Rice-based Korean meals (bibimbap and kimbap) have lower glycemic responses and postprandial-triglyceride effects than energy-matched Western meals

Background: The rate of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is exceptionally high in Korea, and the health risks and dietary implications of MetS have been reported extensively. Although most meals include combination foods, little is known about metabolic responses to meals containing various foods (such as a hamburger, which typically includes meat, bread, and vegetables). The purpose of this study was to compare glycemic responses and postprandial-triglyceride (PTG) concentrations after consuming each of four test meals: bibimbap, kimbap, pork cutlet, and hamburger. Methods: A clinical trial was carried out with 32 men using an open 4 × 4 × 4 treatment, sequence, and period crossover design. The blood-glucose concentrations, incremental area under the curve (iAUC), glycemic index (GI), insulinogenic index, and PTG after each test meal were determined. Results: The iAUC2h and Cmax responses were proportional to the amount of carbohydrates in the experimental diets [i.e., higher (p