Sauerkraut, which translates to "sour cabbage," is a traditional German food. Sauerkraut is made by fermenting cabbage with salt and spices. The finished product is a good source of vitamin C and B vitamins, but also contains a large amount of sodium. If you enjoy the taste of sauerkraut on bratwurst or sandwiches, learning more about the nutritional information may help you make healthier eating choices.
Sodium
Consuming too much sodium can lead to a variety of health problems. In the short term, you may become uncomfortably bloated because your body is retaining water. In the long term, you may be more likely to develop chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney problems. High salt intake may also contribute to high blood pressure.
Intake
If you are otherwise healthy, your upper limit for sodium intake is 2,300 mg per day. If you already have high blood pressure, your upper limit for sodium intake is 1,500 mg per day. Reducing your total daily sodium intake may help you improve your heart and kidney health, but it may also help prevent medical conditions later in life. Processed and packaged foods, including sauerkraut, add significant amounts of salt. Limit your intake of these types of food to help get you started toward reducing your sodium intake.
Sauerkraut
A serving of sauerkraut is 1 cup, and this amount contains a significant amount of sodium. You consume 939 mg of sodium for each cup of sauerkraut you eat, which is close to half of your daily sodium limit. Certain brands of sauerkraut offer reduced- or low-sodium versions, which can cut the sodium content to 437 mg per 1-cup serving, but this is still a significant amount of salt for the small amount of food you are eating.
Tips
Opt for reduced- or low-sodium versions of sauerkraut when possible to help reduce the amount you consume at one meal. Cut the amount of sauerkraut you use in half to reduce your sodium intake even further. Use fresh cabbage instead of sauerkraut to increase the nutritional value while also reducing the sodium content. Saute shredded cabbage with olive oil and garlic powder to top your hot dogs or bratwurst. Roast a chopped head of cabbage with minced onions and a drizzle of olive oil for an alternative way to do without the large amount of sodium.
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