Obesity is a growing issue in the UK, with around one in four adults now thought to be obese.
This is of particular concern to health bodies and experts due to the associated risks of being overweight. These include an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers.
Therefore, preventing excessive weight gain or losing weight if you are already considered overweight is important.
But despite our best efforts this can prove difficult. Reducing your calorie intake, sticking to a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can contribute to weight loss are all tried and tested methods of weight loss.
Now research has shown that eating a specific food every day can help aid weight loss efforts and reduce the risk of obesity.
A new study, published in the British Medical Journal, revealed that kimchi could hold the answer to staving off the pounds.
Kimchi is a fermented cabbage and vegetable dish traditionally found in Korea.
Previous research has already proven it to be beneficial for gut health but this latest study determined that cabbage kimchi may lower men’s risk of obesity, while kimchi made with radishes could help both men and women fight excess pounds.
As part of the research, a team from South Korea analysed data on more than 115,000 people aged between 40 and 69.
They were asked about their consumption of kimchi via food questionnaires.
This showed that men who consumed one to three servings of cabbage kimchi per day had an 11 to 12 percent reduced risk of obesity when compared to men who ate less than one serving per day.
And men who ate up to three servings a day were 10 percent less likely to be obese and have excess fat around the stomach.
Among women the risk was eight percent lower.
Among both men and women who ate kimchi made of radishes there was a nine percent lower risk of fat around the abdomen.
However, the team concluded that there were no benefits to eating more than three servings of kimchi a day.
People who ate more servings generally tended to eat larger portions of other foods, putting them at greater risk of being overweight.
The experts also noted concerns about the salt content of kimchi.
In the study they said: “As kimchi is one of the major sources of sodium intake, a moderate amount should be recommended for the health benefits of its other components”.
Kimchi can be prepared in different ways but usually includes vegetables such as cabbage, radish and onion, as well as spices such as red pepper powder, garlic and ginger.
It can be bought pre-made in shops or you can make it yourself at home.
Scientists have previously said that the “good” bacteria in fermented foods such as kimchi are good for the gut and can also have an effect on weight.
