Consuming probiotic-rich or fermented foods like real sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt is becoming an increasingly popular trend, and for good reason.
Fermentation is actually a sort of pre-digestion that takes place when naturally present bacteria, usually of the lactobaccillus or bifidus strains, begin breaking down the sugars and starches in the food.
These probiotics are good bacteria for the gut, known to aid digestion, improve the health of our intestinal tract, and boost our immune function.
Fermentation is a brilliant form of preservation because it doesn’t require any of the many chemical preservatives widely used today. One of my favorite fermented foods is sauerkraut, not the pickled type with vinegar but the old-world recipe that includes only cabbage, water and salt. You’ll find it in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
Here’s why a quality sausage like McLean’s Turkey Kielbasa, when eaten with sauerkraut, is the perfect meal: the combo is packed with protein and probiotics, and is super low in calories and carbs. A grilled sausage combined with a touch of Dijon and a scoop of sauerkraut fills the mouth with juicy, crunchy, savory bliss.
One portion of McLean Meats Turkey Kielbasa is a total of 80 calories with 13 grams of protein and only 3 grams of fat. Even if you ate the entire Kielbasa, which would be hard to do, you would only consume 400 calories. And here’s the beautiful thing about sauerkraut: old-fashioned sauerkraut is fat free and has just 5 calories per quarter cup serving. In addition, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and brussel sprouts are known to reduce the risk of cancer of the colon. So when you need a quick healthy meal that is satiating and filling, try sausage and sauerkraut, but be sure to choose a preservative free quality sausage and real fermented sauerkraut that requires refrigeration.
