A food many people consume every morning under the guise of health may actually be doing more harm than good, according to a pharmaceutical expert.
Pharmacist Kim Kyung-eun, known online as “Taeri Pharmacist,” recently took to social media to emphasize that "the first thing you eat to start the day matters," specifically advising followers to avoid powdered grain mixes on an empty stomach.
“Many people mistakenly believe powdered grain mixes are healthy because they are made from wholesome ingredients like brown rice, barley, and Job’s tears,” Kim said. “The issue, however, is that they have been ground.” She explained that the moment whole grains are finely processed into a powder, they become a fundamentally different food. “Because you drink it without chewing, glucose enters the bloodstream almost instantly, causing blood sugar to spike and triggering a rapid release of insulin.”
When a massive amount of insulin is released at once, blood sugar levels can subsequently crash. This sharp drop often leads to early fatigue and intense hunger shortly after eating. Kim warned that if this cycle repeats daily, it can lead to insulin resistance and a compromised ability to regulate blood sugar over time.
Healthy Grains: Timing and Pairing are Key
The individual components of these mixes are undeniably nutritious. Job’s tears are recognized for reducing inflammation and swelling, making them popular for those struggling with puffiness or skin issues. Brown rice is rich in dietary fiber and typically digests slowly, supporting gut health, while the beta-glucan in barley is known to help lower cholesterol.
However, as Kim noted, the liquid form overrides these benefits by accelerating absorption. To mitigate a sharp glucose spike, these mixes should never be consumed alone on an empty stomach. Adding sweeteners like honey is also discouraged.
To stabilize the body's response, Kim suggests consuming a protein source—such as eggs or tofu—before having any grain-based drink. This sequence ensures blood sugar rises more gradually and promotes longer-lasting satiety. When purchasing pre-made mixes, she recommends choosing products with 5g of sugar or less and pairing them with a handful of nuts rich in unsaturated fats.
“It is time to check,” Kim said, “whether your breakfast might actually be undermining your health.”
