Could this ancient fermented dish smack down the most
potent diseases known to man? Maybe.
Korean kimchi, that fermented mash of vegetables, garlic, peppers and fish juice is credited as being one of the healthiest foods on earth, packed with anti-oxidants, minerals and healthy bacteria (also lots of sodium).
And now it's being credited with helping prevent and cure swine flu H1N1 virus.
Kimchi has been anecdotally found to prevent and kill SARS (bird flu) virus.
Sauerkraut, kimchi and other pickled foods contain probiotics, the "good" batcteria.
Kimchi is most often eaten as a side dish or added to soups.
To get kimchi make it yourself or go to your local Korean food store or H Mart on 32nd st in Manhattan and all over Bayside Queens).
You might also enjoy these:
Comments
If you can't take hot spicy food, do not try.
If you can't stand any strong smell of garlic, fish, do not try.
The fresh Kimchi has strong garlic and fish smell and taste. Matured Kimchi smells like...something unbearable to breathe in (Not for Koreans of course. it smells delicious for me/them)
This is for someone who loves hot, spicy and sour (matured Kimchi taste very sour) food with strong stomach and would not complain about the smell of Kimchi.You do not eat Kimchi alone. Never never (OK..for tasting yes, eat Kimchi alone). This is side dish for Rice or noodle. No, not separately. Have a spoonful of rice or chopstickful of noodle first then have a piece of kimchi then you start chewing (you taste mixed flavor in your mouth). Mix with rice and other side dishes as many as you want (Kimchi and soup is basic side dishes and it comes along with other many side dishes). There is hot pepper free Kimchi (usually it is white color because lack of ground red pepper) but it is still spice because of lots of garlic.
Korean food is very different from Japanese and Chinese. Good luck with Kimchi (or Korean food)
Here is a clip in YOUTUBE
Kimchi Warrior VS. Swine Flu
I live in South Korea. They also undergo stomach ulcer checks (endoscopy) as a part of routine company medical examinations here, because the incidence of Stomach cancer are so high. Yep, you can thank spicy foods like Kimchi. So choose your poison...
Sir it probably won't work! Unless you ferment it for longer time period. As a Korean I know this. You need to let it sit in the fridge from 4 to 6 weeks. The bacteria in the kimchi will continue to ferment during that time. When you smell it, it will have strong sour smell, also it will be very soft, predigested cabbage. You can make your own of course it is easy.
Frankly kimchi is useless pretty much unless it aged for a while. Please this is important!
I lived in Korea for a year- Kimchi is good. Most Koreans I know will ask if you've eaten enough kimchi if you say you feel sick. However, for most Westerners it is EXTREMELY spicy and the smell can be a turn off to some people. Also, a lot of Koreans have some digestive problems from all the spicy food they eat. I'd stick with the chicken soup.
You partly right only ripe kimchi will help with the flu. It will have a strong smell and it will be very soft otherwise it won't work.
The Kimchi Warrior defends mankind from the world’s most notorious diseases (i.e. The Swine Flu, Mad Cow Disease, Malaria, SARS etc) as he fights and defeats the evil, deadly (and frequently funny) monsters that spread these infections.
Aiding our fearless hero is his secret weapon; Kimchi, the most popular food in Korea. When trouble strikes, The Kimchi Warrior (like Popeye the Sailor and his Spinach) munches a mouthful of Kimchi and is endowed with the super-strength he needs to smash the bad guys.
And there’s always new bad guys representing the diseases that Kimchi Warrior must battle. Each episode combines humor, action and educational content in a fast-paced blend of adventure and real-world health lessons.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!