"Sauerkraut" is a German word that means sour cabbage. Sauerkraut is finely shredded cabbage that has undergone a process of fermentation by various lactic acid bacteria, such as pediococcus, leuconostoc and lactobacillus. A four-day diet that features sauerkraut purports to help you lose up to six pounds in four days while realizing the health benefits of this cabbage. Clinical research, however, as not confirmed the safety or effectiveness of the sauerkraut diet. As with any diet, you should check with your doctor prior to starting the sauerkraut diet.
Day 1
Breakfast on the first day of the sauerkraut diet consists of 175 g. of non-fat cottage cheese and one slice of whole-grain bread. For lunch on the first day of the sauerkraut diet, you will eat 200 g. of sauerkraut with 100 g. of pork and 1 pear. Dinner features 150 g. of sauerkraut, 4 and 1/2 radishes and a half of a cucumber.
Day 2
On day two of the sauerkraut diet, you will eat 1 banana and 150 ml. of non-fat yogurt sprinkled with 1 tbsp. of ground oatmeal for breakfast. For lunch on the second day of the diet, you will eat soup made with 200 g. of sauerkraut, 100 ml. of broth, 50 ml. of apple juice and 2 sweet red peppers. Dinner on day two of the sauerkraut diet features 200 g. of sauerkraut and 150 g. of fried salmon fillet sprinkled with lemon juice.
Days 3 and 4
Days three and four of the sauerkraut diet require you to eat 1 orange and 150 g. of cottage cheese sprinkled with sunflower seeds for breakfast. Lunch features 150 g. of fried fish and 150 g. of sauerkraut. For dinner on days three and four you should eat a 3 potatoes, 100 g. of sauerkraut and 4 grapes.
Alleged Benefits
According to "Truly Cultured: Rejuvenating Taste, Health and Community with Naturally Fermented Foods," sauerkraut boosts your immune system by providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. An enhanced immune system can help you fight common colds and weight gain. Further, the book states that the fermentation process used to produce sauerkraut yields cancer-fighting substances such as isothiocyanates. Additionally, the bacteria in sauerkraut can help you maintain the bacteria in your gastrointestinal balance. This balance increases your healthy flora, helps you to digest lactose, neutralizes phytic acid and naturally generates omega-3 fatty acids.
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