Could eating kimchi be the secret to a healthy mind?
It turns out it's not all in your head, but your gut, too: a healthy dose of kimchi could the answer to a healthy mind.
A new study has shown that eating foods such as the fermented Korean cabbage could decrease levels or social anxiety or social phobia.
The research, carried out by psychologists at the College of William & Mary, found that those with diets high in fermented foods experienced reductions in negative emotions such as moodiness, worry, envy and fear.
Fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt and pickles, contain probiotics, which are live bacteria that support digestion and contribute to a healthy gut.
“It is likely that the probiotics in the fermented foods are favorably changing the environment in the gut, and changes in the gut in turn influence social anxiety,” said Matthew Hilimire, assistant professor of psychology. “I think that it is absolutely fascinating that the microorganisms in your gut can influence your mind.”
So it seems that diet is just as important for your mental healthy, as your physical health. Pass the kimchi.
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