April 28, 2023 | 12:03 am PT
I love beef pho and eat it almost every morning. Can the doctor tell me if eating it that often is harmful? (Minh, 30, Hanoi)
Answer:
Beef pho has a balanced amount of carbs and protein, and a large amount of fat content inside the soup. The energy that you get from a bowl of pho is the equivalent of a main meal.
An average bow of beef pho contains about 140 grams of pho noodles, 100 grams of beef, and 350 milograms of soup, all topped with some scallion, onion, and rendered fat. This translates into 350-400 Kcal; alongside that is protein, fiber, sugar, and salt. The fiber content is much smaller than the other nutrients (only 0.4 grams), while the salt content is 3.8 grams.
If you’re eating pho that often, your body will lack the necessary amount of fiber – which makes the body unable to absorb enough vitamins and minerals. Lacking fiber can also affect the digestive system and cause constipation.
When it comes to salt content, according to the World Health Organization, a person should only consume 5 grams of salt daily. As such, eating a bowl of pho combined with other meals throughout the day means the body will have too much salt. Many researchers suggest that eating too much salt can cause some deadly diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, osteoporosis, and bronchial asthma.
A word of caution: the amount of salt inside a bowl of pho is mainly concentrated inside the soup. Therefore, to reduce salt consumption, you shouldn’t drink the entire bowl. Experts also suggest that if pho is used for breakfast, then you should avoid salt for the rest of the day.
To avoid imbalanced nutrition, you should not eat pho too often, and you should switch up diet with other food products. Any food, no matter how good it is, won’t be good for your body if consumed too much.
Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung
Head of Department of Adult Nutrition Consultation
National Nutrition Institute
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FAQs
Experts also suggest that if pho is used for breakfast, then you should avoid salt for the rest of the day. To avoid imbalanced nutrition, you should not eat pho too often, and you should switch up diet with other food products. Any food, no matter how good it is, won't be good for your body if consumed too much.
Is it okay to eat pho every day? ›
The average bowl of pho contains nearly 70% of one's recommended daily sodium intake. Sodium's associated with high blood pressure as well as a higher chance of stroke and heart failure. If you indulge in pho, ensure you eat in moderation, monitor the sodium elsewhere in your diet, and stay hydrated.
Is there a wrong way to eat pho? ›
The chopsticks should pick up the noodles, vegetables, and meats, while the soup spoon should be used to scoop up the broth. The Vietnamese also add condiments like lime juice, fish sauce, and hoisin sauce to flavor their pho. The right way to eat pho is to customize it to your tastes.
Is pho considered junk food? ›
Any nutritionist will tell you eating pho is a healthy act, for the most part. In fact, pho is being increasingly used as a post-workout meal.
Is pho safe to eat? ›
It is generally not a problem when pho is consumed at a restaurant as long as it is handled safely, but when it is allowed to be taken home, it introduces a significant food safety concern due to a lack of control of what consumers do with it.
Does pho detox your system? ›
Traditionally made pho naturally contains anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense ingredients that promote the detoxification of toxins, fight viral and bacterial infections, aid in digestion and supply the body with beneficial enzymes.
What are the negatives of pho? ›
Pho can be high in sodium and calories depending on the ingredients used. Make bone broth from scratch or use a low-sodium variety, and focus on leaner protein sources and high-fiber noodles.
Is pho OK on a bad stomach? ›
Soups and broths are the obvious answer, and they are almost always on the menu for the first day or two of any illness. For the takeout option, I've already mentioned pho and it hits the spot for all cold, flu, and COVID nourishment needs.
What type of pho is healthy? ›
"The best pho recipes are ones that include lean protein, like chicken, plus heaps of veggies and go lighter on the noodles." In fact, one bowl of pho contains around 30 grams protein - about half of the recommended amount per day for most people.
Is pho bad when you're sick? ›
Pho contains B vitamins - responsible for metabolizing the food we eat into energy - Vitamin C- great for fighting off viruses and aiding in iron absorption, Iron is important for maintaining healthy blood cells. Pho is also very high in calcium and is a great source of protein!
Pho is very nutritious. From its ingredients, it's been shown to reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
Is pho full of MSG? ›
If you've ever had Pho in a restaurant, chances are it was made with the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Do you drink pho broth? ›
Thirdly, it is important to remember that the broth of pho is the show's star and should be appreciated. Don't rush through your meal – take your time to savor all the flavors and enjoy every sip of the soup. Top it off with the herbs and condiments provided – a good mix of flavors will only enhance your experience.
How often do Vietnamese people eat pho? ›
Even though Vietnamese people do not eat Pho everyday, this is the favorite breakfast of many people every morning. Many people prefer to eat pho in the morning rather than other foods such as rice and bread.
Why is pho so addictive? ›
Pho amps up the sweet flavor of its spices by adding sugar and ginger to the broth as well (via Serious Eats). The balance between the sweetness of the sugar and spice and the savoriness of boiled beef bones makes pho the addictive treat it is.
How many days is pho good? ›
How long does pho last in the fridge? Pho broth: If you have leftover pho broth, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days [3]. Pho noodles and toppings: The noodles and toppings, such as meat and herbs, should be consumed within 2-3 days for the best quality and taste [2].
Is pho healthier than ramen? ›
Pho is usually considered a healthier choice than ramen because it tends to have fewer calories and less fat, making it a lighter meal. But both pho and ramen still give you a good amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
