Popular fermented food can help you slash belly fat and avoid weight gain
A popular fermented food could help you lose weight - but many people overlook its benefits.
Those on a weight loss journey will know all too well that stomach fat is often the most stubborn type to shift. Even when following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, it can be difficult to pick and choose exactly which areas of your body you slim down first.
However, new research has suggested that one type of food could help you specifically slash your belly fat, and it's something many of us already enjoy.
According to research published in the journal BMJ Open, eating three portions of the popular Korean side dish kimchi has been found to "lower the risk of obesity". Radish kimchi specifically was linked to a "lower prevalence" in a midriff bulge in both men and women.
Kimchi could lower your risk of obesity (stock photo) (Getty Images)Kimchi is made by salting and fermenting veggies, like cabbage and radish, with various flavourings and seasons, such as garlic, onion, and fish sauce. The vegetables used in kimchi contain few calories and are rich in dietary fibre, as well as microbiome-enhancing lactic acid bacteria, vitamins, and polyphenols.
Dr Michael Mosley shares exercise that can cut cholesterol and blood pressure
In the study, researchers looked at data from 115,726 participants who were asked to state how often they ate a serving of food, from never or seldom up to three times a day. They also looked at each participant's height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference.
A BMI for obesity was listed as being above 25, while abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference of at least 90cm for men and at least 85cm for women. In the study, around 36% of the men and 25% of the women were listed as obese by these requirements.
The study found those who ate less than one daily serving of total kimchi in comparison to participants who ate five or more servings weighed more, had a larger waist size, and were more likely to be obese. Eating up to three daily servings of kimchi was associated with an 11% "lower prevalence" for obesity compared to those who ate less than one daily serving.
The researchers said: "Since all results observed a 'J-shaped' association, excessive consumption suggests the potential for an increase in obesity prevalence. And as kimchi is one of the major sources of sodium intake, a moderate amount should be recommended for the health benefits of its other components."
You can make kimchi at home, however it is also available from most supermarkets. Asda sells a tin of kimchi for £1.85, while you can also buy jars of Yukata brand kimchi for around £3.50 in supermarkets including Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
