Eel and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), long considered quintessential Korean stamina foods, may actually harm health when consumed too frequently, according to pharmacist Jung Jae-hoon, author of health books including "Health Subscription Society."
Appearing recently on the YouTube channel "Gangang IN euro," Jung said, "There is a saying that calories don't lie." He added, "When you eat high-calorie foods, you feel good and energized right away."
"That's not wrong," Jung explained. "This applies to what we used to call stamina foods, such as eel and samgyetang, which are high in fat, protein, and calories."
Eel and samgyetang have long been regarded as representative stamina foods in Korea. When people sweat heavily in summer, they need to replenish water, protein, and minerals, and these foods were believed to help restore energy. Eel and samgyetang are indeed high in protein, fat, and calories.
The problem is that modern eating habits differ from those of the past. In earlier times, when nutritional intake was insufficient, high-protein, high-calorie foods played a "nourishing" role. But for people who already eat three full meals a day, they can lead to excessive intake. Excessive calorie and fat consumption can not only cause weight gain but also increase the risk of metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia and hypertension.
"Even stamina foods, if eaten every day, can lead to being overweight or obese," Jung said. "These problems trigger inflammation and various chronic diseases."
Experts advise that while stamina foods need not be avoided entirely, people should be cautious about eating them frequently simply because they are considered "good for the body." A moderate amount when fatigued or low in energy is the most advisable approach.
Fatty foods such as eel can be especially burdensome for people with weak digestion. Those with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or hives, or those sensitive to certain foods, should also monitor how their body responds after eating. Samgyetang, when consumed along with all of its broth, can result in high sodium intake, requiring caution from patients with hypertension. People sensitive to ginseng or who have experienced related side effects should check the ingredients before eating.
Ultimately, stamina foods are not better the more you eat them. Once meant to fill nutritional gaps, they can become meals that threaten health in an era of nutritional excess.
