Tag: Traditional korean food

According to traditional Korean medicine, warm, easy-to-digest meals are often recommended during the menstrual phase to support circulation and ease cramps. This philosophy raises the question: is samgyetang good for your period, or are its specific ingredients a better fit for other times of the month?

Records suggest ancient forms of spicy pastes existed in Korea long before chili peppers were introduced in the 16th century. However, the modern version of gochujang, a fermented chili paste with a deep, complex flavor, quickly became a defining ingredient in Korean cuisine and a symbol of national identity.

South Korea boasts one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, with only 3.5% of its population affected. This remarkable statistic raises the question: is Korean food the healthiest cuisine on the planet? The traditional Korean diet, rich in vegetables, fermented foods, and balanced meals, offers significant health advantages, but also has some considerations to be aware of.

According to the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the average daily calorie intake for Korean men was 2,129 kcal and for women was 1,576 kcal in 2021. These figures reflect a continued, noticeable trend in how many calories do Koreans eat a day, largely shaped by modern lifestyle changes.

According to several studies, a significant majority of the adult Korean population, with estimates exceeding 70%, is lactose intolerant. This high prevalence is not a modern phenomenon but is linked to the historical and cultural development of a largely dairy-free traditional Korean diet. Despite this, dairy consumption has risen, leading to a need for managing the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

According to a 2022 study published by PMC, the traditional and most common eating pattern in Korea involves three regular meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, this frequency is increasingly influenced by factors such as demanding work schedules and Westernized diets, leading to changes in how often Koreans eat in a day.

According to several food databases, a single serving of traditional homemade Yukgaejang can range anywhere from 300 to over 450 calories, depending heavily on the preparation method and ingredients. This variation is a key factor to consider when estimating how many calories are in Yukgaejang, as restaurant versions or instant mixes can differ greatly from a home-cooked bowl.

Traditional, unfiltered makgeolli is often cited as a source of probiotics, containing an abundance of lactic acid bacteria. This raises the question: Is Korean rice wine good for health? While it offers potential benefits, its status as an alcoholic beverage requires a balanced perspective.