Yum! Fermented Cabbage

South Korea's spicy fermented cabbage dish, kimchi,helps to cure bird flu, according to researchers.

Scientists at Seoul National University say they fed an extract of kimchi to 13 infected chickens and a week later 11 of them were recovering. The researchers said the results were far from scientifically proven. It is unclear why the extract has the effects they observed.

Love it or loathe it, once you have eaten it, you will never forget it. Kimchi is made of fermenting cabbage, with red peppers, radishes and a lot of garlic and ginger. It may sound a little dubious but the theory is being put forward by some of Korea's most eminent scientists.

" We have found that the chickens recovered from bird flu, Newcastle disease (?)and bronchitis. The birds death rate fell considerably and they were re-energized."

There was an increase in kimchi consumption two years ago when thousands of people contracted SARS(severe acute respiratory syndrome). Kimchi was reported to have helped prevent SARS. The claim was never scientifically proven but Koreans swear by it and claim people in other countries are coming on board the kimchi train, following their example and chowing down on Kimchi.

One Korean man said he visited China and noticed all the Korean restaurants kept selling out of Kimchi. So, one of Korea's specialities may soon find a much bigger market. Is it a real and effective remedy? I guess we'll soon find out. Until then, I'm getting a Korean cook book and making my own. My family may gag a little at first, they are fussy eaters, but I'll tell them, "eat up. It's for your own good." Seconds anyone?