The Secret Health Hack that Everyone Should Know About
Katerina Hayes is founder and CEO of award-winning fermented food company Naked Kimchi & Co
It seems that everyone is talking about their health these days - physical health, mental health, gut health - but there’s one health hack that can help boost our health in all of these ways… and that’s fermentation.
I grew up in the Ukraine where my family grew our own vegetables. We cared for them, harvested them, ate some and preserved everything that was left by fermenting or pickling them. This way we would have a ready-made supply of food to eat throughout the winter.
I relocated to Scotland in 2008 and quickly realised that, despite the almost endless list of benefits of fermented food, it was not common practice here.
I started Naked Kimchi in 2021 and now we supply many of Scotland’s best known cafes. And I am on a mission to share the health benefits of kimchi (and other fermented foods) with as many people as possible.
So what is Kimchi?
Kimchi in Korean means ferment, anything that is fermented can be called kimchi. In our award winning signature kimchi we only use fresh high quality ingredients.
These foods are then fermented which involves adding salt and spices and stored in a temperature controlled environment, in an air-tight jar for 5 days, until the flavours have combined and you’re left with a tasty and healthy kimchi.
Kimchi - when made in its traditional form - has health benefits that are largely unmatched when compared to other foods.
At Naked Kimchi & Co, our kimchi is gluten-free and vegan and is free from soy and fish sauce.
Pure and powerful Ingredients
Here are some of the high-grade ingredients in our kimchi—
- High-Grade Gonchugaru, Sun-Dried Chilli Gonchugaru - the Korean red pepper flakes are known for their vibrant colour and robust flavour.
- Fresh Chinese Leaf Cabbage - a nutrient-dense vegetable loaded with vitamins C and K, fibre, and antioxidants.
- Onion and garlic, along with turmeric, ginger, and seaweed enriches our kimchi with essential minerals such as iodine, calcium, and magnesium.
- Parsley and Carrot which are packed with vitamins
Our kimchi is fermented using time-honoured artisan methods, allowing natural probiotics to develop. These probiotics are essential for a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion, enhancing nutrient absorption, and boosting immune function.
Health Benefits
Probiotics - The fermentation process cultivates beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, which are crucial for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome supports digestion, reduces bloating, and can even influence mental health by interacting with the gut-brain axis.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties - Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and garlic offer potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping to combat chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to numerous health conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
Immune Support - Kimchi is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as minerals from seaweed, all of which play vital roles in supporting a robust immune system. Regular consumption can help bolster your body’s defences against common illnesses.
Weight Management and Metabolism - Fermented foods can aid in weight management by promoting a healthy metabolism. The capsaicin in Gonchugaru helps increase calorie burning, while the high fibre content supports satiety and reduces overall calorie intake.
Heart Health - Garlic and wakame seaweed, support cardiovascular health by helping to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation. The anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease.
Nutrient-Rich - Fermentation increases the levels of vitamins such as B12 and K2, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Mental Health - A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved mood and cognitive function.
There are also significant environmental benefits to fermented foods, including increased sustainability and reducing food taste. By fermenting surplus vegetables, households can significantly reduce the amount of food they discard, contributing to environmental sustainability and personal savings.
So, maybe it’s time that we turned to tried and tested methods when it comes to our health and get back to doing the basics well. We don’t need gimmicky bio-hacking tools. Instead we need to look at what we can do with the vegetables that are already around us every day.
To me, Kimchi has a magic about it - simply because it takes plain, leftover vegetables and turns them into a tasty, health-busting food.
And we can’t wait to spread the word about it!
For more information visit - https://nakedkimchi.co/
