When you first see someone ordering pho, it seems as if they are having a healthy meal. But is this actually the case? This is a common question that most people ask, and there are many reasons why this isn’t always true. There are actually several factors that go into making pho a healthy meal. These factors include fresh herbs and vegetables, and limiting the amount of sodium that you eat. You also want to make sure that you choose low-calorie options. If you have a heart condition or a thyroid problem, be aware that eating too much salt can cause problems.
Tofu
If you’re looking for a healthy soup that you can eat with a bowl of rice, tofu pho is a great option. It’s low in fat and cholesterol, and contains plenty of protein and fibre. You may even find that you’ll lose weight eating it.
Tofu is rich in calcium, manganese and protein. These are important nutrients for building bones, muscles and cartilage. They also help protect the heart. In addition, they help the immune system function and support normal vision and reproductive health.
You’ll also get some vitamin A, which is important for your lungs and heart. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant, protecting your body from free radicals.
Pho is traditionally made with broth and rice noodles. When you’re making your own, you can choose to use a broth that’s low in sodium. This can be a good idea if you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake, which can raise your blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems.
There are also several vegetables you can add to your pho. Fresh jalapenos, for example, are naturally low in sodium. Also, you can try adding thinly sliced spinach to your soup.
One bowl of vegetarian pho with tofu will contain around 300 to 400 calories. Depending on the ingredients used, that number will vary.
While pho is usually served hot, you can enjoy it at room temperature or cold. The broth can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Traditionally, pho is a soup made from beef or chicken, but you can substitute tofu for meat to make it healthier. But be aware that some pho bowls can contain more than 1,000 mg of sodium, which can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
For a light version of pho, you can add zoodles to your bowl. Zoodles are a popular Japanese dish, and they can add more fiber to your diet. Plus, they’ll bulk up your pho veggies.
Other options include marinating your tofu in soy sauce and sesame oil. Or, you can simply cut the tofu into cubes and stir it with sriracha.
Fresh herbs
If you’ve ever been to a Vietnamese restaurant, you may have noticed that they use fresh herbs in a lot of their dishes. They’re an essential part of what makes the cuisine so delicious. Whether they’re in salads, stir-fries, or soups, they add flavor, color, and aroma.
One of the most common ingredients found in pho is cilantro. It’s used in a variety of dishes, from soups to pancakes, and is also often used in meaty stews.
Another important ingredient in pho is culantro, which has a pronounced cilantro-like flavor. Culantro leaves are tough and can be a little bitter. However, they’re also a bit more forgiving in hot soups.
Peppermint is another herb commonly found in pho. The minty flavor is strong, and the leaves are slightly serrated. This herb is commonly used in Vietnamese soups, spring rolls, and salads.
Coriander is another popular herb in pho. Coriander is also known as Chinese parsley. In addition to being used in pho, it’s also commonly used in banh mi sandwiches.
Vietnamese basil is another important herb in pho. Basil has purple stems and small, narrow leaves. Unlike other basils, it’s not spicy, but has a licorice and anise flavor.
Other herbs commonly served with pho include rice paddy herb, rau ram, and hung cay. These are usually mixed with other herbs. Often, they’re found on an herb plate at larger pho restaurants.
You’ll find a lot of different varieties of mint in Vietnamese cuisine. There are two main types: spearmint and peppermint. While both are very useful, spearmint is a little sweeter, and peppermint has a stronger mint flavor.
Lastly, culantro is a very unique herb. While it’s not quite as vital to a bowl of pho as cilantro, culantro’s cilantro-like flavor is still very distinctive.
In order to make the most out of these herbs, it’s important to choose a broth that’s right for them. For instance, it’s better to use homemade broth than to buy pre-made stock. Also, you should wait at least 30 minutes before serving to refresh the herbs.
Bean sprouts
There are numerous health benefits to eating bean sprouts. They’re packed with nutrients, like protein and fiber, and are a great addition to a healthy diet. Bean sprouts may help you lose weight and lower your risk of heart disease, too.
In addition to their high fiber content, they’re also low in cholesterol. This helps you to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Also, they’re a good source of protein, which boosts your metabolism.
The best way to enjoy bean sprouts is raw. They add a crisp, sweet crunch to your meal. But, they can also be cooked. Cooked sprouts can also be used in stir-fry dishes. However, cooking them can remove some of their nutritional value.
To get the most out of your sprouts, you’ll want to make sure that you buy them fresh. They should be white and not have a musty or stale smell. You can check for freshness by snapping them in half and listening for a clean snapping sound.
Bean sprouts are rich in vitamins. You’ll find that they contain potassium, folate, and vitamin C. These nutrients help regulate blood pressure and are helpful in fighting cancer.
It’s important to know how to cook them properly, though. Sprouts should not be overcooked. Instead, they should be eaten within two days of purchase. If you are concerned about salmonella, you can blanch them first.
For a delicious pho, try adding some bean sprouts. These crunchy vegetables can add to the flavor of the broth, and can also provide a boost of nutrition.
Besides helping you to lose weight, they’re also a great way to fight osteoporosis. Twenty-five percent of men will break a bone due to osteoporosis, and one in five women will. So, bean sprouts can help strengthen your bones.
A diet filled with beans and other plant-based foods can also improve your mood and reduce stress. Bean sprouts also contain fiber, which promotes digestive health. And, they’re low in sodium.
Another way to increase your intake of bean sprouts is to grow your own. It’s easy. All you need is a little bit of patience and some seeds.
Low-calorie options
Pho is one of the more popular Vietnamese soups. This broth-based soup contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, which is why many people consider it to be a healthy meal. However, some pho bowls can be high in sodium, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke. The best way to avoid this is to watch your portion sizes.
A medium bowl of pho has around 350-500 calories. Fortunately, you can make the meal even healthier by replacing the meat with other low-calorie proteins. You can also add more vegetables, which can cut the calorie content.
If you are trying to lose weight, pho is a good choice. Its hearty, satisfying texture can keep you full without causing you to overeat.
The ingredients in pho soup include a variety of vegetables and spices. Unlike other noodle dishes, pho has no meat, which is why it is considered a very healthy choice for people who want to limit their fat intake.
Tofu is another low-calorie alternative to meat. Adding tofu to pho will boost the protein content. Besides being low in fat, tofu also absorbs the flavor of the broth.
Bean sprouts are a nutrient-dense vegetable that are common in East Asian cuisine. They are packed with fiber and are lightly sweet. These greens also add a crunchy, nutritious element to the meal.
Another option for a low-calorie pho is to replace the chicken with beef. Beef cuts like flank and brisket are lean and less fatty. Other lean options for meat include skinless chicken thigh.
Another low-calorie option is the Veggie Salad. Broken Rice is another lower-calorie option. There are many other ways to customize your pho to be lower in calories.
You can also choose to skip the sauce. Fish sauce can be very high in calories. Try opting for a salad or wrap instead. Or, you can ask the restaurant to add more veggies to your pho.
The pho menu has a variety of options, from a “Chay” to a “Bone” and even a “Roast.” Choose the pho that fits your lifestyle.
