Kimchi Study: Immune Modulation. Time for India to Research Its Own Ferments.

• A new clinical study on kimchi shows fermented foods modulate the immune system, promoting efficient responses rather than just "boosting" immunity.
• This immune modulation is particularly relevant for residents of polluted cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, helping combat chronic inflammation.
• Fermentation enriches foods with probiotics and other compounds that positively influence the gut microbiome and immune function.
• India possesses a rich tradition of fermented foods (e.g., dosa, chaas) but lacks clinical research to quantify their specific immunological benefits.
• The kimchi study highlights an urgent need for India to scientifically investigate its own fermented culinary heritage to address public health challenges.

Why It Matters: Kimchi study shows India must research its own fermented foods for health.