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Kimchi named top superfood for 2023

thomas

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While traditionally Korean, kimchi (salted and fermented vegetables) can be considered a Japanese staple, being available in food stores and supermarkets across Japan. Not all the kimchi in Japan is fermented, though. The unfermented varieties resemble tsukemono (pickles). Usually, supermarkets offer several types of kimchi, indicating how many days the pickles were fermented. Also, Japanese kimchi isn't as spicy as most Korean varieties.


Kimchi (김치)


Now, kimchi and other fermented foods were ranked first in Pollock Communications and Today's Dietitian's annual Top Ten superfoods list.


In Pollock Communications and Today's Dietitian's annual "What's Trending in Nutrition" survey, 757 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) were polled to determine which ultra-nutrient-dense foods consumers will value in 2023. The top 10 superfoods in the list fit into a plant-based diet for the first time in 11 years of the survey, with kimchi and other fermented foods, such as yoghurt, kombucha tea and pickled vegetables, ranking first. The list comprises seeds, blueberries, avocados, nuts, leafy greens, aquatic greens, green tea, ancient grains and non-dairy kinds of milk. RDNs predict consumers navigating the crisis of higher cost of living will prioritize affordability over immunity for the first time since the pandemic. According to the RDNs, consumers will look for functional, value-based foods supporting their immunity and gut health, making fermented foods the top purchase drivers in 2023.

Kimchi has become popular among health-conscious consumers in recent years due to its probiotic, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic qualities and other health benefits. In 2020, a study attributed low COVID-19 fatality rates in South Korea to kimchi consumption. Take that with a grain of salt. ;)


 
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