Is eating pho for breakfast healthy?

Is pho nutritious?

According to VietNamNet, nutritionist Daniel Preiato, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Studies from New York University (USA), stated that pho is rich in protein, helps reduce inflammation, and improves bone and joint health, but it is also high in sodium and calories.

Many of the ingredients in pho offer potential health benefits.

Provides a good source of protein.

The key ingredients in pho are beef and chicken – a source of protein. This macronutrient helps develop muscles, tendons, organs, skin, and hormones. Each person should consume 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Pho is part of a healthy diet that can help you meet this need.

Many people wonder whether eating pho for breakfast is healthy.

Contains nutrient-rich herbs.

Many of the spices and herbs in pho, including ginger, star anise, cinnamon, basil, and coriander, are high in polyphenols. These compounds are linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Ginger contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may reduce joint pain and inflammation. Green onions and chili peppers are rich in nutrients and powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.

Although it's difficult to pinpoint the exact amount of herbs and spices needed to provide health benefits, eating pho can contribute to your absorption of nutrients.

Additionally, bone broth can improve joint health due to its content of glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen.

Is eating pho for breakfast healthy?

Pho is delicious and nutritious, but it should only be consumed in moderation. According to VnExpress, Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung, Head of the Adult Nutrition Counseling Department at the National Institute of Nutrition, said that frequently eating pho can lead to a deficiency in essential fiber. Consequently, the body doesn't receive enough vitamins and minerals. A lack of fiber affects the digestive system and can cause constipation.

Regarding salt intake, the World Health Organization recommends that each person consume only 5 grams of salt per day. Therefore, if you eat an entire bowl of pho along with other meals throughout the day, your body will have excess salt. Numerous studies have shown that a high-salt diet causes dangerous diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, osteoporosis, and asthma.

Note that the salt content in a bowl of pho is mainly in the broth. Therefore, to reduce salt intake, you shouldn't finish the entire bowl of broth but only enjoy a little. Experts also advise that if you eat a bowl of pho for breakfast, you should abstain from salt for the next day.

Ideally, you shouldn't eat pho for extended periods as it can lead to nutritional imbalances; you should diversify your meals. Eating too much of any food is never good for you.

Therefore, eating pho for breakfast is good for your health, but you should only eat it 1-2 times a week.

Ha An (Compiled)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/bua-sang-an-pho-co-tot-khong-ar903453.html