Sauerkraut is Newest Celebrity Superfood; Fremont Finds Recent Nutritionist Studies Fuel Adoption

Business Wire, June 15, 2005

FREMONT, Ohio -- Sauerkraut has recently been found to have more health benefits than virtually any other vegetable on the planet. The cruciferous vegetable is high in antioxidant cancer fighting compounds, fiber, vitamins, calcium and minerals and even increases libido! It's a superfood that is being included in diets, cocktails and has even made its way into celebrity kitchens: Famous SK consumers include Dennis Franz, Bruce Willis, Quincy Jones, Wolfgang Puck, and supermodels Heidi Klum and Anna Azarova. Kim Chee, a Korean form of sauerkraut is reportedly one of the hottest new foods on the plates of tony restaurants in NY this season.

"Sauerkraut has a very healthy heritage; it's a humble food that's flavorful, versatile, has been eaten in one form or another for centuries, and is only now being realized for its inherent health potential. We've been manufacturing sauerkraut for four generations and demand has never been stronger - across all age groups. Suddenly it's sexy and the celebrities are catching on to what the average people have known for a good long time," says Chris Smith, VP of marketing for the Fremont Company, one of the United States' leading producers of sauerkraut.

The spotlight was focused on sauerkraut with a study published in the October 23, 2002 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Finnish researchers reported that fermenting cabbage produces compounds known as isothiocyanates, shown in laboratory studies to prevent the growth of cancer. Fermentation or curing of the cabbage actually enhances its protective effects. Glucosinolates in sauerkraut activate the body's antioxidant enzymes, and flavonoids protect artery walls from oxidative damage.

"We are finding that fermented cabbage could be healthier than raw or cooked cabbage, especially for fighting cancer," says Eeva-Liisa Ryhanen, Ph.D., research manager of MTT Agrifood Research Finland, located in Jokioinen, Finland.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the United States Department of Agriculture, recommend a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, especially those rich in naturally occurring substances, including antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamin. Dana Reed, certified nutrition specialist and dietitian suggests a minimum of three to four servings of cruciferous vegetables per week.

"Making healthy food choices can have a dramatic impact on one's overall health and vitality, and it can lower the risk of chronic disease," says Reed. "Healthy food choices are essential to long term well-being and sauerkraut is an amazingly healthy choice," she says.

To make matters even better, sauerkraut gives your libido a boost. According to Dr Gillian McKeith, bestselling author of You Are What You Eat, "The sexiest food of all is raw sauerkraut. Honestly! Research carried out in the US found that 90 percent of men were more 'up for it' after eating the pickled cabbage."

About The Fremont Company

The Fremont Company is a 100 year old consumer food product company headquartered in Fremont, OH. The Fremont Company produces nationally distributed consumer and food service products including Franks and Snowfloss Kraut and Mississippi BBQ Sauce. The Fremont Company maintains cross promotional relationships with several major restaurant chains and is distributed in various ballparks and stadiums including Yankee Stadium. Check out other sexy and unique recipes at www.sauerkraut.com