The New Superfood Michelle Obama is Eating (and You Should, Too!)

It's been a favorite of foodies and health nuts for decades, but kimchi--essentially fermented vegetables with various seasonings--is only recently enjoying a moment in the mainstream spotlight: The item is popping up on menus and grocery store shelves across the country, and even has a seal of approval from First Lady Michelle Obama.

Now, there's another good reason to add this Korean staple to your diet: A recent study published in The Journal of Medicinal Food reveals that kimchi might improve fasting blood glucose levels and also offers vital doses of antioxidants.

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To reach that conclusion, investigators at the Kimchi Research Institute and Pusan National University in Busan, Republic of Korea, assigned 100 subjects a diet either low or high in kimchi for one week. After the experimentation period had elapsed, researchers concluded that both groups saw decreases in fasting blood glucose levels and increases in antioxidant levels, with those on a high-kimchi diet enjoying greater benefits.

And that's not the only reason to love this fermented food. "Kimchi is a source of fiber and good bacteria, which can both help with good digestion," says Angela Lemond, RD, CSP, LD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "It contains a variety of lactobacillus bacteria strains, which are similar to the ones found in yogurt. These types of probiotics promote gut health and general immunity."

You can buy kimchi at most natural grocers--or you can make your own. Check out this recipe for easy DIY kimchi to get started.

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