According to a Canadian dietician, a little-known Asian food helps slow down the appearance of blood sugar spikes. But should we still adopt it? Here’s what our nutrition expert, Alexandra Retion, thinks.
Kimchi, a food full of benefits
In France, diabetes affects nearly one in twelve adults, representing more than 4 million people, according to the French Federation of Diabetics. However, to prevent type 2 diabetes, kimchi appears to be the “ideal” food. Generally made of cabbage, it is prepared with chili paste, garlic, ginger, fermented fish and salt. The mixture is then fermented for several days, even weeks.
According to Amanda Li, Canadian dietitian, it is precisely this fermentation that gives kimchi its “superpowers”, by promoting the production of “good bacteria”. Probiotics which contribute to the balance of the intestinal flora and contribute to the maintenance of a healthy weight… while improving glucose tolerance.
“One study found that eating kimchi for eight weeks improved glucose tolerance by 33%. In my opinion, it’s a win-win: more flavor and better blood sugar digestion”, she explains in one of her Youtube videos.
But is that a good enough reason to adopt it? Alexandra Retion, dietician-nutritionist, enlightens us.
A real “nutritional bomb”… which is not suitable for everyone
The dietician is rather convinced by the effects of kimchi.
“It is a very interesting food, particularly for the microbiota, because it is a lacto-fermented product rich in probiotics, micro-nutrients and vitamins. It is therefore beneficial for the intestinal flora and health in general. Additionally, it helps you feel full quickly. Similarly, apple cider vinegar, another fermented beverage, can have positive effects when taken before meals, in a spoonful. It promotes better digestion of carbohydrates and may have a potential impact on blood sugar regulation. However, there is no scientific evidence confirming these effects, and the observations mainly come from people – who have integrated kimchi or fermented drinks into their diet – and who observe a reduced variation in their blood sugar. This therefore remains to be proven. underlines the expert.
However, integrating lacto-fermented products into your diet is a good idea, because they are “real nutritional bombs“.
“It is nevertheless important to remain vigilant, because these products, including kimchi, can contain a significant amount of salt. Therefore, people suffering from hypertension should be careful with their consumption,” concludes Alexandra Retion.