Sauerkraut diet: What’s this fermented food that top Trump aides are taking for weight loss?

United States President Donald Trump's Cabinet members are getting fond of a new diet. It involves heaping portions of sauerkraut and other fermented foods.

Every top official in the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance, health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, and transportation secretary Sean Duffy, has centred on fermented cabbage or sauerkraut, the Wall Street Journal reported.

They are embracing the diet and making it a daily habit, considering its benefits for weight loss and noticeable changes in their health and appearance.

But what is the diet that has become a favourite among several of Trump's cabinet members? We take a look.

What is Sauerkraut?

It's a traditional dish prepared with finely shredded cabbage and salt. The fermentation process involves naturally occurring bacteria that convert the sugar in cabbage into lactic acid, which gives sauerkraut its distinctive tangy, mildly sour taste.

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This food has been widely eaten in several parts of Europe for centuries. Sauerkraut is served as a side dish with meat, sausages and potatoes. As a fermented food, sauerkraut contains beneficial bacteria known as probiotics, which are considered good for gut health and digestion.

According to nutrition experts, sauerkraut is low in calories and is a source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. But some commercial varieties of sauerkraut can be high in sodium, hence consumers are advised to read labels and consume it in moderation.

But why is everyone in the Trump cabinet eating it?

The goal is to trim down the fat, and the advice comes from Dr Sean O’Mara, a physician who advises high-profile clients on health and nutrition.

O'Mara's suggestion for the patients is to stay away from alcohol and sugary foods, therefore the combination of fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, and grass-fed meat is considered best.

O’Mara notes that the diet can lower visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs and raises the risk of diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. According to him, improving gut microbiome health may improve digestion and overall health, the report noted.

Kennedy has been reportedly trying Sauerkraut for days now. Admitting the benefits of fermented food, he said that although he does not prefer the strong smell and taste of sauerkraut, it's helping him lose fat and other health issues.

"I saw a dramatic result after switching to the diet. Within 30 days, I lost 20 pounds. JD Vance is also on the diet, and you can see how different he looks," Kennedy said at an event in Michigan, WSJ reported.

JD Vance is said to have begun the diet during Lent earlier this year and has continued following it. His diet commonly includes eggs, sauerkraut, pickles, berries, and beef or lamb served with fermented vegetables.

Lutnick also took up the diet after a conversation with Kennedy during a visit to Colorado. According to the report, he stopped drinking Diet Coke and resumed consuming red meat after previously avoiding it due to concerns about cancer risks.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy recounted meeting Duffy last year, noting a clear change in his appearance.

McCarthy later became a follower of the sauerkraut diet himself. Recalling his first meeting with O’Mara, he said, “He told me I was the worst case he’d ever seen, but he’s so positive, he said: ‘You’ve got great potential.'” McCarthy said he has lost four inches around his waist, the report noted.

Cabinet members share health tips and experiences with each other at the White House. Kennedy even reportedly carries sauerkraut while travelling, whereas Lutnick has begun making fermented vegetables at home instead of consuming store-bought products.

With inputs from agencies