Kimchi is a Korean national dish. It is a fermented cabbage dish that has an extremely pungent and addictive taste. As a result, those who love eating can’t stop making it. Also, for many years, Korean mothers have sworn that kimchi is the perfect meal for boosting health.
But, now, researchers seem to agree as well. According to research, this Korean dish can be a perfect remedy for many health problems.
Moreover, it contains plenty of vitamins such as vitamin C, B, and A. Also, Kimchi is a great source of healthy bacteria that can boost digestion, lactic acid, and compounds that can keep cholesterol levels stable.
A little Kimchi can go a long way, say the mothers. So, why not give it a try? If you love Korean cuisine, you are probably familiar with this spicy dish. Well, here is why it can be good for people with diabetes.
5 Benefits of Eating Kimchi
This is what eating this Korean dish can do for your health.
1. Keeps the Cholesterol in Check
People with diabetes have a difficult time controlling their cholesterol levels.
Since food can help manage cholesterol, it is crucial to pick the most diabetes-friendly meals. According to studies, people who eat more kimchi regularly can decrease the bad levels of cholesterol in the body, also known as a lipoprotein.
In other words, this meal might be ideal for people with type 2 diabetes.
2. A Probiotic Food
Probiotic foods provide the gut with healthy bacteria. In addition, they can influence insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. According to research, Kimchi is a probiotic food that can help prevent insulin resistance.
As a result, it can be the best diabetes-friendly food. Furthermore, this dish contains lactic acid bacteria which makes it as beneficial as any probiotic dairy food. Also, studies claim that this dish has powerful compounds that can help with:
- Constipation;
- Cholesterol reduction;
- Boosting brain health;
- Improving the immune system;
- Avoid skin problems.
Therefore, this food can be essential for long-term diabetes management, especially for the general population that wants to improve their overall health. Other probiotic foods you can consume are garlic, cabbage, and onions.
Since we compare Kimchi with the most popular foods for health like garlic and onions, it is obvious why this dish is so beneficial.
3. Helps with Weight Loss
Losing weight can be extremely challenging, especially when you have to pay attention to diabetes without risking your health. As a result, the ADA recommends that combining exercises with a good diet is the safest way you can lose a few pounds.
When it comes to choosing a diet, kimchi is the dish you shouldn’t skip.
According to studies, this Korean dish can help obese patients lose weight and improve their metabolic parameters. Records from the study show that the people who consumed Kimchi during the testing had significantly decreased their body mass index, body weight, and body fat.
4. Antioxidant Properties
Kimchi contains potent antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenols, which can help protect the body from oxygen-free radicals.
5. Treats Atopic Dermatitis
Kimchi contains lactobacillus bacteria that can help treat different skin problems, like atopic dermatitis. According to Forbes, this dish can reduce skin inflammation and provide the body with healthy bacteria.
How to Get Kimchi
You can purchase Kimchi in almost every Asian supermarket. It is in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Also, have in mind that there are various types of this fermented dish. Some of them can be extremely spicy, salty, or sour.
But, you should try more of them and see which one suits you the most. Lastly, avoid kimchi that has too much sodium, MSG, and preservatives.
