Did you know that which Korean food is considered by doctors to be a “miracle medicine” that reduces fat and disease? Many people have eaten it!
According to a study recently published in the Journal of Functional Foods, the popular South Korean food “kimchi” has the potential to be used as a “medicine” that helps reduce excess fat, blood fat, and the risk of dangerous diseases that occur in overweight people, and this effect is due to the positive changes in the gut microbiota system.
In recent years, “obesity” has been warned by many health organizations around the world as a modern disease covering many diseases and with a high risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The causes of obesity are a combination of factors such as genetics, diet, gut microbiota, and exercise habits. Of all these, diet is a major factor and can also affect the gut microbiota.
Therefore, “Kimchi,” which is now widely spread around the world, has the potential to help control obesity because it contains good bacteria, according to researchers from Pusan National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University, and the World Kimchi Institute (South Korea).
In a new study, researchers say kimchi is made with napa cabbage, garlic, ginger and red pepper, all of which have been shown to improve metabolism. And the benefits are further enhanced when fermented, which increases the bioactive compounds in these ingredients, enhancing the gut microflora, which improves gut health and increases the number of good bacteria.
The study involved 90 volunteers aged 20-65 and with a body mass index (BMI) of 23-30. Although by international standards a BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight. Scientists say that for Asians a BMI of 23 is considered overweight.
Volunteers were randomly divided into three groups: one group received kimchi in the form of one of two supplements. While the other group received a “placebo” for comparison, eating the same food. After 12 weeks, physiological analyses showed that the placebo group had significantly increased body fat mass and body fat percentage.
On the other hand, the group supplementing with kimchi showed a significant decrease in body fat mass. Although they did not lose weight. However, for the same body weight. Those with a lower body fat ratio and more muscle mass were healthier.
Of the two groups that received kimchi. The group that received kimchi fermented by the microorganism Leuconostoc mesenteroides also showed improvements in blood lipid profiles. Including lower levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (blood fats), and higher levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
“The plant chemicals in kimchi can act as prebiotics. Increasing the โปรโมชั่น ufabet growth of probiotics (good bacteria) and contributing to metabolic health,” the researchers explain.
However, some previous studies have found that foods containing other microorganisms. Such as yogurt, miso, natto, kimchi, or fermented vegetables, can also help reduce obesity and blood fat.