If you routinely counting calories now that warm weather is here, you might want to let Sauerkraut aid your efforts to get that summer body in better shape, Wisconsin food expert says.

Sauerkraut - traditionally a staple of German cuisine - is fermented cabbage, cruciferous vegetable known to provide a wonderfully tart complement to any summer food fare

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This is a healthy and versatile food, one that fits in well with low-calorie, health-conscious diet. one cup serving of sauerkraut has only 32 calories and contains no fat or cholesterol. Sauerkraut is also loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium and copper.

World-famous celebrities like Heidi Klum and Halle Berry love greens and hold dear their favorite Sauerkraut-related recipes. Heidi loves her grandmom's Sauerkraut Soup, and Halle has publicly shared her recipe for Sauerkraut and Kielbasa.

Recent highly publicized scientific studies like those done by researchers at Michigan State University and the University of New Mexico show that chemical compounds in cabbage and cruciferous vegetables in general offer the body improved ability to fight cancer.

Tropical Surprise Salad is a great side dish for those lazy, leisurely day of grilling and eating summer food favorites.

TROPICAL SALAD surprise

1 ripe mango

1 can (15.25 oz.) pineapple tidbits with juice

1 cup Silver thread ® and Krrrrisp Kraut ® Sauerkraut, rinsed and drained

1 jar (6 oz.) maraschino cherries, drained

Wash and peel mango. Cut the flesh away from seed and cut into ½-inch cubes. In a large bowl, combine mango cubes, pineapple with juice, Sauerkraut, and cherries. Mix well. Chill before serving.

servings: 6 ½ cup servings

Serving suggestions: Serve on romaine lettuce or a list of

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