Kimchi is a traditional Korean condiment that has garnered popularity all across the world.
It's nutrient-dense, offering an excellent range of health benefits.
Read ahead!
Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish made with salt, sugar, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, onions, and several other spices. It has an abundance of strong and distinctive flavors, and hence, it is now enjoyed in numerous regions of the world. Also, being a vegetable-based dish, it has always been in the good books of fitness enthusiasts.
As already mentioned, kimchi has an impressive nutrition profile. It contains lots of anti-mutagenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-carcinogenic properties. The list also includes fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin K, choline, folate, capsaicin, chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, and isothiocyanate and more.
Without further ado, let's have a look at the major health benefits it may offer.
May support digestion
Kimchi, owing to the fermentation process, contains a huge amount of probiotics that increase the levels of good bacteria in your gut. Also, it contains fiber which stimulates the secretion of certain gastric enzymes in the body, and also boosts the movement of food through your intestine. Hence, people suffering from indigestion are suggested to eat kimchi regularly.
May aid in weight loss
The high fiber content of kimchi keeps your body full for a long time, preventing you from overeating. Also, it has lots of healthy lactobacillus bacteria which help prevent the accumulation of fats in your body. The vitamins and minerals present in kimchi aid in increasing your body's metabolic rate, which further helps you lose weight as well.
May boost immunity
Kimchi is an excellent source of flavonoids and phenolic components which protect your immune system from damage. Also, it contains vitamin C which aids white blood cell production, which is directly associated with better functioning of your immune system. The other antioxidants it has help fight free radicals, reducing your risk of viral and bacterial infections.
May enhance skin health
Kimchi helps inhibit cell oxidation, which further contributes to better skin health. Also, it contains vitamin C which boosts collagen production, making your skin radiant and flawless. The antioxidants, on the other hand, delay the aging of your skin. What's more, regular consumption of kimchi may reduce your risk of acne, dark spots, pimples, etc.
May promote cardiovascular functions
Kimchi contains conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) which help reduce the blood pressure levels in your body. It keeps your blood vessels clear and significantly fights off any kind of damage. Moreover, it has a good amount of fiber, allicin, and selenium - all of which help decrease the level of LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream. Hence, it's evident that people who eat kimchi daily are at a lower risk of cardiovascular issues.
Besides, it may also boost eyesight, control blood sugar levels, prevent inflammation, aid in hair health, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
