As you may already know, kimchi is a traditional Korean meal made with fermented cabbage, salt and vinegar, and several other spices. Though it has long been a part of numerous different cuisines, not just the Korean, for ages, it has gained a lot of popularity these days because of the numerous health advantages it offers.
Namely, being a fermented food, kimchi is abundant in probiotics, i.e. good bacteria that are necessary for the health of our digestion and gut. Moreover, as Health and Love Page explain, cabbage is a green veggie that has the power to fight off inflammation and cleanse the body from toxins.
When it goes through the process of fermentation, its healing power additionally strengthens and it also becomes bioavailable. It can help you fight off obesity, diabetes, ulcers, and even cancer!
DIY Kimchi Recipe
You will need:
2 Napa cabbage heads, shredded (set aside two or three leaves)
3 garlic cloves, crushed
5 spring onion scallions, chopped
2 jalapenos, minced
1 tsp of freshly ground ginger
2 tbsp of chili pepper, crushed
2 tbsp of honey, raw
½ tsp of sea salt
½ onion, chopped
A mason jar, sterilized
Preparation: In a bowl, mix all of the ingredient (except the salt and honey). Then, take two cups of the mix and add it in a blender. Add enough water to get a juicy, thick texture. Add the salt and honey too. Blend. Once you are done, transfer it into the jar and press down firmly with the fists. Add the remaining mixture from the bowl into the jar. Leave 2 inches of free space at the top. Loosely place a couple of rolled up cabbage leaves on the top of the jar and tightly close the jar with the lid.
The fermentation process begins once you place the jar at room temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit within a period of three to seven days. After opening it up, keep it in the fridge to slow down the fermentation process.
The Best Health Benefits of Kimchi
- Strengthens the immunity
The flavonoids and phenolic compounds in kimchi will reduce flu and cold symptoms and prevent infections.
- Averts cancer
A potent way to lower your risk of cancer is by eating more fermented foods, including kimchi. Moreover, cruciferious veggies such as cabbages are known to possess a strong anti-cancer agent known as glucosinolate.
- Balances the blood sugar
In a study, participants with type 2 diabetes who consumed kimchi had a better capacity to regulate the blood sugar. Its effects additionally better when kimchi is consumed together with a low-fat diet.
- Encourages weight loss
Kimchi is rich in fiber which keeps the health of the gut optimal, together with the probiotics. In order to enhance a healthy loss of weight, it is essential to better the metabolism and thus, burn higher amount of calories. You can achieve this easier by bettering your gastrointestinal health through the consumption of healthy foods such as kimchi.
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