[Reading Health] 'Inssa Food' Malatang... Warning for Excessive Consumption

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In recent years, Mala Tang has gained popularity for its addictive flavor. Leveraging its uniquely tongue-numbing spiciness, it has become mainstream in South Korea, especially among people in their 20s and 30s. Various Mala-based products such as ramen, chicken, and tteokbokki have also been released following this trend.

Mala Tang is a dish originating from Sichuan cuisine in China, known for its spiciness. Mala (痲辣) means numbing and spicy, referring to a seasoning made by mixing chili powder and Doubanjiang into an aromatic oil prepared with various spices.

The base seasoning oil contains spices used as medicinal herbs, including Sichuan pepper, star anise, and clove. Sichuan pepper warms the cold stomach and is used as medicine when experiencing diarrhea or indigestion caused by coldness. It also has detoxifying effects and is sometimes used when cooking seafood. Star anise and clove are also known in traditional Korean medicine to have warming properties that help boost yang energy and aid metabolism.

Kang Man-ho, director of Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, explained, "The chili powder used in Mala Tang helps treat various indigestion symptoms caused by a cold stomach and promotes blood circulation by dilating blood vessels. It is especially helpful in boosting energy during cold winter seasons like now."

Eating a large amount of Mala Tang at once can negatively affect health. Mala Tang is fundamentally a spicy and highly salty stimulating food. Director Kang said, "Excessive consumption can irritate the stomach and intestines, making digestion difficult and worsening symptoms such as gastritis, hyperacidity, and gastric ulcers."

The calorie content is also high. One serving of Mala Tang contains 1845 kcal, equivalent to more than six bowls of rice. Especially, the beef bone broth alone accounts for 800 kcal. Director Kang advised, "It is better to eat mainly the solid ingredients rather than drinking all the soup."