin of hands and body, including in the presence of mechanical damage.
For weight loss
In diets aimed at losing weight, the concentrate is used as an element that provides a feeling of satiety. The human body spends more calories on its processing than it consumes during its absorption. The main advantage of use is the ability to use juice for 2 months without a break and harm to health.
How to drink sauerkraut juice
To get the maximum positive effect, the concentrate is diluted with water 1: 3 before use. Drink no more than 50 ml at a time. Take it in the intervals between meals - 1 hour after and 2 hours before the main meal. It is permissible to drink no more than 500-800 ml per day, depending on body weight.
Storage Features
Conditions for preserving products:
- air temperature +2 ... + 5 ° С;
- humidity 60–70%;
- lack of direct sunlight.
Dosed use of pickled cabbage brine allows you to optimize the work of all systems of human organs. It has special value as a product that complements the diet of overweight people. The main advantage is the possibility of long-term use of the concentrate.
