A new study has suggested it could be the ultimate diet food
Scientists have uncovered what could be the ultimate diet food, with just one daily serving significantly reducing body fat. A new study published in the Journal of Functional Foods has highlighted the impressive effects that incorporating kimchi can have on your weight loss journey.
The comprehensive team of researchers discovered that a single daily serving can reduce body fat and alleviate obesity symptoms such as metabolic issues. They found that consuming just 3g of kimchi daily reduced body fat percentage – and increased the bacteria that help regulate metabolism in your gut.
One specific type of kimchi also resulted in an increase of fat-free mass. They theorised that kimchi may act like prebiotics, enhancing the growth of healthy bacteria or probiotics in your gut which is directly tied to your metabolic health.
The bacteria in your gut also play a significant role in weight loss efforts and can even dictate your appetite and cravings. Unlike many other weight loss products, the study revealed kimchi’s substantial impact on body fat almost regardless of a person’s age. The study involved 90 adults aged between 20 and 65 years old who had BMI readings ranging from slightly overweight to obese.
The participants were divided into three groups. The first group was given a placebo, while the other two groups consumed two different types of kimchi – spontaneously fermented and starter-fermented powder.
Each group consumed 3,000mg of their respective products, with 83 participants completing the study. However, there was no significant difference between the groups.
After 12 weeks, the placebo group saw a significant increase in body fat percentage, body weight, and BMI, while both kimchi groups experienced reductions in body fat percentage. In terms of BMI and body weight, both kimchi groups remained relatively stable throughout the study, but those consuming the starter-fermented powder showed an increase in fat-free mass specifically.
Both kimchi groups also showed increased levels of Akkermansia muciniphila, a gut bacteria known to aid metabolic health. No serious adverse events were reported during the trial.
Kimchi is a fermented Korean dish typically made from cabbage, Korean radish, or other vegetables, often flavoured with garlic, ginger, and red pepper, which become active ingredients during fermentation. Previous animal and clinical studies have suggested that kimchi may help reduce body fat and rebalance metabolism and gut bacteria. However, researchers emphasise that further studies are needed to understand its effects on humans.
