Kimchi has become more or less ubiquitous with Korean food, and thanks to its popularity generated by Korean movies, it is available widely in Asian stores all across the world. So what is kimchi? It is a spicy dish made of fermented, usually red napa cabbage, occasionally with an addition of radish, and a generous sprinkling of a variety of seasonings such as chili peppers, garlic, jeogtal, ginger, and scallions. It is a staple in most Korean households, served with almost all savory meals. Its popularity is also due to its immense health benefits; it contains a whole lot of probiotic that makes it a superb digestive aid, and the various condiments used to make kimchi are great for reducing and regulating issues like blood pressure, cholesterol, and a variety of other ailments.
Anytime in the day
Kimchi is something that is completely healthy, with a host of essential vitamins and minerals. Get yourself a spoonful of kimchi when you are sitting down for your regular breakfast, lunch and dinner. That is the beauty of kimchi; you can eat it with practically every meal; there is no wrong time to eat the dish.
In case of bad digestion
If you have recently been suffering from digestive issues, a couple of spoonfuls of kimchi with every meal is a sure fire way to give your digestion a booster. The fermentation process of kimchi is aided by healthy or probiotic bacteria, the kind that is found in yogurt. So, like yogurt, kimchi also aids in the flourishing if healthy bacteria in your gut, and regular consumption of the delicacy has been linked with an improved digestion and faster metabolism. Naturally, kimchi consumption is also highly recommended if you are watching your weight.
While on a diet
If you are worried about the side effects this delicious dish might have on your waistline, you can stop right there. Kimchi is almost ridiculously low in calories; about 150 grams of kimchi contains something around 40 to 50 calories. Besides, since it contains probiotic bacteria, it helps in increasing the process of metabolism, which in turn helps in regulating your weight. So, if you are on a weight loss mission, hasten to add some kimchi to your regular diet. Studies have shown that eating kimchi regularly actually makes weight management a lot easier.
In case of cardiac issues
Kimchi is also extremely beneficial if you are suffering from high blood pressure and cholesterol. Kimchi of almost all kinds contain garlic, which has been linked with the reduction of cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It is also helpful in reducing the risk of a host of associated cardiac issues.
As with anything else, kimchi is also not something you should overindulge in. A couple of spoonfuls with every meal are acceptable, but eating a bowlful of kimchi is overstepping it. Do not make a whole meal out of kimchi; not only will the meal be extremely deficient in necessary nutrients, it will also potentially lead to gastric disorders- the dish is, after all, fermented and the human digestive system can only process so much of fermented food. And when you are buying kimchi off the shelf, take a good look at the ingredients to check if it contains anything you are allergic to.