Overview

• Consuming up to three servings of kimchi daily may reduce a person’s overall risk of developing obesity, according to a study published in the journal BMJ Open.
• The study, which examined data from 115,726 people aged 40 to 69 in Korea, found that men who consumed one to three servings of kimchi per day had an 11-12% lower risk of obesity compared to men who ate less than one serving per day.
• Women who consumed two to three daily servings of cabbage kimchi were associated with an 8% lower prevalence of being overweight, and one to two daily servings were associated with a 6% lower prevalence of high levels of abdominal fat.
• However, the study also found that consuming more than three servings of kimchi daily did not provide additional benefits and could potentially lead to obesity due to increased overall food intake.
• Despite the potential health benefits, the researchers cautioned about the high salt content in kimchi and recommended moderate consumption.