Day 12: Nutrition: The Benefits of Adding Kimchi to Your Diet
In recent years, kimchi, a Korean staple, has become popular in restaurants and on grocery shelves. This dish is made by fermenting vegetables, most commonly Napa cabbage and Korean radishes. The vegetables are salted and left to wilt, then rinsed and mixed with the flavorful blend of seasonings, including chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and other spices. The mixture is then packed into jars and left to ferment for days or even weeks, depending on the desired taste.
Topping everything from tacos to burgers, kimchi is lauded for its unique spice and tangy flavor. But beyond its notable taste, kimchi has great health benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding this superfood to your diet.
Benefits of Kimchi
- Rich in probiotics, which promote gut health
- Full of vitamins A and C and fiber
- May help in fighting obesity, high blood sugar and high cholesterol
- Helps boost the immune system, as the majority of immune function takes place in the gut
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Has antimicrobial properties that can fight yeast infections
Pick up a jar of kimchi at your local health food store. Look for brands with organic ingredients.