7 Health Benefits of Cucumber Kimchi

As the Korean wave dominated the world, kimchi also started to become a staple to many. Cucumber kimchi is one of the kimchi variations that piqued the interest of fermentation lovers not only because of its taste but also for its good impact on our health. Discover the health benefits of cucumber kimchi and why you should start adding it to your meals. 

What are the health benefits of cucumber kimchi?

Fermented vegetables like kimchi are nutritious based on the nutrient content of the vegetables used and the duration of fermentation. Cucumber in itself is nutrient-dense and its goodness is further enhanced by fermentation until it becomes a powerhouse of the following health benefits. 

#1 Aids in weight loss

Cucumber is among the popular low-carb alternatives in ketogenic diets. A 90-gram cucumber only contains 10 calories and it retains its caloric levels even after fermentation. If you’re on a caloric deficit and maintain 1200 calories a day, imagine how much cucumber kimchi you can consume and still not break your limit. 

Cucumber kimchi has a lot of volume compared to its calorie count. Therefore, you can still eat a lot, enjoy your food, and feel full longer because it is also rich in fiber and water.

According to a study, fermented kimchi caused obese and overweight individuals to have lower BMI, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose after a 4-week trial. It’s not only a powerful weight ally but a holistic treatment for your body.

#2 Good for digestion

Cucumber kimchi and other forms of kimchi is rich in probiotic which makes it become one of the healthiest fermented vegetables in the world. Probiotics help colonize our gut, fight off disease-causing pathogens, and prevent bad stuff from entering our bloodstream. 

As kimchi probiotics improve our digestive processes, digestion, and bowel movement function at optimal levels. Cucumbers are also rich in fiber which helps prevent common stomach issues like bloating and constipation. 

#3 Improves skin health

Our skin is the window to our health. It reflects what’s happening in our body and our level of hydration and stress. Probiotics in cucumber kimchi help colonize our gut and prevent the following conditions that may manifest on our skin:

• Internal inflammation leading to skin allergies.
• Better nutrient uptake in the small intestine.
• Fight off yeast infections.
• Helps manage anxiety and depression that can lead to stress-related skin issues.

Aside from the internal benefits to your metabolic processes, cucumber kimchi is also watery which keeps you hydrated. If you’re well hydrated, it will easily manifest through your plump skin and lips. One study also found that kimchi can help reduce your risk for eczema, which is an inflammatory condition that causes dry and itchy skin. 

H3: #4 Defense against premature aging 

In today’s lifestyle, we are surrounded by things that cause premature aging. These include pollution, blue light from gadgets, and a culture of insomnia and sleep deprivation. If you noticed that you’re starting to look older than usual, consuming cucumber kimchi can help restore your youthful glow naturally. 

Cucumber kimchi is dense with antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and produce collagen. Collagen is a crucial element in retaining your skin’s elasticity and plumpness. Instead of spending tons of money on topical skin care and collagen drinks, better add cucumber kimchi to your diet and check off your beauty goals with a spoonful of this tangy treat.

#5 Helps lower cholesterol levels

Patients suffering from high blood cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular diseases can greatly benefit from the probiotics found in cucumber kimchi. Probiotics help lower cholesterol in our body in two ways:

• Trigger the production of bile acids to metabolize cholesterol. 
• Bind the cholesterol in the small intestine and prevent it from entering the bloodstream.

If cholesterol is properly neutralized at the digestive level through the probiotics in cucumber kimchi, you’ll have a lower risk of developing heart problems. It can also help patients with cardiovascular diseases to manage their conditions and prevent disease progression.

#6 Boosts the immune system

Immunity starts in our gut. Our digestive system is the only barrier we have against the outside world. Therefore, our immune system and the good bacteria in our gut are front liners against pathogens and viruses that try to invade our bodies. 

By consuming fermented vegetables regularly, you are sending reinforcement to your gut microbiome to fight disease, stress, and viruses. They also train the existing good bacteria in the gut to become stronger so they can provide more resistance against microbes, leading to better immune health.

#7 Enhances brain function

Cucumber kimchi contains tons of probiotics including Lactobacillus Plantarum. L. Plantarum is one of the four strains found in kimchi responsible for fighting off pathogens on both ends of the digestive system. It is a tough strain of good bacteria and can reach areas of the digestive system that no other strains can colonize. 

Our gut is considered our second brain because of how it directly affects our nervous system. Studies found that the abundance of L. Plantarum in the gut helps trigger the parasympathetic nervous system of our body that causes relaxation. These findings are crucial in managing anxiety and depression, which is so prevalent in our world today. 

If you want to enjoy new flavors, be healthy, and feel better, you’ll only need a few spoonfuls of cucumber kimchi a day. It’s affordable and nurtures your body in just a few bites. Learn how to make cucumber kimchi today and give your body the care it deserves.

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