What is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a red, fermented cabbage dish made with a mix of salt, vinegar, garlic, chile peppers and other spices. These ingredients are mixed together and sealed in a tightly closed jar. This fermented food can be served with rice, noodles or soups. It boasts a ton of impressive health benefits, and after reading through the list, we’re sure you’ll want to pick some up.
10 Health Benefits of Kimchi
- Improve your Digestive Health – Lactobacillus is a probiotic required by the body in order to maintain healthy intestinal flora. You can find lactobacillus in several foods, including kimchi! It is a result of the fermentation process. In addition cabbage is known for its ability to detox and get rid of toxins and waste, which helps to clean out your intestines. There is also a significant amount of fiber present in Kimchi, which is essential for healthy bowel movements.
- Lower your Cholesterol – Kimchi is usually prepared with garlic, which is high in selenium and allicin. Allicin is useful in lowering cholesterol levels, therefore reducing the risk of certain cardiac disorders such as strokes and heart attacks. Selenium also helps protect the artery walls by preventing the build up of plaque. To experience these benefits, regular consumption of kimchi is required.
- Get your Antioxidants – Protect against oxidative damage and the effects of oxygen free radicals by consuming antioxidants, like those in kimchi, which contains antioxidants, phenols and flavanoids.
- Treat and Prevent Eczema – We already mentioned the presence of lactobacillus in kimchi, and its effect on digestive health, but it also has a positive effect when treating eczema. A study concluded that Kimchi contains beneficial bacteria that have the capacity to inhibit eczema by treating and preventing the inflammation of skin.
- Weight Control – The benefits of probiotics are endless, and here’s another one. Lactobacillus assists in weight control by controlling the appetite and reducing blood sugar levels. We also mentioned the fiber content as an important tool in healthy digestion, but it also aids in weight management by keeping you full and satisfied longer, which prevents over-eating.
- Strengthen your Immune System – Kimchi is packed with nutrients, in a range of flavanoids and phenolic components. Kimchi can be made with several ingredients, including garlic, ginger and peppers, all of which are known for their beneficial effect on the immune system. They are great at fighting infections and preventing and curing cold and flu symptoms.
- Benefit from Anti-aging Properties – With significant levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, it’s no wonder kimchi has anti-aging properties. A study revealed that kimchi helps regulate the inflammation that causes the aging process to speed up. In addition kimchi encourages collagen production in the body which improves skin elasticity and promotes healthy, young looking skin.
- Reduce your Risk of Developing Certain Cancers – Flavanoids, like those found in kimchi, are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Soothe Gastric Ulcers – The lactobacillus bacteria in kimchi inhibits harmful pathogens from connecting to the human gastric cells, soothing and possibly preventing gastric ulcers.
- Supports Eye Health – Kimchi boasts 18% of your daily value of vitamin A, in just a 100-gram serving. Vitamin A is important in developing a healthy body and is helpful in the maintenance of clear and healthy eyesight.
Photo supplied by Green Table Foods, http://www.greentablefoods.com/our-products/organic-ferments
If you’ve decided that you’d like to give Kimchi a try, we recommend Green Table Foods’, Organic Kimchi. It is non-GMO, wild lacto-fermented, vegan, gluten-Free, raw and contains no sugar, no fish, no sesame, no nuts or additives, no soy, no corn, no dairy, and no vinegar.
Sources
Maiquez, Lianne Martha. “9 Surprising Benefits of Kimchi That Will Make You Want To Try It Now.” n.d. lifehack.org. Online. 5 May 2015.
Organic Facts. “Health Benefits of Kimchi.” n.d. organicfacts.net. Online. 5 May 2015.
