Korean foods are trending greatly at the moment. As the values and standards of beauty become more demanding and important nowadays, the pursuit of eternal youth is increasing dramatically. Countless people have explored diverse methods and treatments, such as using skincare products, visiting dermatologists, and changing lifestyles, to maintain their youthful appearance.
Nevertheless, some people neglect the importance of diet, which indeed significantly contributes to maintaining a healthy and young appearance. South Korea is renowned for highly systemized skin care plans, products, and treatments; yet, a majority of people need to recognize the importance of South Korean cuisine which positively impacts their youthful appearance.
This article will explore three different, traditional Korean foods that are rich in natural ingredients and have earned a reputation for slowing down the aging process of the skin: Kimchi, Seaweed, and Ginseng.
1. Kimchi
Kimchi, one of the most famous, Korean foods and traditional cuisines, is a red, fermented cabbage and radish dish made with a mix of salt, vinegar, garlic, chilli peppers, and other spices. All of these ingredients are placed in a tightly closed jar and fermented for a few weeks. Kimchi is served with almost every Korean dish, including rice, soups, noodles, etc.
Although Kimchi is renowned for many different health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels, losing weight, and boosting immunity, Kimchi also has a great benefit of preserving youthful looks. Kimchi is rich in selenium and diverse probiotics, which are essential for keeping skin and hair healthy. Selenium, a relevant part of glutathione, also acts as a booster that reconstitutes and preserves vitamin C, improving its benefits in maintaining a youthful appearance.
Kimchi also contains rich antioxidants that decrease the rate of aging of the skin and prevents wrinkles in the long run. Besides, fermented food inhibits cell oxidation, making people look carefree and relaxed, even under stressful conditions. These benefits highlight why Kimchi works as a key food to in maintaining a youthful appearance.
2. Seaweed
Seaweed, often called Gim or Kim, is a very common and popular dried marine plant in South Korea, a peninsula covered by three different seas. Korean cuisines using seaweed include kimbap (seaweed-wrapped rice rolls), miyeokguk (seaweed-based soup), kimjeon (seaweed-wrapped pancakes), etc.
Although seaweed is a renowned material for skincare products such as seaweed masks, serums, and, creams, its value as a food also shows notable benefits in promoting a youthful complexion. Seaweed is 8-10 times richer in trace elements especially vitamins, than land plants, and the nutrient-rich compounds are easily absorbed by our bodies, increasing their effectiveness.
The high vitamin C level in seaweed promotes collagen production, a major key for younger-looking skin. Also, the vitamin E content in seaweed contributes to UV protection, and keeping wrinkles and sunspots at bay. Besides, seaweed has a high content of antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids, which protect cell membranes, and fight and reverse aging skin created by free radicals.
Overall, seaweed works as a perfect anti-aging ingredient in a diverse range of foods, making your skin brighter, fresher, and younger-looking.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng, an herb with a light-colored root found in Asia and North America, is often called the “root of immortality.” Ginseng is included in many diverse Korean foods and cuisines such as ginseng teas, soups, and samgyetang (a traditional chicken soup with ginseng). It has played a major role in oriental Korean medicine for centuries, with not only the renowned benefits of enhancing energy levels but also maintaining skin elasticity and increasing blood circulation.
Ginseng root contains rich bioactive compounds such as pantothenic acid, different minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B12, saponins, and polysaccharides that are known for their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.
The benefits of ginseng include promoting collagen production, reducing signs of aging and wrinkles, reducing dark undereye circles, etc. Additionally, Ginseng also increases blood circulation and oxygenation, slowing down aging and combatting free radicals.
Besides, the polysaccharides and glycoproteins in their roots form a weightless film on the skin’s surface, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Thus, Ginseng not only promotes “immortality” in your body but also in and on your skin.
Conclusion
There is an old saying in South Korea around the topic of food, “Beauty starts from within your body.” Traditional Korean cuisine significantly contributes to promoting a youthful appearance that arises from within your body.
Kimchi, a fermented dish of many different probiotics, provides support to your skin with enriching vitamins and antioxidants. Seaweed, rich in trace minerals and vitamins, promotes collagen production and UV protection. Ginseng, containing diverse bioactive compounds, plays a huge role in reducing aging and maintaining vitality.
Although planning a healthy diet isn’t the only way to keep your skin healthy, incorporating these ingredients and cuisine into your diet will undoubtedly contribute to promoting your healthy, youthful appearance.
