New Delhi, April 16 -- You have probably passed by the fermented cabbage in the pickle aisle without a second glance but that humble jar of sauerkraut might be doing more for your body than just delivering a zingy crunch. According to a new study from the University of California Davis, fermented cabbage could help protect your gut lining from inflammation, making it more than just a tangy topping.

The research, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, suggested that fermentation transforms plain old cabbage into a gut-friendly powerhouse. Yes, your sandwich sidekick may actually be quietly supporting your digestive health.

The UC Davis team compared raw cabbage with its fermented cousin and found something fascinating: only...