Sauerkraut, or "sour cabbage" in German, has been beloved for centuries, not only as a tangy accompaniment for a Reuben sandwich or bratwurst, but also for its health benefits. It is a solid source of fiber, vitamins C, K, and B6, has under 30 calories per cup, and like other pickled and fermented products, has plenty of beneficial bacteria.

Our guts contain many types of bacteria, which aid in everything from digestive health and nutrient absorption to immune system function and brain health. Just one serving of sauerkraut may contain up to 28 different strains of these beneficial bacteria, according to a 2003 study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

If you have an imbalance in your gut and need to eat more probiotics, incorporating sauerkraut into meals is a great step, but only if you eat the kind with live bacteria, meaning sauerkraut that is refrigerated (not canned) and free of pasteurization and preservatives. This fermented cabbage may also have anti-carcinogenic properties.