Consuming up to three servings of kimchi a day might decrease the fat around your middle, potentially lowering the risk of diabetes based on a significant study. Kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables such as cabbage, has previously been associated with health advantages like regulating digestion and enhancing memory. Now, a study involving more than 100,000 individuals by researchers from the Chung Ang University in South Korea has discovered that men who consume three portions of kimchi daily are less likely to be overweight and have less belly fat – which is commonly linked to the highest risk for type 2 diabetes. 
Kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables, most commonly cabbage, may lower men’s risk of being overweight 
Radish kimchi is linked to a lower chance of developing a midriff bulge in both men and women, the study suggestedPrevious research has indicated that bacteria found in kimchi has an anti-obesity effect, however, the researchers aimed to determine if consuming it regularly could be connected to a reduction in the risk of abdominal and overall obesity. Abdominal obesity, often referred to as a ‘beer belly,’ is considered to be the most crucial type of fat in the development of type 2 diabetes, as it surrounds vital organs such as the pancreas and liver. For this new study, researchers examined data from over 115,000 Koreans over 40 who participated in the Health Examinees study, which is a long-term evaluation of environmental and genetic risk factors for common chronic conditions. Participants were surveyed on how often they consumed different types of food, selecting from various serving options. Total kimchi included cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, and watery kimchi. A serving of cabbage or radish kimchi is 50g, while a serving of watery kimchi is 95g. A 50g serving is roughly equivalent to one third of a cup. The study, which was published in the journal BMJ Open, involved the measurement of height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference for each participant. A BMI of 18.5 was categorized as underweight; normal weight ranged from 18.5 to 25; and obesity was defined as above 25. In the US, a BMI between 18.5 and 25 is a healthy weight, while a BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight, and a BMI above 30 is categorized as obese. The researchers defined abdominal obesity as a waist circumference of at least 35 inches for men and at least 33 inches for women. This is slightly lower than the US’ definition, which identifies abdominal obesity as a waist circumference of at least 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women. According to US standards, about 36 percent of the men and 25 percent of the women were overweight. The findings revealed a J-shaped curve, indicating that a moderate amount of kimchi indicated a decrease in overweight individuals, whereas excessive consumption resulted in an increase in excess fat. After accounting for potential influential factors, the study found that consuming up to three daily servings of total kimchi was associated with an 11 percent lower prevalence of being overweight, compared to consuming less than one serving. In men, consuming three or more servings of cabbage kimchi was linked to a 10 percent lower prevalence of being overweight and a 10 percent lower prevalence of high levels of abdominal fat, compared to consuming less than one serving per day. For women, consuming two to three servings of this kimchi type per day was linked to an eight percent lower prevalence of being overweight, while consuming one to two servings per day was associated with a six percent lower prevalence of high levels of abdominal fat. Consuming below average amounts of radish kimchi was linked to a nine percent lower prevalence of being overweight in both genders. Additionally, consuming just under two tablespoons of radish kimchi a day (25g) for men and just under one tablespoon a day (11g) for women was associated with an eight percent lower risk of high levels of abdominal fat for men, and an 11 percent lower risk for women, compared with consuming none at all.However, excessive consumption was found to be unhealthy: individuals who consumed five or more servings weighed more, had a larger waist size, and were more likely to be overweight, compared to those who consumed less than one daily serving of total kimchi. The researchers cautioned that the study can only establish correlation and not causation. They stated: ‘Since all results observed a “J-shaped” association, excessive consumption suggests the potential for an increase in prevalence [of being overweight]. And as kimchi is one of the major sources of sodium intake, a moderate amount should be recommended for the health benefits of its other components.’
