South Korean ladies don't get fat. If you look at the chart below, you will notice that South Korea has an obesity rate of 2.1% (2011). The US, by contrast, has an obesity rate of 28.5%.
The key to South Korean fitness revolves around the consumption of fermented foods.
Why would fermented foods keep you skinny?
Fermented foods help us fire neurochemicals signalling satiation in the brain. The only way to become skinny is to consistently limit the number of calories you consume. The faster your brain becomes satisfied, the less you will need to eat.
Why does fermented food signal satiation?
Fermented foods contain both natural acids (lactic and acetic acids) as well as digestive enzymes. Both of these things help to slow down the body's digestion. The slower the digestion, the faster the brain signals satiation. Think of it like this: If you were to eat four Oreos, a highly refined product loaded with simple sugars, the brain might say, "Great, I can turn all of that blood sugar really quickly and easily. Give me some more!" This is why it is so easy to overeat on highly refined foods and then feel sick later. But if you were to eat the Oreos coupled with a fermented food, your brain might say, "Wow! That was really intense. This is going to take me awhile to digest so I'm actually feeling pretty full and will stop right there."
Common Fermented Foods:
The key to South Korean fitness revolves around the consumption of fermented foods.
Why would fermented foods keep you skinny?
Fermented foods help us fire neurochemicals signalling satiation in the brain. The only way to become skinny is to consistently limit the number of calories you consume. The faster your brain becomes satisfied, the less you will need to eat.
Why does fermented food signal satiation?
Fermented foods contain both natural acids (lactic and acetic acids) as well as digestive enzymes. Both of these things help to slow down the body's digestion. The slower the digestion, the faster the brain signals satiation. Think of it like this: If you were to eat four Oreos, a highly refined product loaded with simple sugars, the brain might say, "Great, I can turn all of that blood sugar really quickly and easily. Give me some more!" This is why it is so easy to overeat on highly refined foods and then feel sick later. But if you were to eat the Oreos coupled with a fermented food, your brain might say, "Wow! That was really intense. This is going to take me awhile to digest so I'm actually feeling pretty full and will stop right there."
Common Fermented Foods:
- Pickles
- Yogurt
- Cured Meats
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Breads (made with starter yeast cultures (e.g. sourdough))
- Beer
- Wine
- Cheese
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