This simple and tasty solution could be an effective way to stay slim.
Kimchi, a longstanding dish in Korean cuisine, is being highlighted by Korean researchers as a potential ally in preventing weight gain, particularly among men, when consumed moderately each day. Led by Sangah Shin and her team at Chung Ang University in South Korea, the study involved analyzing data from over 116,000 participants aged 40 and above. The findings revealed that consuming 1–3 servings/day of kimchi was associated with a reduced risk of obesity in men, with a similar trend observed among women for smaller quantities. However, the study cautioned against excessive kimchi consumption due to its high salt content, which can have adverse health effects. Increased kimchi intake beyond 1–3 servings per day was linked to an overall rise in obesity.
Serving sizes were tailored based on the type of kimchi consumed, considering variations depending on whether it was made from cabbage and/or radish. The study noted that individuals consuming up to three servings of kimchi daily had an 11% lower likelihood of obesity compared to those eating less than one serving per day. Gender-specific differences were observed, with women experiencing an 8% reduction in the odds of obesity when consuming two to three servings daily, while for men, three or more servings of cabbage kimchi daily were associated with a 10% decrease in the risk of obesity.
Despite these findings, the study acknowledged its inability to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, recognizing that other factors may contribute to the link between kimchi intake and weight. The potential role of beneficial bacteria found in kimchi, such as Lactobacillus brevis and L. plantarum, known for their anti-obesity properties, was also highlighted. While emphasizing kimchi’s high salt content, the researchers suggested that its elevated potassium levels might help counterbalance the adverse effects of salt. In conclusion, the study recommended a moderate amount of kimchi to maximize health benefits while managing sodium intake.
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