Ko Jun-hee's 'healthy' dessert choice sparks debate on sugar content

Actress Ko Jun-hee recently shared her thoughts on the popular dessert 'Yangzikanlu,' calling it a "healthy taste" and speculating that "MZ generation seems to eat this to avoid gaining weight." She made these remarks on her YouTube channel 'Ko Jun-hee GO' while introducing various desserts.

Yangzikanlu is traditionally a Hong Kong beverage made from mango puree and coconut milk, topped with grapefruit, sago pearls, and mango chunks. In Korea, dessert cafes have popularized a version using a Greek yogurt base with similar toppings. This adaptation is praised not only for its taste but also for its nutritional value. Greek yogurt is rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics beneficial for gut health. Mango provides vitamins A and C, supporting immunity and skin health, while grapefruit contains dietary fiber and naringin, an antioxidant that aids in fatigue recovery.

However, Yangzikanlu is not a calorie-free dessert. Overconsumption can contribute to weight gain due to its sugar content. Commercially available versions often contain significant amounts of sugar, condensed milk, and syrup. Combined with the natural sugars in fruits like mango and grapefruit, a single serving can easily exceed the daily recommended sugar intake. Sago pearls, a common topping, are high in glycemic index and should be consumed with caution, especially by those managing weight or blood sugar. Made from the starch of the sago palm, sago pearls are refined carbohydrates with most of their protein, vitamins, and fiber removed during processing. They are calorie-dense, with about 350 kcal per 100g dry weight, and have a glycemic index around 70, classifying them as high glycemic index food. For those managing weight or blood sugar, it is advisable to make Yangzikanlu at home, reducing syrup and condensed milk. Opting for fresh fruit toppings instead of sago pearls and using unsweetened Greek yogurt can also lower sugar and calorie content.