Jakarta –
Behind its fresh sour taste, kimchi offers a million benefits. Recent research shows that eating kimchi helps overcome the problem of obesity.
Kimchi is a Korean fermented vegetable dish. Usually using white mustard leaves or radishes fermented with salt and chili powder.
The fermentation process makes kimchi taste fresh and sour, while making consumption good for health. One of the most recent was revealed by the World Institute of Kimchi which conducted collaborative research with Pusan National University Hospital in Busan, South Korea.
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They found that regular kimchi consumption can reduce body fat while improving gut health. This research was published in the Journal of Functional Foods in October 2024.
Researchers involved 90 participants aged between 20-65 years with a Body Mass Index (BMI) varying between 23-30 kilograms per square meter. Participants were then asked to consume 60 grams of kimchi per day in capsule form for 12 weeks, then compared with a control group who received a placebo in the form of lactose.
As a result, participants who ate kimchi experienced a decrease in body fat of up to 2.6%, compared to a 4.7% increase in the control group.
 Researchers reveal the benefits of consuming kimchi to help overcome obesity. Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Kpictures |
Researchers found an increase in intestinal microbiota in the form of Akkermansia muciniphila. This type of probiotic is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and obesity-reducing properties. Also reduces the number of Proteobacteria associated with obesity.
Quote Nextshark (8/1/2025), previously there had been epidemiological research that took 13 years. This research involved more than 58 thousand adults.
As a result, those who ate kimchi 2-3 times a day decreased their risk of obesity by 12-15 percent. Especially middle-aged men who eat kimchi every day experience a significant reduction in obesity.
Dr. Hae-Choon Chang, director of WiKim, emphasized the importance of this discovery. Kimchi is verified to have antiobesity effects. Kimchi also has the opportunity to become a healthy food choice consumed in the world.
Interestingly, the results of this research were released close to Kimchi Day which is celebrated every November 22 in South Korea. The 22nd was deliberately chosen because it symbolizes the 22 healthy benefits of kimchi.
Kimchi Day celebrations are now not only in South Korea, but also in England, Argentina, Brazil and the United States. This also shows how kimchi is now a global food.
 Kimchi is also said to be rich in antioxidants and boosts immunity. Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/4kodiak |
Consuming kimchi could also be an alternative to overcome obesity, which is currently estimated to affect 16% of the world’s adult population. The population is around 890 million people.
The anti-obesity properties of kimchi are also accompanied by other antioxidant and immunity-boosting benefits. “We will continue to dedicate our time, effort and resources to scientific research that strengthens the functional health compounds in kimchi,” Chang said.
He said kimchi can not only improve digestive health, but also boost the body’s immunity and have anti-cancer effects.
(adr/odi)
