Sheets of dry seaweed (gim) are rich in protein and vitamins.
Superfoods are nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Superfoods are considered to be especially beneficial to health and well being, and Korea has no shortage of them. Traditional Korean meals put an emphasis on balancing the body’s natural energies. Here is a quick rundown of the Korean superfoods that you should include in your diet.
Kimchi
Kimchi is an iconic dish of red fermented cabbage seasoned with garlic, salt, vinegar and chili peppers. Kimchi is loaded with vitamins A, B, and C and Lactobacillus, a probiotic similar to those found in yogurt. Probiotics are helpful bacteria that aid in digestion and the immune system. Almost every meal in Korea is eaten with a side of Kimchi, and it’s easy to make at home.
Doenjang Paste
Doenjang is a fermented soybean paste with a salty taste. Similar to miso, doenjang is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals. Doenjang also has plant hormones and isoflavonoids that can lower blood pressure, strengthen your liver, and assist with cancer prevention.
Namul
Namul or “vegetables gathered from mountains” includes any number of wild leafy plants, squash, spinach, sprouts or other herbs. Namul vegetables, although bitter, are good for the heart and small intestine. Namul is often added to Korea’s most famous dishes, making up about 80% of a traditional Korean diet; a ratio we should all aspire to.
Gim
Gim is a type of seaweed plentiful in iron, magnesium, iodine, omega 3, and vitamins A and C. Usually toasted and seasoned with salt, Gim can lower cholesterol levels and is linked to kidney and gallbladder improvement. In Korea, Gim is very popular with children and often used as a side dish with rice.
Gochujang
Part of traditional Korean cuisine since the 16th century, Gochujang is a hot spicy paste that’s found in a wide variety of Korean dishes. Gochujang combines savory, spicy, sweet and tangy all at once. It contains an abundance of nutrients including capsaicin, which is believed to help cleanse the body system, reduce body fat and assist the lungs and large intestine.
Get Your Korean Superfoods at Lotte Plaza Market
To find more healthy Korean superfoods, check out Lotte Plaza Market. Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop shop for all of your Korean and asian grocery needs. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to better serve our customers. Opened since 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, email us at LottePlaza.com.