What is Kimchi and Why is it Good For You?

Fermented foods have been known traditionally to be a good way to optimize your gut’s health. More recently, there has been an awakening in understanding the central role that your gut plays in your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Kimchi is a fermented blend of cabbage, chili peppers, garlic, scallions and other spices often eaten with every meal in Korea. This spicy fermented food is now frequently included in salads, sandwiches, stir-fries and soups a bit all over the world.

Yes, it is popular for a reason.. or many of them!

If you have tried sauerkraut, kefir or traditionally made yogurt, then you are already familiar with fermented foods. During the fermentation process, bacteria convert sugars into other compounds to produce energy. This process gives the food a distinctive flavor and texture, and a range of healthy properties that are extremely gut-friendly!

Why should you eat Kimchi?

1- Kimchi is particularly rich in vitamins A and C.

2- Kimchi contains healthy bacteria and probiotics called lactobacilli that help your body with the digestion process.

3- Lactobacilli also helps stop and prevent yeast infections.

4- It helps in weight loss: 150 grams of Kimchi contains only 40 calories. Additionally, the capsaicin found in chili peppers, that Korean use in their meals, boosts your metabolism.

5- Kimchi has important anti-oxidative and immune boosting activities.

6- It is also known for its antimicrobial properties that are very effective against pathogenic bacteria.

Kimchi is quite easy to make at home.

Check out this video for the recipe! http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-easy-kimchi-at-home-189390