Cabbage, mallow, and green onions are marinated or fermented in rice flour with ginger, garlic, salt, vinegar, and chili paste. Since kimchi is made through fermentation, it also contains probiotics, which are types of live bacteria extremely beneficial for gut health. Kimchi is highly beneficial for the intestines and helps prevent gastrointestinal problems. In addition, the probiotics in kimchi can also help prevent many other health problems.

Boosts Immunity

The probiotics in kimchi help improve the digestive system, thereby enhancing immune functions. The fermentation process used to make kimchi involves the bacterium lactobacillus, which boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation caused by disease. Additionally, the vitamin C in kimchi also boosts the immune system.

Full of Nutrients

Kimchi is a functional food rich in numerous nutrients. It contains beta-carotene and other antioxidant components that may help reduce the risk of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, certain types of cancer, and diabetes. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and potassium.

Reduces Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation occurs in our bodies for various reasons. Probiotics and anti-inflammatory ingredients in kimchi, such as HDMPPA, an active compound, reduce this type of inflammation.

Aids in Weight Loss

Kimchi is low in calories but high in fiber, making it helpful for weight loss. Research suggests that the Korean kimchi diet can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body.

Easy Recipe for Korean Kimchi

Kimchi can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

1. One medium-sized napa cabbage
2. 1/4 cup non-iodized salt
3. 5–6 cloves of garlic, grated
4. 1 teaspoon ginger paste
5. 1 teaspoon sugar
6. 2 tablespoons fish sauce or shrimp paste
7. 1-5 tablespoons gochugaru or Korean chili powder
8. 1 tablespoon onion batter

Method:

1. First, wash the cabbage well and cut it into quarters. Then, add salt to the cabbage quarters in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover the cabbage completely.
2. Cover this mixture tightly with something heavy and let it sit for 2 hours.
3. Afterward, wash the cabbage three times with cold water and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the spice paste by mixing ginger, garlic, sugar, and gochugaru to taste, along with fish sauce.
5. Chop the cabbage finely and squeeze out excess water. Then, thoroughly mix the cabbage with the spice paste. Wearing gloves is recommended for this step.
6. Pack the kimchi tightly into a jar, leaving some space at the top. Close the jar and let it ferment at room temperature for 1 to 5 days.
7. Open the jar once a day to release gases produced during fermentation. Afterward, store it in the fridge for delicious kimchi ready to eat.”

Some other fermented foods that are good for gut health are:

• Kefir: A fermented milk drink that is rich in probiotics.
• Kombucha: A fermented tea beverage.
• Yogurt: Yogurt is a good probiotic for gut health and a fermented dairy product.
• Apple cider vinegar: Fermented apple juice.
• Coconut kefir: Fermented coconut milk.
• Raw cheese: This is a fermented dairy product.
• Beet Kvass: Beet kvass is a fermented food and a good source of probiotics that can help grow good bacteria in our gut. Beet kvass also says red beet kvass, fermented beets, beetroot kvass. 

How do you add fermented food to your daily diet? If you want to improve your gut health, you should add fermented food to your diet. Fermented food is very important for your gut health. It will increase the good bacteria in your gut. Now we will share how to add fermented food to your diet:

• At first, start your day with drinking kombucha, and while you have breakfast, add yogurt or kefir to your diet. You can mix rice and yogurt and eat it; it is a good probiotic for your gut.
• In the evening, during your snack time, you can eat some raw cheese and have some apple cider vinegar.
• Eat a variety of fermented foods and see which one you like most.

How much kimchi should be eaten in a day?

In general, anyone can eat 1-3 cup of kimchi per day. If you eat kimchi like this for some days, you will see the result. Do not eat kimchi too much because it contains a lot of salt. Eating too much kimchi can cause obesity.

How long should kimchi be kept?

If you keep it in the refrigerator and away from oxygen, it will be delicious for up to 12 months. Be aware that some people have food allergies, and if you have problems eating high-fiber foods, then eating kimchi may cause gas or vomiting.