Christmas market favourite that could help lower cholesterol

Christmas market staple could help lower your cholesterol, according to experts.

For countless years, fermentation has been a traditional method to keep food preserved, enhance its shelf life, and enrich its taste. Yet, many remain unaware of the health advantages offered by fermented foods.

During the festive season, you're likely to see sauerkraut accompanying popular street foods, such as Bratwurst, at Christmas markets, but in countries such as Germany, it's a year-round side dish.

Other fermented foods include pickled cabbage, the yoghurt drink kefir, sourdough bread and some lacto-fermented pickles.

Rich in beneficial bacteria and health-promoting metabolites created during the fermentation process, fermented foods have caught the attention of numerous research bodies. According to Manal Mohammed, who is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology at the University of Westminster, these food confer a host of wellbeing perks.

Speaking to The Conversation, Manal said: "Food organisations and groups such as the Association of UK Dietitians now recommend eating fermented foods more often. Fermented foods contain potentially probiotic microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria. And, despite the short time these bacteria spend in the gut, they help with food digestion and boost our immune system. It has also been found to contribute to prevention and treatment of diseases such as allergies and eczema.", reports Gloucestershire Live.

"Probiotics in fermented foods have health-promoting properties such as lowering cholesterol; one study demonstrated that several lactic acid bacterial strains have properties to lower blood cholesterol."

"Despite the many reported health benefits of fermented food some people may experience side effects. The most common reaction is a temporary increase in gas and bloating. This is the result of excess gas being produced after probiotics kill harmful gut bacteria and fungi."

"Over the centuries many people have eaten fermented food for convenience without realising their health benefits. Luckily many fermented foods are cheap and not complicated to make, giving us an easy way to improve our health and wellbeing."