A little-known food may not only help you with weight loss, but you may look younger as a result, according to Holland & Barrett. Kimchi is being hailed as a ‘must-have’ item in your home. The Korean fermented cabbage dish is known for its high probiotic content and whilst cabbage is included in most varieties of kimchi, other vegetables including radish, carrot, and onion are frequently used.
To create the unique taste, cabbage and other vegetables are typically flavoured with spices like chilli which is left to ferment in a jar for 3-21 days. You can even grab it in the shops – with, for example, one jar at Tesco costing £4.50, or about 11p per 10g serving if used as a condiment. Lactobacillus plantarum, a strain of bacteria commonly found in fermented foods like Kimchi, has been linked to boosting the immune system.
Kimchi is often served with dishes like sushi
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A study in mice found that it helped decrease levels of an inflammatory marker, suggesting a link between this bacteria and a healthier immune system. Due to its high probiotic content, experts at WebMD state that Kimchi aids in improving heart health by reducing cholesterol and inflammation.
They explain: “Probiotics may improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and inflammation. The fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients in kimchi can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which can boost heart health.”, reports Bristol Live.
Can Kimchi make you look younger?
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The experts at H&B have highlighted evidence that points to kimchi as a potential youth-preserving food, noting that “kimchi is effective at slowing the ageing process.”
They explain this by stating “it may help to prolong cell life.”
They cite an experiment where “human cells were treated with kimchi and following tests on these cells suggested that they had been given an increased viability, extending their life span.”
Can kimchi help me lose weight?
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish whose components can vary but usually include some combination of vegetables, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, salt, and fish sauce
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It turns out it might do more than just keep you looking young. In a study spanning four weeks involving overweight individuals, both fresh and fermented kimchi “appeared to help participants reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and overall body fat.”