5 Benefits of Gochujang the Condiment to Improve Metabolism.

If you have tried kimchi or bibimbap, there is a good chance that you have tried the benefits of gochujang. This spicy pasta is common in many types of Korean food, and for good reason. In addition to providing a unique taste to the table, it is also packed with health benefits. It is good for your heart and waist, can help stabilize blood sugar levels and is even rich in antioxidants. Similarly, it can be used in many different dishes, from roasted vegetables to marinated meats, and can be bought or prepared comfortably from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gochujang Benefits:

1. Stimulates Fat Loss.

In addition to adding a touch of flavor to almost any dish, some studies have found that gochujang can also help trim your waistline and act as a natural fat burner. A study by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the National University of Pusan ​​in Korea treated fat cells with gochujang extract, which decreased fat accumulation and blocked the formation of new fat cells. On the other hand, another animal study published in 2016 had similar findings, showing that gochujang decreased body weight and body fat and also inhibited certain enzymes related to the formation of fat cells in rats. The benefits of gochujang to combat obesity are probably due in part to the presence of capsaicin, a compound found in peppers and that has been shown to increase the breakdown of fats to promote weight loss.

2. Help Prevent Heart Disease:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death, which accounts for approximately one in three deaths in the United States. Research shows that the benefits of gochujang can reduce certain risk factors for coronary heart disease, helping to protect and preserve the health of your heart and maintain its efficient functioning. In one study, 60 overweight adults used a gochujang supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, those who took the supplement not only saw decreases in visceral fat, but their triglyceride levels also decreased significantly by approximately 18 mg / dL. The study cited earlier in the Journal of Food Science and Technology showed that gochujang lowered triglyceride levels by almost 34 percent and bad LDL cholesterol levels by up to 47 percent in rats. In combination with a balanced diet and regular exercise, incorporating some portions of nutritious red chili paste into your meals each week could help keep your heart healthy and strong.

3. Increase Metabolism:

In addition to accelerating fat loss, the benefits of gochujang and its components could also speed up your metabolism and help you lose weight quickly. One study showed that including 10 grams of red pepper with a meal significantly increased energy expenditure directly after eating. Other research shows that capsaicin, an active component in chili peppers, can also increase metabolism and energy expenditure. To maximize your weight loss and increase your metabolism, be sure to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

4. Decrease Blood Sugar:

High blood sugar can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, headaches, frequent urination and fatigue. If left untreated, chronic hyperglycemia can cause serious damage to organs and nerves. The benefits of gochujang can help you maintain normal blood sugar levels and avoid these negative symptoms thanks to the beneficial properties of capsaicin, one of the active compounds in chili peppers. Both animal and human studies have shown that capsaicin can help lower blood sugar levels while increasing insulin levels, the hormone responsible for transporting sugar out of the blood into the tissues. Keep blood sugar levels even lower by combining your gochujang with a diet rich in fiber and whole foods and many low glycemic fruits, non-starchy vegetables and healthy protein foods.

5. Contains Antioxidants:

Antioxidants are powerful compounds found in foods that act by neutralizing harmful free radicals. These are dangerous molecules that can accumulate and contribute to the development of chronic diseases over time. Chili peppers are one of the main ingredients of the benefits of gochujang and are full of beneficial antioxidants. Not only have antioxidants been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, but they can even decrease chronic inflammation, which is related to a number of other conditions. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and tea are other foods high in antioxidants that you should include in your diet.

Cautions:

You should avoid gochujang if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. If you experience any symptoms, such as hives, itching or swelling after consumption, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor. The amount of capsaicin present is generally safe to consume. However, high amounts of capsaicin have been associated with adverse effects such as stomachache, diarrhea and nausea for some people, so enjoy in moderation. Spicy foods can also cause acid reflux in some people. If you experience negative symptoms after eating spicy foods, you may want to avoid gochujang and consider an acid reflux diet.

Uses of Gochujang:

At this point, you may wonder where to buy gochujang if you are pressed for time and look for an easier way to add it to your diet. However, thanks to its growing popularity, it is not too difficult to find. In fact, it is often available in many grocery stores, as well as in Asian specialty stores and online retailers. Gochujang is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into many different dishes. You can use it as a marinade to make gochujang chicken for sauteing, toss it with some vegetables and seafood for a gochujang soup, or even mix to make a delicious gochujang sauce. Alternatively, you can use this spicy seasoning to make stews, roasted vegetables, salad dressings or even gochujang sauce for bibimbap.

Gochujang Substitute Options:

If you ever have problems and make a recipe that requires gochujang without having it on hand, there are substitutes available that can provide a flavor profile similar to the dishes. For a homemade substitute, try combining a tablespoon of red chili pepper with a small amount of soy sauce to form a paste and sprinkle just a pinch of sugar to add some sweetness. Sriracha sauce can also be used to add a spicy zing that mimics gochujang. Keep in mind that there are some notable differences in taste and texture, so it may not be a suitable substitute for all dishes. In addition, Thai chili paste can be changed too. This has a spicy, sweet taste and a thick texture that is more comparable to Korean chili paste, but still has a stronger garlic flavor than gochujang.

What is the Gochujang?

Gochujang, or red chili paste, is a fermented seasoning that is frequently used in Korean cuisine. It is known for its distinctive flavor, which is equally sweet, salty and spicy. Typical ingredients of red chili paste include gochugaru (red chili powder), glutinous rice, salt, mejutgaru (fermented soybean powder) and yeotgireum (barley malt powder). This seasoning is available in different spicy levels based on a standardized measure called Gochujang Hot Flavor Unit (GHU). Gochujang products can range from “slightly hot” to “extremely hot.” It is frequently used to season salads, stews and meat dishes. It can also be found in traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap. Also known as bi bim bap or bibimbop, it is a popular food that usually contains rice covered with vegetables, gochujang, soy sauce and fermented soybean paste, along with eggs and meat slices. In addition to being rich in flavor and versatile, the benefits of gochujang are also rich in beneficial compounds that can give some powerful health benefits.

How to do Gochujang?

Making traditional gochujang at home can be a slow and laborious process, with some recipes that require preparation one or two days in advance and up to 12 hours of total combined preparation and cooking time. However, there are simplified gochujang recipes, which allow you adventurers in the kitchen and try something new without an extensive time commitment on your part. Making your own gochujang can also be an excellent solution for people with allergies or sensitivities, as it can allow you to change and modify the ingredients you use to make varieties such as gluten-free gochujang.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Gochujang:

Gochujang is a condiment made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, salt, fermented soybean powder and barley malt powder. It can be used in everything from soups and stews to spring rolls and sauces, and it can be bought either made or prepared at home. Gochujang and its components have been shown to promote weight loss, accelerate metabolism, improve heart health, lower blood sugar levels and provide antioxidants. Adding red chili paste to your next plate of roasted vegetables or marinade can help increase the taste and health benefits in each bite.