Many people eat sauerkraut now and then because it tastes good. But did you know sauerkraut is also really good for your health? It's a great source of probiotic bacteria, which can help with digestion and enhance your immune system. It's also a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and manganese. On the surface, eating sauerkraut for its health benefits is simple. You dig in and enjoy it. However, there are a few tips you may want to follow to maximize this experience.

Eat a little every day

Rather than just eating a large helping of sauerkraut once a week, aim to eat a little of it most days. Just a tablespoon or two is enough to give you lots of healthy, probiotic bacteria along with all the other nutrients sauerkraut contains. If you eat too much at once, you may overwhelm your intestines with the sudden influx of all the healthy bacteria, which could cause some cramping and diarrhea. By eating a little each day, you let your gut biome build up slowly but surely, which leads to better digestion over time.

Look for a low-sodium version

Many versions of sauerkraut are a bit high in sodium. This may not make too much of a difference for people who just eat sauerkraut here and there, but for people who consume it regularly, the salt can add up. So, look for a product that is advertised as being low-sodium. There are a few brands that make a low-sodium version. They tend to have just as much flavor as the full-salt sauerkraut but maybe a bit more spiciness and a little less saltiness.

Experiment with different ways of using it

If you eat sauerkraut the same way every day, you'll soon tire of it, and then you'll stop eating it for its health benefits. So, from the very beginning, make sure you get creative with your sauerkraut use. Here are some fun ideas to keep things interesting:

• Put some in a grilled cheese sandwich
• Add it to a salad
• Use it as a chip dip — like salsa
• Add it to an omelet or scrambled eggs
• Top your avocado toast
• Put a scoop in your stir fry

Sauerkraut has a lot of health benefits, and the best way to access those benefits is to eat sauerkraut often. Follow the tips above, and that will feel like fun, rather than like a burden.

Contact a company like Fermentools to learn more about sauerkraut.