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Dish guides · Korean

Is japchae (glass noodles) healthy?

Japchae (glass noodles) costs about $3.81 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for steadier blood sugar and weight loss. For lower LDL cholesterol, go easy on thinly sliced beef.

By health goal

Lower LDL cholesterol
In moderation
Go easy on thinly sliced beef; using less keeps the dish and helps with lower LDL cholesterol. Carrots and sesame oil help.
Steadier blood sugar
Good fit
For steadier blood sugar, spinach in japchae (glass noodles) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Lower blood pressure
Watch the sauce
Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure, and spinach helps. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.
Weight loss
Good fit
For weight loss, spinach, carrots and mushroom in japchae (glass noodles) help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
More protein
Neutral
It's neutral for more protein: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

For LDL cholesterol, with sources

2 of 5
LDL habits in this dish
✓
Soluble fiber (oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, fruit)
Fish, ideally oily (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Soy or beans in place of some meat
✓
Nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocado
Little fatty meat, cream, butter or cheese
Helps your LDL
carrots
Fruit and vegetable fiber.
Mayo Clinic
sesame oil
Unsaturated fat that can lower LDL.
Mayo Clinic
Go easy
thinly sliced beef
Red and processed meat: saturated fat raises LDL.
American Heart Association
One swap each, same dish
thinly sliced beef to thinly sliced chicken thigh or firm tofu
Works the same in hot pot, stir fries and donburi

What goes in (per portion)

glass noodles
¼ lb
thinly sliced beef
¼ lb
spinach
¼ bag
carrots
½
mushroom
¼ lb
yellow onion
¼
sesame oil
½ tbsp

Questions

Is japchae (glass noodles) healthy?

Japchae (glass noodles) costs about $3.81 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for steadier blood sugar and weight loss. For lower LDL cholesterol, go easy on thinly sliced beef.

Is japchae (glass noodles) good for high cholesterol?

In moderation. Go easy on thinly sliced beef; using less keeps the dish and helps with lower LDL cholesterol. Carrots and sesame oil help.

Is japchae (glass noodles) OK for blood sugar or diabetes?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For steadier blood sugar, spinach in japchae (glass noodles) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is japchae (glass noodles) OK for high blood pressure?

Mostly, depending on the sauce. Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure, and spinach helps. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.

Is japchae (glass noodles) good for weight loss?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For weight loss, spinach, carrots and mushroom in japchae (glass noodles) help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is japchae (glass noodles) high in protein?

It's neutral for more protein: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

How much does japchae (glass noodles) cost to make at home?

About $3.81 a serving, or $15.25 for four servings, at typical US grocery prices, with pantry staples like soy sauce and oil counted at $0.40 a serving.

How can I make japchae (glass noodles) healthier?

Use less thinly sliced beef, and add a vegetable side, like spinach or broccoli.

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General nutrition information, not medical advice, based on each dish's main ingredients as we cook it; sauces and salt vary by recipe. Prices are typical US grocery prices and vary by store.
Eat Healthy AF (AF as in Asian Food) is general nutrition information, not medical advice. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything. Keep your doctor in the loop, and don't change any medication without them.
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