10 Unique Health Benefits for a Unique Dish: Kimchi

Kimchi, pronounced kim-chee, is a Korean dish. Its unique flavor comes from its spices as well as salted and fermented vegetables, like cabbage or radish. Fermentation boasts enormous health benefits that have been admired globally. It is simply a process where a carbohydrate is converted into an acid or alcohol. It produces good bacteria known as probiotics, necessary for digestive health. This is especially important because our gut health and internal ecosystem are vital to our overall health. Therefore, if you are looking for ways to amplify the nutrient density in your diet, embrace fermented foods and their impact on your immune system.

Aids in Digestion

Kimchi is made from cabbage, which contains fiber that aids in cleaning out the intestines and preventing constipation. It also stimulates the body to absorb nutrients better by promoting digestion. When cabbage is fermented, not only does it create healthy bacteria known as lactobacillus, which is essential for a healthy intestine, but it also gives the cabbage a unique taste.

Blocks Free Radicals

This Korean meal is packed with antioxidants, which have several health benefits, including protecting your body against harmful free radicals as well as oxidative stress. Eating kimchi can also help repair damaged tissue and rebuild cells, resulting in radiant skin and strong hair and nails.

Has Anti-Aging Properties

Antioxidants in kimchi shield the body from damaging oxidative stress and free radicals, especially vitamin C, which specifically helps with anti-aging. Studies have shown that kimchi also has the amazing ability to stop lipid peroxidation, which ultimately results in longevity.

Treats Atopic Dermatitis

Kimchi is an excellent source of lactobacillus bacteria, which can also be helpful in treating atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by edema and hemorrhage as well as skin lesions. Although more research is necessary, studies have shown that fermented kimchi can suppress mite-induced dermatitis and reduce inflammation.

Assists with Weight Loss

The healthy lactobacillus bacteria found in kimchi can assist with weight loss in numerous ways, including controlling the appetite and reducing blood sugar levels. With high amounts of fiber, kimchi will slow down carbohydrate metabolism and help prevent a drop in blood sugar. This will ultimately keep you satisfied and full for a more extended period. One study revealed that fermented kimchi helped people lower their body fat and body mass index, which can lower the chance of developing metabolic syndrome.

Reduces Gastric Ulcers

Kimchi goes even further than aiding in gut health. Studies have shown that this dish has therapeutic effects when it comes to gastritis ulcers and peptic ulcer disease caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. H.pylori is a bacteria that lives within the stomach. It is unclear why it affects some individuals more severely than others, but probiotics keep the gut ecosystem functioning and healing possible. Studies suggest that the abundance of lactobacillus bacteria found in kimchi stops pathogens from attaching to gastric cancer cells.

Controls Cholesterol

Another ingredient found in kimchi is garlic, which is rich in allicin and selenium. Both are ideal for heart health. Allicin lowers bad LDL cholesterol levels whereas selenium helps prevents plaque buildup in the artery walls. Both reduce the risk of cardiac disorders like atherosclerosis, heart attack, or stroke. Try some kimchi that contains garlic for dinner tonight.

Boosts Immunity

Kimchi is also a rich source of flavonoids and phenolics thanks to its disease-fighting ingredients. Garlic, ginger, and peppers help to make this dish a nutrient-dense side to a meal. Also, many seasonings that are involved in the preparation of kimchi are ideal for fighting infections and combating symptoms of the cold and flu.

Prevents Some Cancers

Kimchi has anti-cancer properties, including flavonoids, which are proven to slow the growth of cancerous cells. Glucosinolates are also found in cabbage. They turn into isothiocyanates and are effective at inhibiting the increase of cancerous cells.

Helps with Diabetes

This Korean delicacy is ideal for Type 2 diabetes. A study found that after eating kimchi, people with diabetes had better tolerance to glucose because the kimchi was able to lower their levels of fasting blood glucose.