It may support a healthy metabolism, blood pressure, and weight ( 9, 10). The compound that makes these foods spicy is called capsaicin. Hot pepper paste and red pepper flakes are other common ingredients in Korean meals. Although the exact mechanisms are unknown, compounds in kimchi may help regulate weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood fat levels ( 7, 8). Older studies in humans also suggest that eating kimchi decreases body weight and risk factors for heart disease. According to test-tube and animal studies, these bacteria may support your immune system ( 5, 6). This means it contains Lactobacillus bacteria. Kimchi, for example, is made via lacto-fermentation. WhatвЂ™s more, fermented foods - like those featured in Korean cuisine - offer health benefits thanks to their content of gut-friendly bacteria called probiotics ( 4). Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increases your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke ( 3). One observational study associated eating a traditional Korean diet with a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome. Because theyвЂ™re often high in vegetables and cooked without much oil, Korean meals are often lower in calories than traditional American meals ( 2, 3). Grilling, fermenting, boiling, pickling, and blanching are common cooking methods.Д¬onsidering the ingredients and cooking methods of the traditional Korean diet, itвЂ™s generally considered healthy. Korean meals typically feature seasoned vegetable sides, rice, soup, kimchi, and meat or seafood. Baking and frying are less common, although some popular foods like Korean fried chicken are fried ( 2). Kimchi can be seasoned in different ways, usually with salt, ginger, garlic, and/or red pepper flakes (gochugaru) ( 1).Д«esides fermentation, common cooking methods include blanching, boiling, pickling, and grilling. Other common fermented foods include salted seafood (jeotgal) and cabbage. These can be seasoned with fermented sauces and condiments like soybean paste (doenjang), soy sauce (ganjang), and hot pepper paste (gochujang) ( 1). Many Korean side dishes include vegetables. For example, a traditional Korean meal known as bapsang features rice (bap), several side dishes (banchan), soups or stew (kuk), fermented vegetables, and sometimes grilled meats or seafood ( 2). Throughout its history, food has been seen as medicine ( 1).ДЄs a result, Korean cuisine is generally healthy. Korean culture emphasizes food as a source of nourishment and healing.

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