Grab a little-known food in the UK during your weekly food shop to boost your health. Holland & Barrett say that not only can it help you with weight loss, but you may look younger as a result.
So what is it? 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 delicious and 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 for 400g – or, at 10g a serving if used as a condiment, about 11p a go.
In fact, a strain of bacteria often found in fermented foods like kimchi is called Lactobacillus plantarum which has been linked to boosting the immune system. One study in mice found it helped to decreased the levels of an inflammatory marker, suggesting a connection between this bacteria and a healthier immune system.
Due to its high probiotic content, experts at WebMB state that this aids in making your heart healthier. They explain: “Prbiotics 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.”
Can kimchi make me look younger?
The people at H&B say that there is evidence which suggests “kimchi is effective at slowing the ageing process.” This is because “it may help to prolong cell life.
“For example, in one experiment, 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?
Not only can it make you look younger, but it could help keep the pounds off too. During a four week study of people who were overweight, fresh and fermented kimchi “appeared to help participants reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and overall body fat.”
Whilst more research is needed, kimchi is nevertheless a great option as it’s low in calories, high in fibre and boasts good bacteria.