Experts from the World Kimchi Institute (South Korea) presented the results of a study on the effect of traditional Korean snacks on weight loss, gazeta.ru writes with reference to the Journal of Functional Foods.
The study, which involved 55 overweight volunteers, was conducted over three months. Participants consumed a freeze-dried form of kimchi—pickled Chinese cabbage—daily in an amount of 60 grams, divided into three meals. The product was subjected to special treatment: drying at 4°C for two weeks.
The results were more than convincing. The kimchi group experienced a 2,6% decrease in body fat, while the control group saw a 4,7% increase in body fat.
Preliminary preclinical tests on animals showed even more impressive results - a decrease in fat mass by 31,8%.
Scientists paid special attention to studying the effect of kimchi on the intestinal microflora. The study found a significant increase in beneficial bacteria while a decrease in Proteobacteria, which is associated with obesity.