Little-known vegetable hailed 'must' for weight loss and youthful appearance

If you’re looking to spice up your weekly weekly shopping, there’s a food item you might want to consider. Bosses at Holland & Barrett have highlighted a lesser-known veggie that not only aids in weight loss, but could also help you look younger.

Kimchi is a Korean fermented cabbage dish that’s becoming a household favorite. Known for its high probiotic content, kimchi usually features cabbage as its main ingredient, but it can also include a variety of vegetables like radish, carrot, and onion.

The distinct and delicious flavor of kimchi comes from vegetables being seasoned with spices like chili, then left to ferment in a jar for 3-21 days.

A strain of bacteria commonly found in fermented foods like kimchi is called as Lactobacillus plantarum. Research has linked this bacteria to better immune function. For instance, a study in mice showed that it helped reduce levels of an inflammatory marker, indicating a potential connection between Lactobacillus plantarum and a healthy immune system.

In addition to this, thanks to its high probiotic content, experts at WebMD assert that kimchi can contribute to a healthier heart. They explain: “Probiotics may improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and inflammation. The fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients in kimchi can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which can boost heart health.”

Can kimchi make me look younger?

The health experts at H&B say that there is evidence which suggests “kimchi is effective at slowing the ageing process.” This is because “it may help to prolong cell life. For example, in one experiment, human cells were treated with kimchi and following tests on these cells suggested that they had been given an increased viability, extending their life span.”

Can kimchi help me lose weight?

Not only can it make you look younger, but it could help keep the pounds off too. During a four week study of people who were overweight, fresh and fermented kimchi “appeared to help participants reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and overall body fat.”

Whilst more research is needed, kimchi is nevertheless a great option as it’s low in calories, high in fibre and boasts good bacteria.