Here is why you need to make Kimchi RIGHT NOW!

UPDATE: Recent studies show that kimchi can even fight off COVID '19!!!

Kimchi is a probiotic Lactic-Acid Fermented vegetable food that is a staple in Korean Cuisine. Basically, it's a probiotic SUPERFOOD (which is GOOD). It is ethnic food. Kimchi is made of many types of vegetables including radishes, red pepper, cabbages, etc. These vegetables are mixed with vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar, spices, and red chilies, etc., and then fermented for 3-4 days at room temperature. It has pH of about 4.2-4.5. 

So what good microorganisms are in kimchi that makes it so much better?

The fermentation of kimchi is done by many microorganisms that are present in the raw material. These Microorganisms include; Lactic acid bacteria (LAB); The genera Leuconostoc (Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, Leuconostoc lactis etc); Weissella; and Lactobacillus. All of the microbes are extremely nourishing and help your body in so many aspects! Now, what do these microbes really do?

Health Benefits

Kimchi has physiologic and phytochemical nutrients along with probiotic properties. Kimchi is also an antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, and antihypertensive (whew!). It is also safe from pathogens (bad microbes) as they are eliminated during its preparation and fermentation process.

Here is what all these good bacteria's in Kimchi do to your body.

1. They increase the nutritional value of food – In a study, more growth was observed in organisms that were fed fermented food products such as yogurt than the ones that received non-fermented milk. The major reason for the improved growth was the presence of beneficial organisms out of which the most important is the Lactic acid bacteria.
2. Prevent intestinal infections – LAB acts as an antagonistic for the enteric pathogens present in the intestine and therefore help prevent intestinal infections.
3. Enhance lactose digestion – LAB helps against lactose maldigestion as it is due to an insufficient amount of enzyme lactase in the small intestine. This enzyme is provided by LAB.
4. Control several types of cancer – many LAB produce anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic activities. These activities occur due to compounds that LAB produces during their growth. Lab also acts against organisms that can potentially convert pro-carcinogens into carcinogens.
5. Decrease serum cholesterol level – germ-free organisms have twice as much cholesterol in their blood as do conventional animals. Hence, suggesting the microflora in the intestine help lower cholesterol levels. LAB is one of the major bacteria’s the help in suppressing cholesterol levels. Furthermore, Allicin and selenium are found in garlic that is part of kimchi. They decrease cholesterol reserve in the body. It also decreases the chances of developing stroke or plague buildup. 

     

Other health benefits of Kimchi include;

•  Facilitate eye development, help in clear vision – Kimchi has an abundance of Vitamin A which is an anti-oxidant and removes free-radicals and hence decrease chances of cancer as well as aids in maintenance of clear eyesight.
• Anti-aging properties – antioxidants in kimchi decrease cell oxidation and therefore slows down the aging process.
• Weight Loss – Kimchi helps in carbohydrate mechanism which in turn aid in weight loss mechanism. Furthermore, Capsaicin (in chillies) found in kimchi speeds up the metabolism which is also a factor Important in weight loss.
• Boosts Immunity – It is found that Kimchi activates immune cells and helps in antibody production. It is also seen to enhance immune activity by 75% when incorporated with high cholesterol diet.
• Prevents Stomach cancer – Isocyanate and sulfide found in cabbage or radish kimchi is a bio-chemical that detoxifies heavy metals found in the liver, intestines, or kidneys. These biochemical, especially isocyanate also prevent stomach cancer.
• Dense in nutrients – Kimchi is packed with nutrients while at the same time has very few calories. Cabbage kimchi has Vitamin A and C and 10 different minerals and 34 amino acids. Some types of kimchi also have Riboflavin and Vitamin K. It also has iron, Vitamin B6, and folate.
•  May help in reducing inflammation – A study on mice revealed that kimchi helps in blood vessel health by reducing inflammation. It also has properties that block or suppress inflammatory compounds.
• Aids heart health – Kimchi decrease fat growth as well as suppress cholesterol level. These properties directly benefit the wellbeing of the heart. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help the health of the heart.

Kimchi is a probiotic that comes with numerous benefits. It’s healthy and the bacteria present in it can be referred to as “good bacteria”. These bacteria help the body against developing cancer, infections, etc. Kimchi also has many important minerals and amino acids that boost immunity, decrease fat cells, increase heart health, aid vision as well as remove free radicles that are harmful to the body. It is the ultimate superfood. So, all of this must be a good enough reason for you to make one of these and live a healthy and happy life! Cheers!