HOORAY FOR KIMCHI!

Ever wonder if there was a food out there that could help support the digestive system, prevent over eating, provide extra energy, plus keep the skin bright and radiant?  Good news, this wonder food certainly does exist and it’s called kimchi.  I credit this popular Korean dish for rejuvenating my health and fitness routine!

I was recently introduced to eating kimchi when my brother came home from Daegu, South Korea where he is currently teaching at KeimYung University.  I learned that there are hundreds of varieties of kimchi, but for the most part the main ingredients are a variety of fermented vegetables, garlic, oil, pepper, and vinegar.

I was warned this combination is spicy, but that the unique, distinct taste would be ultimately enjoyable. 

What intrigued me more than the taste were the noted health and beauty benefits.  Kimchi is said to give skin a clear and radiant appearance. I was willing to try it, no matter how spicy!

I received more than I bargained for. Beyond the healthful effects the kimchi had on my skin, I liked the positive direction it was taking my eating and exercise habits.  For example, if I ate kimchi as soon as I came home from work I found that the peppery kick gave me a more energetic feeling as opposed to the sluggish feeling I usually felt when I came home from work.  Normally, if I was tired after work I would reach for a sugary snack bar as an evening pick-up.

By replacing a sugary snack bar with 3 celery sticks filled with kimchi, I now feel invigorated. I brew a cup of green tea and I am ready for the evening activities. By satisfying my hunger as soon as I get home from work, I don’t pick on a lot of empty calorie “junk foods” before dinner.

Even after dinner, I actually find it much easier to resist unhealthy choices.  After eating kimchi, I guarantee you will not want to eat ice cream.  Instead, you’ll find yourself wanting to go for a walk, try a new workout or try a nourishing new food or beverage.

It’s no wonder kimchi has so many healthy benefits:

• It contains high concentrations of vitamin C and B vitamins.
• It is very low in calories and offers a good amount of fiber.
• Fermented foods like kimchi provide “good bacteria,” which aid in digestion and intestinal health.
• Eating kimchi can also help reduce cholesterol.
• The ingredients in kimchi can have powerful antioxidant effects.    

Please don’t take my word for it, if you haven’t already done so, give it a try. See if you experience some of the positive health benefits as I have.