There are a lot of options when it comes to eating healthy and near the top of the list of
healthiest foods sits one that is beloved around the world: kimchi.
Kimchi is an international food superstar, but especially in Korea, it’s the primary staple food in every home that is consumed with almost every meal. As a matter of fact, people in Korea on average eat about 40 pounds of it per year (per person!). So, what exactly is kimchi? It’s a side dish eaten with rice that consists of cabbage mixed with garlic, chili peppers, scallions, and salt all fermented together to give it its unique, deep flavor.
Kimchi isn’t just a tasty food but it’s also good for you. It’s known to boost your health, but most importantly it heavily promotes good gut health, which science is now agreeing is the center of physical, emotional and mental wellness. The process of fermentation by itself is responsible for the presence of B vitamins, omega-3’s, and several other healthy probiotics like lactobacilli. That means you’re getting a plethora of beneficial microbes that you don’t typically find in an American diet. Lactobacilli is a vital part of human health, contributing to a strong connection with your immune system and
fighting against and preventing many diseases and disorders such as IBS, diarrhea, eczema, allergies, yeast infections etc. Additionally, a study in 2004 showed that kimchi has properties which
combat the growth of cancer. In a nutshell, kimchi is a superfood. And if you think all of those sound like enough, check out the long list of other known benefits:
- Packed with nutrition
- Stabilizes and boosts gut health
- Lowers cholesterol
- Aids in losing weight
- Helps fight against aging
- Balances and manages blood sugar
- Helps fight against aging
- Fights against/heals skin conditions
- Boosts your immune system
Kimchi is regularly eaten in Korean culture with rice. However, it can be easily implemented into other dishes too to add a little spice when you want it. Throw it into your eggs for breakfast, add it to your healthy wraps at lunch, or mix it into a Beef and Kimchi Stew for dinner. Heck, you can even top your pizza with it. The possibilities and combinations are essentially endless to get your healthy dose of probiotics into your diet in an oh, so delicious way. Just head down to your local Asian market and buy a jar, or
try making it for yourself. Let us know how your experience with kimchi was!