Kimchi is arguably South Korea's most well-known traditional food. It is a staple in Korean households. If you are a fan of Korean culture, you know Koreans include this in the array of side dishes served during meals. 

Kimchi is a part of most Koreans' daily diets and for a good reason too. It's not just tasty, but it also has so many health benefits.

For one, kimchi may help regulate blood sugar and help in losing weight. It's packed with fibre and low in calories. This study tells us that overweight and obese patients who ate fermented kimchi reduced body weight and improved metabolic parameters. So for those who want to lose weight and want to change their lifestyle, eating kimchi might be an excellent way to start. 

Kimchi also helps you have a healthy digestive system. Since it is fermented, kimchi is very rich in probiotics, allowing smooth digestion and improving intestinal health. 

Kimchi is also good to boost your immune system. The lactobacillus Plantarum found in kimchi and other fermented foods is linked to helping the immune system. Especially during these times, it is essential to keep your immune system up and be strong and healthy by watching your diet and taking care of yourself. 

Kimchi is also good for your heart because of the natural antioxidants from some ingredients like ginger and peppers. It also helps with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Although this study does not clarify what aspect of kimchi is explicitly linked to cholesterol, they found out that people who eat kimchi regularly have lower levels of bad cholesterol. 

Aside from all these health benefits, kimchi is delicious and you can use it in many Korean recipes such as kimchi fried rice and kimchi soup! Here are some videos of how to prepare these dishes. 

You prepare kimchi by fermenting cabbage and other vegetables such as radish, with garlic, onions, sugar, salt, ginger, chilli powder or peppers, etc. Every Korean family probably has their own tried and tested way of making this, but here is a recipe you can start with if you are interested in making your own. 

Admittedly, making your kimchi can be time-consuming and arduous, but it's so worth it. It's also a great way to get the family together and bond over making kimchi together. Should you not have the luxury of time, you can spot ready-made kimchi in jars in your local supermarkets and Korean grocery stores as well. 

On your next grocery run, make sure to include kimchi in your shopping list and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer!