Aids Digestion
Kimchi is a fermented food, meaning that it is loaded with healthy bacteria, including lactobacilli. When eaten, these bacteria help develop a healthy gut microbiome, essential to having healthy digestion. Learn more about the health benefits of fermentation. Plus, kimchi is loaded with fiber, which also supports good digestion.
Want to experiment by making your own kimchi at home? Follow this easy fermentation kit ($27) that has over a thousand positive reviews on Amazon. One reviewer says, “I’ve made batch after batch of delicious organic kimchi! This product is the simplest to use, clean, and ‘set and forget’.”
Boosts Immunity
The probiotics in kimchi also help with immunity which, according to this 2014 study, can help you fight off anything from the common cold to cancer. The ingredients in kimchi also help boost your immune system; red pepper and garlic are full of antioxidants helping your body to stay on defense when it comes to fighting disease.
Improves Heart Health
Kimchi has also been found to help support a healthy heart. This study of young adults found that after seven days of eating kimchi, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) had both decreased. See what other heart-smart foods you should always keep on hand.
Reduces Inflammation
Given the antioxidant power of kimchi, it’s not surprising that a bite or two will help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Reducing inflammation is vital for supporting your immune system and keeping chronic illnesses, like heart disease and diabetes, at bay. Learn more about inflammation.
Regulates Blood Sugar
The chemicals produced during the fermentation process combined with the antioxidant power of kimchi can have significant impact on blood sugar levels, regulation and insulin sensitivity. This can make a huge difference in symptoms for those with diabetes, as stated in this 2016 study. If you’re managing diabetes, check out these quick and easy diabetic-friendly recipes.
Could Help with Weight Loss
Kimchi may also help in your weight loss journey. The diverse amount of healthy bacteria and fiber content can help curb food cravings. Plus, kimchi itself is a low-calorie food, helping to meet your daily goals. Here are some other easy ideas to help with weight loss.
Keeps You Young
The huge antioxidant load kimchi carries makes a big difference when it comes to signs of aging. Antioxidants help slow the aging process and keeps you looking and feeling your most vibrant. Don’t miss our complete list of anti-aging foods.
Helps with Brain Health
By eating kimchi regularly and maintaining healthy gut bacteria, you may actually be helping to keep your brain in tiptop shape. Good gut health is associated with reduced inflammation in the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
Could Reduce Allergy Symptoms
As if kimchi didn’t already have enough health benefits, it may even help with your allergy symptoms! Some of the strains of lactobacilli found in kimchi may help suppress an overactive respiratory response that many of us who suffer from allergies experience. See what other foods can help fight allergies.
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The post 9 Ways That Kimchi Benefits Your Health appeared first on Taste of Home.
Christina Manian RDN, LD