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.
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.
