Healthy Tips from Korean People
Consumption of Fermented Foods
Fermented foods such as kimchi, doenjang, and yogurt have become an important part of a healthy diet, especially in Korea. Why? Because these foods are rich in probiotics which are very good for our digestive health. Probiotics are good bacteria that help maintain the balance of gut microbiota so that digestion is smooth and the body is healthier.
Kimchi, for example, besides its delicious and fresh spicy taste, also contains lots of vitamins and fiber. Doenjang or fermented soybean paste is also no less cool because it is rich in protein and enzymes that help the digestive process. Yogurt as a fermented milk food is also popular because it is easy to get and delicious to eat anytime.
In addition to making the stomach comfortable, probiotics from these fermented foods can actually improve our body's immune system! So it's not just about taste but also its extraordinary benefits for long-term health. Let's start diligently consuming fermented foods so that the body stays fit and strong.
Regularly Drink Herbal Tea
Koreans have a fun habit that we can imitate, which is regularly drinking herbal tea. Teas such as barley tea, ginseng tea, and jujube tea are their favorites because they are not only delicious but also full of health benefits. For example, light and fresh barley tea is believed to soothe the stomach and aid digestion.
Ginseng tea is very well known as a natural energy "booster". This drink is believed to be able to smooth blood circulation and increase body stamina without side effects such as excessive caffeine. Meanwhile, jujube tea or Korean red dates are rich in antioxidants that help relieve stress and make the body more relaxed.
Drinking this herbal tea is a relaxing moment while maintaining health naturally every day. So besides water, try replacing it with various types of Korean herbal teas every now and then to keep your body fresh and your mind calm!
Balanced Diet
Koreans' diet is famously balanced! Usually, their plates are filled with warm white rice, fresh clear soup, various vegetable side dishes such as kimchi or stir-fried vegetables, and only a little meat. They don't like to eat too much high-fat foods because they are aware that it is unhealthy for the body.
Interestingly, the way they cook food is also different. Koreans often rely on steaming or boiling methods rather than frying which makes food heavy and full of oil. For example, vegetable soup or steamed fish which are still delicious but light on the stomach.
With this diet, the body can digest food more easily and avoid the risk of high cholesterol. In addition, consuming lots of vegetables also fulfills fiber intake so that digestion is smooth.
Diligently Doing Light Exercise
Koreans have a cool habit that we can imitate, which is diligently doing light exercise every day. They don't have to go to the gym hard, but simple activities such as taking a leisurely walk, hiking in the beautiful mountains, or doing light exercise in the morning are enough. This habit keeps the body active without feeling burdened.
According to them, keeping the body moving is the main key to a healthy and long life. In addition to physical benefits such as maintaining weight and improving blood circulation, light exercise is also very good for mental health. Physical activity helps reduce stress and makes the mind fresher.
So you don't need heavy or expensive exercise to be healthy like Korea. Just move regularly in a fun way and according to our abilities
Self-Care and Skincare
Koreans are very well-known for their super consistent skincare routines. However, they don't just take care of their skin for beauty, but also to maintain long-term skin health. They believe that healthy skin is the key to staying youthful and glowing.
Korean skincare routines usually start by cleansing the face twice a day to remove dirt and oil perfectly. After that, they use toner to balance the skin's pH, then continue with a serum or essence that is rich in nutrients. Don't forget moisturizer to keep the skin moist and protected from dryness.
Sunscreen is also a mandatory step before leaving the house because UV rays can accelerate premature aging. With this habit, not only will the face become bright but it will also avoid problems such as wrinkles or dark spots.
Get Enough and Quality Sleep
Koreans really emphasize the importance of getting enough and quality sleep as part of their healthy lifestyle. They believe that sleep is not just about rest, but also an important moment for the body's overall recovery. When we sleep well, various repair processes in the body run optimally, from cell regeneration to strengthening the immune system.
Quality sleep helps maintain hormonal balance in the body, including stress hormones such as cortisol and growth hormones that play a role in repairing skin and muscle tissue. If you don't get enough sleep or have poor quality sleep, the body becomes susceptible to various health problems such as getting sick easily, unstable moods, and metabolic disorders.
Koreans usually maintain a disciplined sleep routinecreating a comfortable bedroom atmosphere without excessive light or sound disturbances. They also avoid using gadgets before bed so that the brain can relax more and fall asleep quickly.
So if you want to live a healthy life like Korea, don't underestimate sleep time! Getting enough and quality sleep is the key to keeping your body fit, your mind fresh, and your immunity strong to face daily activities.
Well, those are various tips that you can learn from the Korean lifestyle, starting from the habit of consuming fermented foods and drinks, maintaining a balanced diet, getting used to light exercise, to maintaining a sufficient and quality sleep pattern. So, which pattern do you fit into? Don't rush, start with the things you like first and have fun getting used to a healthy Korean lifestyle.