A team of scientists has once again proven that important health solutions may lie in simple foods.

A recent study revealed that consuming kimchi, the traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables, can help reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, and blood pressure — key factors linked to heart and metabolic health.

Kimchi is a fermented food known for its high probiotic content, beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and digestion. With growing global interest in digestive health, this Asian dish has gained status as the new “superfood” in modern diets.

Kimchi has been part of Korean cuisine for thousands of years, but today it is added to dozens of meals worldwide — from eggs and rice to avocado and even ice cream.

The research team from the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut in the United States stated that regular kimchi consumption was associated with significant improvements in key health indicators.

In a review of 9 studies conducted between 2011 and 2023 involving about 43,000 people, scientists observed a decrease in fasting blood sugar by 1.93 mg/dL among those who ate kimchi compared to others, an improvement that may reduce the risk of diabetes affecting tens of millions globally.

Triglyceride levels also dropped by 29 mg/dL, a major factor in preventing heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Blood pressure decreased by about 3.48 mmHg systolic and 2.68 mmHg diastolic, which the team considered a “medically significant” improvement achievable through diet alone.

Professor Ok Chun, a co-author of the study, said, “We usually see such reductions after drug treatment, so achieving them through a simple dietary intervention is very encouraging.”

The health benefits of kimchi are attributed to its role in supporting the gut microbiome, the community of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria help regulate inflammation, boost immunity, and maintain metabolic balance.

Dr. Kavin Mistry, a neuro-radiologist and longevity expert, said, “Kimchi can be an important component of a diet that promotes heart health and reduces cancer risk,” adding that “improving microbiome diversity is a key step toward better health.”

Doctors believe that incorporating kimchi into the daily diet can make a real difference in preventing diabetes, heart disease, and chronic inflammation.

Dr. Daniel Atkinson, a general practitioner and consultant at the digital healthcare company “Treated,” confirms that “the health benefits of kimchi are good news for anyone looking to improve their health through food rather than drugs.”