[🇺🇸] The "Karina Combo": How to Healthily Enjoy Samgyeopsal and Ramen

Recently, Karina, a member of the group aespa, gained attention by recommending the combination of Samgyeopsal (pork belly) and ramen as her "soul food" in a video on the YouTube channel "Editor Karina."

Karina compared Samgyeopsal to life and memories, suggesting that a meal is only truly complete when ramen is added. This combination is a popular part of Korean food culture and is gaining interest among international fans following the K-pop star's recommendation.

However, experts warn that this diet, which combines the high saturated fat of Samgyeopsal with the refined carbohydrates and sodium of ramen, can place a significant burden on health.

Samgyeopsal is a high-calorie food containing at least 675 kcal per serving, and one pack of ramen contains nearly the World Health Organization’s (WHO) daily recommended sodium limit of 2,000 mg. Such high-calorie and high-fat diets not only increase body fat but also pose a high risk of adversely affecting vascular health, leading to conditions like arteriosclerosis or heart disease.

To enjoy this combination healthily, changes in cooking and consumption methods are necessary. When eating Samgyeopsal, it is recommended to pair it with fiber-rich wrap vegetables (ssam) to slow fat absorption and increase satiety.

When cooking ramen, adding cabbage or onions to help with sodium excretion or reducing the amount of soup powder is advised. Additionally, choosing leaner cuts like tenderloin or sirloin, and forming the habit of not drinking the ramen broth, were suggested as practical alternatives to stay healthy.

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