Sauerkraut, anyone?

There's a lot of health buzz about the food many folks associate with brats, hot dogs and Reuben sandwiches.

Sauerkraut is made from cabbage. It falls under the cruciferous vegetable category, which also includes cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Health and nutrition experts have always said such veggies are good for you.

According to a BBC report, scientists in Seoul claim some chickens started to recover from avian flu, when fed an extract of kimchi, a Korean dish somewhat similar to sauerkraut.

And a recent study by University of New Mexico researchers indicated that sauerkraut may reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 74 percent.

Ryan Downs, the co-owner of Great Lakes Kraut in Wisconsin, said recognition of sauerkraut's benefits is long overdue. Downs said such health reports are creating a great demand.

"Other studies have shown that sauerkraut fights all forms of massy tumor cancer, including cancer of the lung, colon, prostate, breast and liver," Downs said in a news release. "It's also been shown to manage digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome and may work to prevent heart disease."

Men's Health magazine is helping feed the growing craze, with an article listing cans of sauerkraut as among essential supplies for surviving a flu pandemic.

And Downs said sauerkraut use is going beyond hot dogs.

"People are now trying sauerkraut in a lot of different ways -- they no longer see it simply as a hot dog topping," Downs said. "People have sent us sauerkraut recipes for everything from sushi to salads."

Additional Resources:

• Sauerkraut Recipes, Health Benefits
• Men's Health: Open In Case Of Flu Pandemic