Isn’t it really great news to know that the kimchi you love turns out to be a superfood that could improve your health? So, here’re the amazing health benefits of kimchi and why you should include it in your diet.
Kimchi is ranked as one of the healthiest foods in the world and is beneficial to your health in ways such as:
- Promotes weight loss and prevents obesity
- It is great for the gut health
- Improves heart health
- It might contain anti-aging effects
- Kimchi strengthens your immune system!
- Controls and prevents yeast infections
- Fights against certain types of cancer
Keep scrolling until the end of this article to learn more about kimchi’s incredible health benefits!
7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Kimchi!
The nutritional value of delicious kimchi was revealed to the world when it was ranked as one of the healthiest foods in the world. This dish is high in fiber and low in carbs which is also a rich source of beta-carotene and antioxidants. It is also enriched in vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which could provide some of the best benefits to your health to live a wholesome life.
The fermentation that takes place over time allows the enzymes to make the chemical changes in this dish. Consequently, several scientifically backed data show how these chemical changes can positively impact our bodies. So, let’s elaborate on them as follows.
01- Promotes Weight Loss And Prevents Obesity
Kimchi is usually made with vegetables such as cabbage, cucumber, radish, and greens which are habitually low in calories and carbs. Therefore, it is evident that this fresh and fermented kimchi literally could promote weight loss while preventing one’s chance of reaching obesity.
However, research published in 2011 shows that consuming fermented and fresh kimchi for two weeks significantly decreased body fat and blood glucose levels. Moreover, the same study also revealed that the blood pressure, body fat, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol in the fermented kimchi group were relatively greater than those in the fresh kimchi group.
02- It Is Great For The Gut Health
High fiber levels in kimchi provide significant support to maintaining restorative gut health. Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of kimchi on human intestines and colons.
Apart from these data, a specific study published in 2022 shows that high fiber and lactic acid in kimchi help relieve conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). And probiotics in this food are suitable for the gut microbiome, helping out with conditions like constipation and other bowel-related issues.
03- Improves Heart Health
Research claims that adding kimchi to your regular diet can improve your heart health. Anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to control harmful cholesterol levels are pointed out as why it helps reduce heart diseases.
A study published in 2017 reveals that a clinical trial conducted using mice proves that kimchi showed beneficial effects on HCD-induced hepatic damage by subduing lipid synthesis and inflammation while boosting fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol excretion.
At the same time, another randomized clinical trial which was done using 11 participants, also showed significant results in lowering total cholesterol and total glucose. The same study also showed that the intake of kimchi improves serum lipid profiles in young, healthy adults.
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04- It Might Contain Anti-Aging Effects
Those who like to stay young and beautiful should definitely add kimchi to their regular diet! The anti-inflammatory properties of this superfood will promote slow aging primarily caused by chronic inflammation. Studies show that eating kimchi will prolong the cell life of humans, regardless of age. However, more studies are required to prove that kimchi could be effective as an anti-aging treatment.
05- Kimchi Strengthens Your Immune System!
Several studies prove kimchi’s effectiveness in improving the immune system. Each of these studies showed that the Lactobacillus bacteria in kimchi is the main factor influencing a healthy immune system.
One study published in 2014 reveals that mice injected with the Lactobacillus bacterium extracted from different types of kimchi had lower levels of the inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Meanwhile, another test-tube study also showed that this bacterium indicated immune-boosting properties.
06- Controls And Prevents Yeast Infections
Kimchi’s ability to prevent yeast infections is mainly due to its content of healthy bacteria and probiotics. Consequently, several test-tube and animal studies show that strains of Lactobacillus bacterium and the antimicrobial effect of this food could be beneficial in fighting against bacterial infections like Candida.
In addition, this research also demonstrates that other organic acids in kimchi also help to combat fungal infections.
07- Fights Against Certain Types Of Cancer
Recently, food-derived chemopreventive and anti-tumor agents or formulations are becoming the center of focus of many scientists and experts since cancer-related medication and chemotherapy show a lot of side effects.
Accordingly, several studies have shown potential cancer-fighting benefits in the lactic acid forming in kimchi. The anticarcinogenic activity of kimchi is associated with the kind of ingredients and products formed during fermentation.
Thus, Kimchi lactic acid bacteria are known to suppress the function of carcinogen-activating enzymes and inactivate or counteract cancer-causing mechanisms and pathogenic microbes. Studies also say that consuming this food will prevent cancer types, including stomach, colon, breast, liver, and prostate cancer.
Final Thoughts On This Superfood…
While kimchi comes to your plate as a delicious food, it must be clear to you why it has become one of the healthiest foods in the world. The fermentation of this food is the major reason for it to become absolutely wholesome. So, include this superfood in your regular diet and enjoy its benefits on your gut, heart, and overall immune system!
