A new clinical study has scientifically proven this KimchiIt is a traditional fermented Korean food but is increasingly used in the cuisines of many other countries. It improves the function of human immune cells and maintains the balance of the immune system.
This is the first study in the world to explain the immunomodulatory effects of Kimchi At the single-cell level and showed that its consumption can contribute not only to Metabolic health, but also immune health.
The World Kimchi Institute, a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, Published results of single-cell genetic analysis indicating that kimchi consumption has immunomodulatory effectswhich includes suppressing the excessive immune response and, at the same time, improving defense functions.
The participants in this study were overweight adults, and they were divided into three groups. Participants in each group took a placebo, kimchi powder made from naturally fermented kimchi. Or kimchi powder made from kimchi fermented using a 12-week starter culture.
After the 12-week intervention, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected and single-cell transcriptomic analysis (scRNA-seq) was performed. By tracking changes in the gene expression of each cell using this advanced technology, Research team It was able to detect subtle changes in the immune response that are difficult to detect using traditional tests.
Analysis of the results published in the journal npj food scienceHe noted that in the groups that consumed kimchi, the function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which recognize foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, and transmit signals, was enhanced. Furthermore, CD4+ T lymphocytes differentiated into defensive cells and regulatory cells in a balanced manner. These results indicate that kimchi not only stimulates the immune system, but also acts as a microregulator. Which improves the immune system’s defensive ability when necessary and suppresses unnecessary and excessive responses.
Furthermore, differences in immunomodulatory effects have been observed depending on the kimchi fermentation method used. While naturally fermented and fermented kimchi had positive effects on maintaining immune balance, The latter showed a more pronounced immunomodulatory effect, enhancing the ability of immune cells to recognize antigens Suppressing unnecessary signals. These results indicate that the health function of kimchi can be systematically improved using starter technology in the future.
“Our research has shown for the first time in the world that kimchi has two simultaneous effects: activating defense cells and suppressing the hyperactive response,” highlights Dr. Wu Jae Lee from the Global Kimchi Institute, who led the research team. “We plan to expand international research on kimchi and lactic bacteria “Regarding future immune and metabolic health.”
The results of this research contribute to establishing kimchi as not only a traditional fermented food; But also as a functional food with scientifically proven effects on immune health. It is expected that the results of this study will be applied in various fields, such as developing healthy functional foods, improving the effectiveness of vaccines, and preventing immune diseases.
Written by Angie Tatiana Rodriguez Bernal