World Institute of Kimchi: Kimchi lowers blood triglyceride level by 33% (2024)

  • Finding from an animal study (mice)
  • Total blood cholesterol level also drops by 14%
  • Study by Professor Song, Yeong Ok's team at Pusan National University

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- World Institute of Kimchi, which discovers and promotes kimchi's scientific excellence announces that kimchi, a major Korean traditional fermented food, helps significantly lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood found from an animal study. The same study also suggests that kimchi intake can lead to considerably lower expression of inflammatory cytokine.

The study was conducted by Prof. Song, Yeong Ok and her team at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Kimchi Research Institute of Pusan National University, which is one of the longest research teams in World Institute of Kimchi in Korea. For eight weeks, the team fed a high-cholesterol diet with kimchi to an experimental group (10 mice) and the same diet without kimchi to a control group (10 mice). The result of the study titled "Preventative activity of kimchi on high cholesterol diet-induced hepatic damage through regulation of lipid metabolism in LDL receptor knockout mice" was published in a recent issue of the Food Science and Biotechnology. (Vol. 27, Issue 1, 2018).

After eight weeks, the triglycerides level in the kimchi group was 138 mg/dl, which was 33.3% lower compared with the control group (208 mg/dl). Triglycerides help build up LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) but facilitates the breakdown of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). High triglyceride levels can increase the risks of heart diseases and strokes.

In addition, the total blood cholesterol level of the kimchi group was 1,342 mg/dl, which is 14.4% lower compared with the control group (1,568 mg/dl).

Kimchi intake also contributed to preventing fat from building up in the liver. The hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the kimchi group were 26.3% and 38.9% lower respectively compared with the control group.

Kimchi also helped sustain healthy liver function. Levels of AST and ALT, which are indicators of liver damage, were both lower in the kimchi group. Elevated AST and ALT levels are generally associated with damaged liver cells caused by hepatitis, fatty liver, and hepatocirrhosis.

Lower inflammatory cytokine activity was also found in mice fed with kimchi. Inflammation and fat accumulation are closely associated with obesity, arteriosclerosis, fatty liver, and other chronic diseases. Overall, the study found that kimchi improves blood vessel health indicators and helps reduce inflammation.

Previous studies have found that the lactic acid bacteria in kimchi helps lower cholesterol.

Praising Song Young - ok 's experiment results, Ha, Jaeho a general director of the World Institute of Kimchi says, "The rich dietary fiber in kimchi cabbage, white radish and so on, which are the main ingredients of kimchi, helps lower cholesterol levels." He added, "This is why kimchi intake is recommended in Western countries where there is a high prevalence of artery diseases such as cardiovascular disorders."

About World Institute of Kimchi

A government-funded research institute established to perform research and development related to kimchi, to lead national technological innovation, nature and develop the kimchi industry that will boost the national growth. It performs overall research and development related to kimchi, in order to lead national technological innovation and nurture and develop the kimchi industry that will boost the national growth.

SOURCE World Institute of Kimchi

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World Institute of Kimchi: Kimchi lowers blood triglyceride level by 33% (2024)

FAQs

Does kimchi lower triglycerides? ›

After eight weeks, the triglycerides level in the kimchi group was 138 mg/dl, which was 33.3% lower compared with the control group (208 mg/dl). Triglycerides help build up LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) but facilitates the breakdown of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

Do Koreans have high triglycerides? ›

Since Koreans have significantly higher triglyceride levels than Americans, proper management is urgent. In the USA, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (≥260 mg/dL) was 34.2% in males and 41.6% in females [23].

Can kimchi help fatty liver? ›

In an 8-week study in mice fed a high cholesterol diet, fat levels in the blood and liver were lower in those given kimchi extract than in people in the control group. In addition, the kimchi extract appeared to suppress fat growth ( 55 ).

Do fermented foods lower LDL? ›

The process of fermentation also creates new and nutritious compounds that benefit your health. The benefits of fermented foods include improving digestion and lowering cholesterol levels.

What is the best drink to lower triglycerides? ›

Green tea and soy milk are the best drinks to lower triglycerides.

What is the number one cause of high triglycerides? ›

Eating or drinking too many calories can lead to high triglyceride levels. The good news is that you can take steps to lower triglyceride numbers. Your healthcare provider can offer suggestions for heart-healthy lifestyle changes. If needed, medications can also help.

Do Japanese have high triglycerides? ›

The Japanese and Koreans had higher values for triglyceride than their Mongolian counterparts, despite lower body mass index values for the Japanese and Koreans.

What is the best protein for high triglycerides? ›

Soy protein and isoflavones from edamame, tofu, and tempeh have been demonstrated to lower elevated triglyceride levels. Fermented soy has a potent effect when used to replace animal protein in the diet.

Is it okay to eat kimchi every day? ›

Kimchi is often served as a side dish alongside other healthful vegetables and proteins. Researchers noted in the study that consuming more than three servings of kimchi a day could have the opposite benefit. Participants who ate more than five servings of kimchi per day were more likely to be at a risk for obesity.

Do eggs help fatty liver? ›

The results of the present study showed that the egg consumption increases the risk of NAFLD in common range of its consumption (two tothree eggs per week). This relationship was also significant after adjustment forage, gender, BMI, history of diabetes, smoking, and physical activity.

Does lemon water reduce fatty liver? ›

Recent studies have shown that lemons contain a compound called naringenin, which reduces liver inflammation associated with fatty liver disease. Drinking fresh lemon juice 2-3 times a day, continuously for a month or thinly sliced ​​lemon in a bottle of water and drinking daily also helps improve fatty liver.

What are 3 foods that lower LDL? ›

Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods

Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.

Can Apple cider vinegar lower LDL? ›

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in small studies involving animals and humans.

Is kimchi better than sauerkraut for you? ›

Even without the varieties, kimchi has more basic ingredients than sauerkraut, so this naturally increases its nutritional content and health benefits. And if you like the flavour of your food to be strong, kimchi is your best friend!

What are the disadvantages of kimchi? ›

Kimchi is mostly good for us, but there could be some risks to keep in mind:
  • High Salt Content. The salt in kimchi might be too much for some people, especially those with high blood pressure or at risk of it.
  • Thyroid Disease. If you have thyroid problems, eating kimchi could affect your thyroid hormones.
  • Allergies.

Does sauerkraut lower triglycerides? ›

Researchers have found that sauerkraut can reduce cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels while significantly boosting levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione — two beneficial antioxidants.

Does cabbage lower triglycerides? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, arugula, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are all foods that lower triglycerides. They're loaded with fiber, other nutrients, and a sulfur-rich compound called sulfuraphane. One animal study indicated that sulfuraphane may help reduce triglyceride levels.

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