Surprising effect of this famous fermented dish on obesity

An observational study extolled the benefits of kimchi, a traditional Korean dish obtained by fermenting vegetables (mainly cabbage and radishes) with various flavors and seasonings. According to researchers, eating a certain amount of this dish (very salty) every day can protect against obesity. The probiotics in it act on our microbiota, which is beneficial to health or, on the contrary, involved in the development of diseases.

A large observational study

More than 115,000 Koreans (average age 51) participated in the study. Results published in the journal BMJ Open indicated that about 36% of men and 25% of women were obese according to Korean standards. For Asians, obesity is defined by BMIBMI Over 25 (for Europeans, the limit is 30). Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference of at least 90 centimeters for men and at least 85 centimeters for women. A food consumption frequency questionnaire was used to assess participants’ dietary intake.

A moderate amount of kimchi is recommended

The results showed that consuming one to three servings of kimchi per day was associated with a lower risk of obesity in men. Kakkadugi (a radish kimchi) was associated with the lower PrevalencePrevalence Abdominal obesity, both in men and women. However, studies show that eating five or more servings of kimchi per day increases the risk of obesity. ” The results suggest a J-shaped curve, perhaps because higher consumption is associated with greater consumptionEnergyEnergy total, Explain to researchers. And because kimchi is one of the main sources SodiumSodiumModerate use is recommended to reap the benefits of its other ingredients. »