The health benefits of kimchi are not to be missed

For Korean drama lovers, you must be familiar with kimchi. This typical ginseng country food is also easily found in many Korean restaurants. Fermented foods like tempeh and tofu contain many nutrients that nourish the body. What are the benefits of eating kimchi for body health?

Health benefits of kimchi

Kimchi is fermented pickled vegetables (chicory and radish). After being salted and washed, the vegetables are mixed with spices, such as fish sauce, garlic, ginger, shrimp, and red chili powder.

Besides being eaten directly, kimchi is also often used as an additional spice in other dishes, for example kimchi soup or kimchi fried rice. In fact, this food also becomes toppings and popular food fillings such as pizza, pancakes, or burgers.

Kimchi is actually no different from pickles which are usually served with fried rice or martabak, which has a salty and sour taste. It's just that, the taste of kimchi is much stronger coupled with the spicy taste of chili powder.

One serving of kimchi (100 grams) contains 7 grams of carbohydrates, 17 calories, 3 grams of fiber and contains no fat.

Intrigued by the benefits of kimchi? The following are the nutrition and health benefits of kimchi based on a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

1. Contains friendly bacteria for the intestine

Popular fermented foods contain probiotics, which are good bacteria for the digestive system. Well, kimchi also has this benefit.

By eating kimchi, your body will get probiotics which can maintain the balance of microbes in the intestines while improving bowel function.

A healthy intestine can optimally absorb other food nutrients. You may be at a lower risk of developing stomach problems or diarrhea. The fiber content of these fermented foods also keeps you from constipation.

2. Improve the immune system and have anti-aging properties

Besides containing probiotics, kimchi also contains chlorophyll, phenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C. All these kimchi nutrients provide benefits for the immune system and skin health.

Vitamin C can encourage a stronger immune system to fight infection. The combination of vitamin C and other antioxidants helps reduce free radicals and stimulates collagen production.

Collagen is a protein that your skin needs to keep it supple and elastic. Both of these benefits can slow down the skin aging process.

3. Potential to prevent cancer

Kimchi comes from mustard greens. This vegetable is included in the cruciferous vegetable class, which is a group of vegetables that contain anticancer compounds.

Researchers say the compounds that are anticancer in mustard greens are b-sitosterol and linoleic acid. The benefits of kimchi are optimal if the conditions for kimchi are ripe and the fermentation process is suitable (kimchi is not too ripe or still raw).

Despite the many benefits of kimchi, pay attention to this

source: MNN

Salt is the main ingredient for preserving kimchi. You certainly know that too much salt intake is bad for the body.

Salt can inhibit the kidneys' ability to excrete fluids. As a result, fluid in the blood remains and increases its pressure.

That is why foods high in salt can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.

Fortunately, the fermentation process can reduce the negative effects of salt on kimchi. Even so, if you eat large amounts of kimchi coupled with other foods that also contain salt, you can excess salt intake.

If you want to get the benefits of kimchi for your health, the portions must still be considered. According to Colorado State University, you can consume 100 grams of kimchi per day along with fiber from other foods.

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