Even if You're Leaving, It's Okay to Have a Glass of Makgeolli When It Rains. Let's Explore the Hidden Health Benefits of Traditional Korean Liquor.

Korean traditional liquors have earned the love of modern people, preserving their taste and charm over the years. Especially on rainy days, many seek out makgeolli. Makgeolli isn't just a simple alcoholic drink; it's a special traditional liquor rich in health-promoting nutrients. In this post, we'll delve into the nutritional components and effects of makgeolli and introduce ways to enjoy it while taking care of your health.

 

Makgeolli is more than just a simple traditional liquor. It contains a variety of nutrients and beneficial components that can greatly support your health when consumed correctly.

 

Dietary Fiber and Vitamin B: Friends of Digestion and Energy Metabolism

The main ingredients of makgeolli are water and rice. However, this simple mix contains abundant nutrients essential for our bodies. While 80% of makgeolli is water, it also contains about 10% dietary fiber. Dietary fiber, commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and seaweed, aids in digestion, promotes smooth bowel movements, and helps reduce cholesterol absorption. A bottle of makgeolli (750mL) contains approximately 15g of dietary fiber, equivalent to 4-5 apples. Considering the daily recommended intake of fiber is around 20g, a bottle of makgeolli provides a substantial amount.

 

The B vitamins are also crucial components of makgeolli. One glass of makgeolli contains about 68µg of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and approximately 50µg of vitamin B3 (niacin). The B vitamins play essential roles in converting food into energy. Insufficient intake of these nutrients can lead to fatigue and loss of appetite. Vitamin B, especially, is found in the sediment of makgeolli, so it's recommended to shake before drinking.

 

Probiotics: Guardians of Gut Health

As a fermented beverage, makgeolli is rich in probiotics. A bottle of makgeolli contains between 700 billion to 800 billion probiotic microorganisms. This amount is 100 to 120 times higher than what is found in a typical yogurt drink (65mL). Probiotics increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, suppress the growth of harmful bacteria, and contribute to a healthy gut environment. Increased beneficial bacteria activate the immune system in the intestines, promoting a comfortable digestive environment.

 

The reason makgeolli contains abundant probiotics lies in its main ingredient, nuruk. Nuruk, a fermentation starter made by cultivating molds with enzymes on grains, produces probiotics during the breakdown of carbohydrates. This fermentation process enriches makgeolli with beneficial probiotics.

 

Phenols and Squalene: Natural Anticancer Compounds

Makgeolli also contains components with anticancer effects. Phenols, which contribute to the fruity aroma of fruit wines, can exhibit anticancer and antitumor effects even in small amounts. Analyzing the phenol content of domestically available alcoholic beverages showed that makgeolli contains 10-25 times more phenols than the same fermented beverages such as wine or beer.

 

Squalene is another important component of makgeolli. Squalene, abundant in shark liver oil, contributes to the production of reproductive hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. As a lipophilic substance with weak surface tension, squalene easily penetrates into cells and tissues, helping to dissolve and excrete carcinogens and heavy metals.

 

Enjoying Makgeolli in a Healthy Way

While makgeolli contains numerous health-promoting nutrients, moderation is key due to its alcohol content (6-7% alcohol by volume). It's important to adhere to recommended daily limits: no more than 200mL for men and 100mL for women. By enjoying makgeolli in moderation, you can fully appreciate the charm of this delicious traditional drink while benefiting your health.

 

Conclusion

Makgeolli is more than just a simple traditional liquor. It contains a variety of nutrients and beneficial components that can greatly support your health when consumed correctly. On rainy days, experience Korean tradition with a glass of makgeolli and take care of your health. Once you discover the deep flavor and health benefits of makgeolli, it will become more than just a drink—it will hold a special place as a beverage that promotes health.