Actress Oh Yoon-ah, a former racing model known for her consistently flawless figure, has revealed her personal snack recipe designed to prevent rapid blood sugar spikes.
Recently, the YouTube channel Kitchen in a Box released a video titled "A Leading Actress’s Top-Tier Self-Care Secrets! Oh Yoon-ah’s Non-Fattening Tomato Tteokbokki & Strawberry Ade." In the video, Oh admitted that the one snack she simply cannot give up is tteokbokki. However, the dish is widely notorious for causing sharp blood sugar spikes and weight gain. To counter this, Oh shared a specific ingredient that enhances flavor while supporting metabolic stability.
Red Wine Vinegar: The Key to Lowering Blood Sugar
For her unique recipe, Oh prepared standard and cheese-filled rice cakes, onions, tomatoes, fish cakes, and scallions. The sauce consisted of tomato sauce, gochujang, soy sauce, red pepper powder, and corn syrup—with the critical addition of red wine vinegar.
"One reason people gain weight is blood sugar spikes," Oh explained. "It is important for blood sugar to rise slowly, and red wine vinegar helps make that rise more gradual, which can help reduce fat accumulation." She also noted its culinary and health benefits, adding, "It elevates the flavor of tteokbokki and is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, which are good for anti-aging and immunity.”
Acetic Acid and Insulin Sensitivity
Scientific research supports these claims. According to studies published in journals such as Foods, acetic acid—the primary component of red wine vinegar—has been reported to blunt postprandial blood glucose responses and improve insulin sensitivity.
Furthermore, the polyphenols found in red wine vinegar provide antioxidant activity that reduces oxidative stress. This combination offers potential benefits for metabolic health, suggesting that the vinegar can assist in blood sugar management and provide anti-aging effects.
Usage Tips: Avoid Consumption on an Empty Stomach
Red wine vinegar typically contains higher levels of acetic acid than regular vinegar. While it is versatile enough for salad dressings, ades, or even tteokbokki, its high acidity requires caution.
Consuming the vinegar undiluted can irritate the stomach lining; therefore, it is highly recommended to dilute it in water or sparkling water. Health experts advise against excessive intake on an empty stomach, which may cause heartburn or gastrointestinal discomfort. For those with sensitive stomachs, using it as a cooking ingredient or dressing rather than a beverage is the safest approach.
