Korean radiology expert links refined carbs to pancreatic health risks in the U.S.
A South Korean radiology specialist has warned that several refined-carbohydrate foods, often regarded as part of a healthy or convenient diet, may threaten pancreatic health. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Dr. Lee Won-kyung identified tteok (Korean rice cake), kimbap (rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed), mixed coffee, and fruit juice as representative examples linked to pancreatic stress via rapid sugar absorption.
Dr. Lee explained that finely milled refined carbohydrates absorb quickly, provoking sharp increases in blood sugar that place extra demand on the pancreas. He suggested that such “blood sugar spikes” can be problematic for pancreatic health, particularly with frequent consumption.
Tteok, a traditional Korean snack made from rice flour, was singled out for potentially driving up blood sugar levels quickly. He recommended choosing brown-rice tteok when possible, noting that brown rice generally has about 20 percent lower glycemic potential than white rice and contains more dietary fiber.
Kimbap was also flagged. He noted that store-bought versions often include sweeteners that can raise blood sugar rapidly. Mixed coffee—the popular beverage made with sugar and creamer—was described as increasing the risks of diabetes and hyperlipidemia, while fruit juice was noted to deliver sugars quickly because juicing removes much of the fiber that moderates sugar absorption.
High-temperature preparation of foods like roasted sweet potatoes was another point of caution. Dr. Lee said heating starches can convert them into sweeter forms, such as maltose-type sugars, thereby increasing the glycemic load.
As alternatives, Dr. Lee suggested cooking strategies and food choices to protect pancreatic health: use onion-based flavorings instead of added sugars, opt for brown rice or mixed grains rather than white rice, and adjust meal order so that fiber and protein are eaten before carbohydrates. He also recommended stress-reduction practices, such as breathing techniques, as part of a broader approach to dietary health.
The expert emphasized that the pancreas has limited regenerative capacity and that early detection of pancreatic issues is challenging, making everyday management through diet particularly important. He argued that attention to how foods are prepared and consumed matters for long-term pancreatic health.
Why this matters beyond Korea: the guidance reflects a global concern over refined carbohydrates and metabolic diseases, including in the United States. The foods cited—rice-based dishes, sweetened beverages, and processed snacks—appear in various forms across international cuisines and in American diets through restaurants, groceries, and culturally diverse households. With ongoing public health challenges around diabetes and obesity in the U.S., insights into how meal composition, fiber intake, and cooking methods influence blood sugar can inform nutritional guidance, consumer choices, and policy discussions on labeling, school and workplace meals, and the availability of healthier options in the food supply.