Heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide.

Therefore, it is important to look after your heart, especially as you get older.

Scientists have linked diets rich in fiber or probiotics to reduced heart disease risk and lower cholesterol levels.

Heart attack risk is often increased through poor lifestyle choices, for example eating a high-fat diet can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, a leading cause of heart attacks, so making changes to the food you eat is very important.

Salt intake should also be limited to keep blood pressure in check and avoiding food containing saturated fats can keep cholesterol levels healthy.

While these are general rules to follow, individual food and drink have also been found to have a positive impact on heart health.

Sauerkraut, finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria, may contribute to a healthier heart. That’s because it contains a good amount of fiber and probiotics, both of which may help reduce cholesterol levels. 

Fiber is essential for both heart health and digestion. It aids in the removal of fatty deposits inside artery walls, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, and other heart conditions

Moreover, sauerkraut is one of the rare plant sources of menaquinone, more commonly known as vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing calcium deposits from accumulating in the arteries.

In one study, regular intake of vitamin-K2-rich foods was linked to a 57% lower risk of dying from heart disease over the 7–10 year study period.

In another, women reduced their risk of heart disease by 9% for every 10 mcg of vitamin K2 they consumed per day.

Also, a 100 g portion of sauerkraut has 6.6 mcg menaquinone, which aids in the prevention of heart disease by reducing calcium deposits inside the arteries.