Typically associated with Korean cuisine and found in Asian grocery stores, kimchi is also popping up in health food stores across the country, and with good reason. This fermented cabbage dish starts with a mix of salt, vinegar, garlic, chile peppers and other various spices. The ingredients then ferment in a tightly closed jar and are generally served with rice, noodles or soups. Not only is kimchi packed with plenty of delicious flavors, but it also boasts a wealth of health benefits to boot.
6 Surprising Health Benefits of Kimchi
- Kimchi is fermented, and much like yogurt, it contains “healthy bacteria” that are called lactobacilli. These aid in the digestion process within your body. Another amazing by-product of its fermentation process is that these probiotics can also fight off various infections in your body.
- It may also have anti-aging benefits. Kimchi, after two weeks of being fermented, is rich in anti-oxidants, which decrease the rate of aging of the skin. It also inhibits cell oxidation, making you appear carefree and relaxed.
- Kimchi helps in reducing obesity rates in women. Researchers tested the effects of kimchi on body weight in a group of obese women. Women who supplemented with capsules containing either 3 or 6 grams of freeze-dried kimchi every day achieved a remarkable decrease in body weight, visceral fat and body mass index compared to the control group.
- Regular consumption of kimchi has a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. Garlic, which is used to prepare kimchi, is rich in selenium and allicin. Allicin is a component that helps in lowering cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of developing cardiac disorders such as strokes and heart attacks.
- Kimchi is a valuable food that helps to reduce the risk of development of various cancers. Studies performed on kimchi samples have validated its anti-cancer properties. The cabbage present in kimchi contains healthful flavonoids, which are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Kimchi is made of various vegetables and contains a high concentration of dietary fiber while being low in calories. One serving also provides over 50% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and carotene.
Kimchi facts sourced from: Lifehack, GreenMedInfo, Organic Facts, Wikipedia
- Photography: Alexandra Whitney Photography
