Kimchi - The Perfect Health Food

Kimchi - The Perfect Health Food
by Charles May

to prevent and treat diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It's low in
cholesterol, sugar, fat, while also being low in calories. Kimchi is rich in antioxidants
like vitamin A, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), vitamin C, calcium and iron. Most types
of kimchi contain ingredients like onions, garlic and peppers all of which have health
benefits. Red pepper is one of the most prevalent ingredients of kimchi which has the
hot tasting capsaicin. Capsaicin stimulates gastric juice in the stomach and helps aid
digestion. Garlic strengthens the immune system and helps the body absorb vitamin
B1. Ginger helps with blood circulation and increases the appetite. Since kimchi is a
fermented food it contains beneficial bacterial cultures of L. acidophilus a probiotic or
"friendly" bacteria found in yogurt. L. acidophilus improves gastrointestinal function,
boosts the immune system and aids in the production of niacin, folic acid, and
pyridoxine. Kimchi is total health food.

The following is a recipe for baechu (Napa cabbage) kimchi:

Ingredients:

1 head Napa cabbage (baechu, wombok)

½ onion, thin sliced

¼ carrot, thin julienne

¼ radish, thin julienne

4 green onions, cut into 2 inches

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp minced ginger

½ cup go choo ga roo (Korean chili powder)

2 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp sugar

½ cup sea salt (or any coarse salt)

1 cup water

¼ cup jeot gal (Korean fish sauce)

Instructions:

1. Quarter the Napa cabbage, wash and drain.

2. Mix ½ cup sea salt (or any coarse salt) and 1 cup water.

3. Put cabbages in salt water and take out one at a time to get salt down.

4. In a container, add cabbages and pour salted water, set aside for at least 6-8
hours. (Overnight will be great.)

5. The cabbage should be soft enough to bend.

6. Wash, drain well.

7. Mix together ½ cup go choo ga roo (Korean chili powder), 2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar,
¼ cup jeot gal (Korean fish sauce), 2 tbsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp minced ginger.

8. Mix in vegetables to the chili powder mixture.

9. Take one cabbage; stuff in above mixture to an every layer. Try to fold in half

10. With 2 outer leaves, wrap the whole thing securely.

11. Put in an air tight container.

12. Let it sit on a kitchen counter for overnight.

13. Put in a refrigerator for 2-3 days.

14. Serve with rice.

About The Author

Charles May is a Structural Engineer who loves Korean food. For more recipes visit
his blog at [http://koreanrecipesandcooking.blogspot.com/]

Kimchi has been the keystone food of
the Korean diet for thousands of
years. Although there are many
varieties of kimchi it consists mainly
of fermented vegetables in brine with
spicy seasonings. The most common
seasonings include, garlic, scallions
and chili pepper. Depending on the
type of kimchi being made, other
seasonings include ginger, onions,
salted fish or shellfish as well as fruit
or fresh seafood. The most popular
kind is the Napa cabbage variety.

Kimchi has a high concentration of
dietary fibers. The fiber in kimchi helps

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.