Sauerkraut is a delicious condiment or side dish (or simply by itself!) and carries with it many health benefits. When paired with caraway seeds, the health boosting nature of sauerkraut increases even more. In this article, we learn about the various benefits of caraway seeds (such as an abundance of minerals and vitamins and its ability to soothe the digestive system), and how adding them to sauerkraut not only makes sauerkraut even healthier, but also tastier!
“I have been making plain sauerkraut for some time now, but just started experimenting with flavored krauts in the past year. I recently decided to try caraway kraut because I’ve heard it tastes good and offers some health benefits as well.
What Is Caraway?
Caraway seeds are grown throughout Europe and Asia and have similar properties to other spices and herbs such as anise, fennel and valerian. The “seed” is actually the fruit! It is used to flavor breads, alcohol, cake, cheese, soup, fruit, dips and of course cabbage.
A curious superstition was held in olden times about the Caraway. It was deemed to confer the gift of retention, preventing the theft of any object which contained it, and holding the thief in custody within the invaded house. In like manner it was thought to keep lovers from proving fickle (forming an ingredient of love potions), and also to prevent fowls and pigeons from straying. It is an undoubted fact that tame pigeons, who are particularly fond of the seeds, will never stray if they are given a piece of baked Caraway dough in their cote. – Mrs. M. Grieve (Source 1)
What Are The Benefits of Caraway Seeds?
Caraway seeds have carminative properties–it helps to relieve gas by preventing its formation or helping to expel it. They are very soothing to the gastrointestinal tract and so helps with digestive issues such as stomachaches/indigestion. It has been used to sooth colic, earaches, and can help heal bruises when powdered and made into a poultice.
It is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorous and potassium. It also contains a variety of vitamins including Vitamin C.
The seeds are also helpful for high blood pressure, cholesterol, gall bladder and kidney issues.The oil in caraway seeds is antihelmintic and antiseptic, so they effectively expel worms and infections from the body. It is useful for women trying to increase lactation or jump-start their periods, as well.”
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