The fermented cabbage dish known as kimchi is extremely popular in some Asian countries, such as Korea. This delicacy has made its way to the American plate in recent years, and some health minded food shoppers might want to know about the nutritional content of this vegetable based food. Knowing more about what you eat can help you make the right decisions about a weight-loss-oriented meal plan or overall healthy diet.

Calorie Count

Kimchi is a relatively low-cal food. According to nutritional estimates, a 150 gram serving of kimchi would include just over 40 calories. This makes the food much lower in calories than potatoes or other vegetable dishes popular in the U.S. It's much lower in calories than most of the processed snacks on the common supermarket shelf. That's worth looking at when it's time to craft a leaner menu.

Probiotics

Providing a low-calorie snack is not all that kimchi can do for eaters. According to medical reports, this exotic food contains various kinds of probiotics, healthy bacteria that can help create a "balance" in the digestive system. Lots of people are drawn to this food because of the idea that it can stabilize the bacterial environment in the digestive tract.

Carcinogens

Some doctors have shown that there is evidence that kimchi might also increase the risk of stomach cancer. Scientists have identified some potential carcinogens in the food, but not at extremely high levels. This has led some doctors to suggest that kimchi is fine when eaten in moderation, along with a regular diet of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fat Content

Kimchi is very low in fats, including saturated fats that are generally threatening to a diet or fitness plan. Kimchi is also low in cholesterol. What kimchi eaters do get is a bit of protein, and some carbohydrates. All of this makes kimchi a relatively good option for the occasional meal. The dish adds a lot of flavor without adding some of the worst elements that dieters often try to avoid.

Vitamins

Kimchi has a lot of the essential vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to be healthy. Vitamins A and C and other nutrients are also present in kimchi.

The bottom line is that kimchi has some pretty commonly established health benefits, but it's also considered potentially harmful if eaten excessively. Lots of nutritionists and doctors do recommend a varied diet for their clients, and one that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables. Kimchi does have some of the antioxidants and other health boosters found in fresh produce, but as a rule, buying raw produce and cooking it yourself is preferable from a health standpoint. Take a look at how kimchi can be a tasty addition to your fitness meal plan, along with other less processed varieties of vegetable foods.