Groundbreaking Study Reveals Kimchi’s Role in Boosting Immune System
Kimchi, the traditional Korean fermented food, has been found to act as a “precision regulator” for the immune system, according to groundbreaking research published in npj Science of Food. The World Institute of Kimchi conducted the first single-cell genetic analysis study of kimchi’s effects on human immunity, revealing how this fermented dish fine-tunes immune responses without triggering harmful inflammation.
The 12-week clinical trial involved 39 overweight adults. Participants were divided into three groups, with each group consuming either a placebo, naturally fermented kimchi powder, or starter-culture fermented kimchi powder. The findings were remarkable.
- Researchers found that kimchi enhanced the activity of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that detect bacteria and viruses.
- It also promoted balanced CD4+ T cell development into both protective and regulatory types.
“Our research has proven for the first time in the world that kimchi has two different simultaneous effects: activating defense cells and suppressing excessive response,” said Dr. Woo Jae Lee, who led the research. The study suggests that consuming just 30 grams of kimchi daily (equivalent to the powder used) may help strengthen immune defenses while preventing overreactions.
Source: Science Daily