The Hidden Benefits of Kimchee

Kimchee has been a staple in Korean cuisine for centuries, but did you know it can make you healthier? It can - and the benefits of eating this fermented cabbage may cause you to live a longer, healthier life. So what are the benefits of eating kimchee and why should you eat more? Learn about what it is, why the ingredients in kimchee will benefit you, and why you should be eating more of it.

What is Kimchee?
Kimchee is spicy fermented cabbage. Usually stored in large jars, it has a noticeable aroma and a sour and spicy taste, depending on when you eat it. Most let it ferment for longer than a week for it to reach its maximum flavor. It is a very common side dish and can be bought in most Asian markets.

It has endless varieties, with The Korean Food Academy reporting over 100 types of this spicy dish. The types of kimchi you can eat depends on the region (if you're in Korea), but the most common varieties are:

Bae-Chu Kyut-Choh-Lee - this is your basic kimchee made out of bok choy.

Tong Bay-Goo - same as Bae-Chu Kyut-Choh-Lee, but these consist of whole cabbage parts and are not sliced.

Oi Soh-Baki - this is kimchee made from cucumbers, and can be more fragrant than other common varieties.

Gahk-Toh-Gee - this is kimchee made from radishes, sliced into cubes.

Kimchee is often eaten with rice and can be found in soups and Kim-Bahp, rice and vegetables wrapped in dried seaweed. This is a comparable version to sushi, with the difference only being that Kim-Bahp has cooked meat in it.

What are the benefits of eating Kimchee?
Because of the fermentation process and its ingredients, it has many nutrients. Garlic is heavily used, which helps you absorb vitamin B-12, and keeps your immune system high. You get a huge amount of Vitamin C (no orange juice needed!) from cabbage and spicy seasoning. You also receive carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A when eaten. Carotene also protects you from lung cancer.

Another huge benefit of garlic is lowering your cholesterol. Garlic also contains selenium, which keeps your skin and hair in tip-top condition. This lowers your cholesterol too!

Kimchee also contains bacteria, but not to worry - this is good bacteria. By eating more of it, you stay healthier longer. This also protects you from intestinal cancer.

Why should I be eating kimchee?
There's no question about it - it's a "miracle food" that can protect you from cancer, live a longer and healthier life, and improve your physical appearance. Along with all of these benefits, it's a tasty side dish to any meal - try it yourself! So cheers to kimchee and its healing properties, and eat up!