Traditional Korean food 'Kimchi' recognized as a health food in the United States
Amidst growing global interest in health, 'kimchi,' the traditional Korean fermented food, is attracting significant attention. This year, the U.S. government officially recognized kimchi for the first time as a food beneficial for 'gut health.' This signifies that the health benefits of kimchi have been highly evaluated on an international level.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture explain that the lactic acid bacteria and dietary fiber contained in kimchi are helpful for improving the intestinal environment. While kimchi has previously been known simply as a type of Korean cuisine, it is now expected to become a more familiar option for many health-conscious individuals.
The popularity of kimchi is rising rapidly not only in the United States but across the global market as a whole. Although it was once a food enjoyed only in specific regions, it is now stocked in supermarkets in many countries, and an increasing number of people are incorporating it into their daily diets.
Kimchi is also a very popular food in Japan, but this recognition has renewed interest in its health benefits. With the value of kimchi as a fermented food now recognized globally, it is expected that its market will continue to expand further.