Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 06, 2025 51 minutes ago
Medical News: Traditional Korean Food Offers More Than Just Taste
Kimchi, the spicy fermented cabbage dish loved across Korea and now gaining popularity worldwide, is more than just a flavorful side dish. A new clinical study conducted by researchers at the World Institute of Kimchi in South Korea has found that regular consumption of kimchi may significantly enhance the human immune system, especially certain key immune cells responsible for fighting infections.
New study shows kimchi helps key immune cells fight infection without triggering inflammation
The researchers focused on overweight but otherwise healthy adults. Thirteen participants were monitored over a 12-week period and divided into three groups: one took a placebo, and the other two received different types of freeze-dried kimchi powder in capsule form. The amount consumed was equal to about 30 grams of fresh kimchi daily. This
Medical News report highlights the health benefits from Kimchi consumption observed in this clinical trial.
How the Study Was Conducted
Using advanced technology known as single-cell RNA sequencing, scientists closely examined immune cells in blood samples collected before and after the intervention. This allowed them to see precisely how each type of immune cell responded to the kimchi diet.
The study discovered that kimchi enhanced the activity of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). These cells play a vital role in detecting harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria, breaking them down, and showing parts of these invaders to other immune cells—mainly helper T cells—so that the body can launch a targeted defense. The kimchi not only boosted these cells' performance but also activated key genes that improve how APCs signal to T cells.
Boosting Immune Response Without Overactivation
Another key finding was that helper T cells—essential coordinators of the body’s immune response—became more responsive after the kimchi intake. They could now react faster to potential threats, improving overall immunity without causing harmful inflammation. Importantly, other immune cells like CD8+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells remained stable, suggesting that kimchi does not overstimulate the immune system but rather enhances it in a controlled, targeted way.
Both types of kimchi used in the study—one fermented naturally and one fermented using a specific bacterial culture—showed immune-boosting benefits, although the starter-culture kimchi appeared slightly more effective.
Why Fermented Foods Matter
The study supports the growing belief that fermented foods can offer real health benefits. Kimchi contains beneficial bacteria, organic acids, and bioactive plant compounds, all of which contribute to its positive effects. These findings could have important implications for fighting infections, improving responses to vaccines, and reducing harmful inflammation.
It&rsqu
o;s worth noting that the study was small and focused on how immune cells behave rather than whether participants actually got sick less often. However, it still provides valuable scientific evidence that kimchi can help regulate immune functions at the cellular level.
More Than Just Kimchi
While this study focused on kimchi, other fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and kombucha also contain live microbes that may positively affect immune and gut health. Including a variety of these foods in your diet may offer even greater benefits.
A Simple Addition to Daily Diets
Eating 30 grams of kimchi a day—a modest amount—is a practical and tasty way to explore these health benefits. Whether eaten fresh or in powder form, kimchi could play a role in maintaining immune balance and preventing certain illnesses. More large-scale studies are needed, but this research adds weight to the argument that traditional foods can have modern health value.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: NPJ Science of Food (Nature).
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-025-00593-7
For the latest on the health benefits of fermented foods, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/diets-and-nutrition
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/supplements
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/alternative-medicine
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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