Fighting fine dust: Can samgyeopsal really help?

Shoppers visit the pork section at a supermarket in Seoul, March 12. Yonhap

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For a long time, Koreans have turned to eating samgyeopsal when fine dust levels are high, based on the popular belief that greasy foods like grilled pork belly can clear fine dust from the throat and remove toxins from the body. If this were truly the case, it would be great news for meat lovers.

However, from a medical perspective, there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that samgyeopsal helps remove fine dust from the body. That said, the belief is not entirely without basis, as certain physiological effects of eating fatty foods may create temporary sensations that people interpret as health benefits. Here is a closer look at the relationship between samgyeopsal and fine dust.

When people eat high-fat foods, they often feel that their throat becomes smoother. This is because the grease temporarily coats the mucous membranes, reducing irritation. This can make dryness and discomfort feel less prominent for a short time.

In addition, chewing samgyeopsal stimulates saliva production. Saliva is a natural protective fluid for the throat and esophagus that can temporarily reduce the sensation of dryness or the feeling that something is stuck.

Pork fat and toxin absorption

From a food and nutrition perspective, dietary fats are known to play a role in the absorption of fat-soluble substances. Some studies have also noted that fat can influence how certain substances are absorbed in the body. In fact, it has been suggested that the fat in samgyeopsal could potentially increase the body’s absorption rate of fat-soluble harmful substances in fine dust and heavy metals.

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However, fine dust is not a gas or a soluble substance, but a particulate matter that penetrates deep into the lungs. Therefore, the idea that fat can absorb or remove it has not been scientifically proven to date. It is an overstatement to treat the function of dietary fat and the removal of fine dust as the same thing.

Ultimately, key lies in basic health care

On days with high fine dust levels, it is recommended to drink plenty of water before anything else, including pork belly.

Hydration helps keep the respiratory mucosa moist, reducing external irritation and aiding in the elimination of foreign substances.

Additionally, consuming vegetables and fruits like broccoli and spinach can provide antioxidants that help alleviate inflammatory responses.

Warm teas such as green tea or ginger tea can also soothe the bronchial passages and play a positive role in temporarily reducing irritation.

Ultimately, daily management habits are more important than specific foods.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the most basic action to take on days with high fine dust levels?

A: The most basic action is to drink plenty of water, which helps keep the respiratory mucosa moist and reduces irritation from external factors.

Q: How can vegetables and fruits contribute to health on high fine dust days?

A: Vegetables and fruits like broccoli and spinach provide antioxidants that can help alleviate inflammatory responses in the body.

Q: What role do warm teas play in managing the effects of fine dust?

A: Warm teas, such as green tea or ginger tea, can soothe the bronchial passages and help temporarily reduce irritation.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.