Pho, an Asian delicacy, has become increasingly popular over the past few years. It’s a delicious and comforting meal, but is it actually good for an upset stomach? This is a question that many people have, as pho is often associated with stomach-soothing qualities. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of eating pho if you have an upset stomach, so you can decide for yourself whether it’s a good option for you. We’ll explore the science behind the dish, its nutritional value, and the potential side effects. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether pho is a good choice for an upset stomach. Read on to learn more.
Is Pho Good For An Upset Stomach?
There are several things in pho that may help calm an upset stomach. These include ginger, which has been shown to have anti-nausea properties. Another ingredient, star anise, has been shown to help with digestive issues by increasing peristalsis (the contraction of the intestinal muscles) and reducing inflammation. The spices turmeric and black pepper have also been shown to reduce inflammation, helping with digestion and nausea.
What Is Pho?
Pho, pronounced “fuh,” is a type of Asian soup. It’s a popular street food that comes in many variations. The most common type of pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with rice noodles, a clear broth, and thinly sliced pieces of beef or chicken. Pho was originally a northern Vietnamese dish, but it’s now associated with many Asian cultures. It can be found in the streets of Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Although pho has become a staple meal in Asia, its exact origins are unclear. It’s thought that the first pho dish was served in the early 20th century when Vietnam was colonized by the French. It was likely initially a French dish and has since been adopted and altered by Asian cultures.
Nutritional Value Of Pho
Pho is a good source of selenium.
Pho contains about 24 mcg of selenium. Selenium is an essential trace element that is important for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer (1). Selenium has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
Pho provides a good amount of protein.
Pho is made with rice noodles, which are low in calories but high in protein. A bowl of pho contains about 13 grams of protein (3). It’s also a good source of iron, which helps carry oxygen throughout your body and keep you energized throughout the day 3. Pho offers a variety of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. Pho is also low in fat and contains no saturated fats (1).
Pho can help you stay hydrated.
Pho is high in water, which helps keep your body hydrated. A bowl of pho contains about 500 ml of water (3).
Pho is a good source of thiamin, vitamin B6, and riboflavin.
Pho contains about 0.4 mg, 1 mg, and 0.1 mg of thiamin, vitamin B6, and riboflavin per bowl, respectively (1). These nutrients are important for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the production of energy from food.
Pho is a good source of zinc and selenium.
Pho contains about 2 mg and 24 mcg of zinc and selenium per bowl, respectively (1). Zinc plays an important role in wound healing, immune function, and cell division, while selenium has antioxidant properties that help prevent damage to DNA (2).
Pho is low in sodium but high in potassium.
Pho is low in sodium at just 0.6 mg per bowl but is high in potassium at 853 mg per bowl (1). Potassium helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure, while sodium can cause fluid retention and lead to high blood pressure.
Pros Of Eating Pho For An Upset Stomach
Pho is a Traditional Remedy
Pho has been used as a remedy for upset stomachs in Asian cultures for centuries. It’s now also common in the West, where it’s also used for treating nausea and indigestion.
It Contains Ginger and Star Anise
Ginger and star anise are both anti-nausea ingredients that may help ease an upset stomach.
Pho is Easy to Find and Eat
Pho can be found in any major city around the world, so it’s easy to find if you’re traveling and have an upset stomach. You can also easily make pho at home, so you don’t even have to leave your house to get some relief from an upset stomach.
There Are Many Variations of Pho
There are many different types of pho that you can try, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients. Even though they all contain noodles and broth, there are many different types of pho, including chicken pho, shrimp pho, and even vegetarian pho.
Pho is Quick and Easy to Make
You don’t have to be a professional chef to make pho. It’s one of the quickest and easiest meals you can make for yourself when you’re sick. All you need are some spices, noodles, broth, and meat or vegetables, which can all be purchased at your local grocery store.
Cons Of Eating Pho For An Upset Stomach
- Pho is a very high-carb meal. The noodles are made from rice, and there’s plenty of white rice on the side.
- The meat used in pho can be high in saturated fat. This may concern some people with digestive issues, as it can slow digestion and cause upset stomach symptoms.
- There are also MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and other preservatives in most pho dishes.
- In addition, there are several studies that show MSG may cause upset stomach symptoms.
- The high-carb content and preservatives in pho may make the symptoms of an upset stomach worse.
Side Effects Of Eating Pho For An Upset Stomach
- Upset Stomach One of the side effects of eating pho is an upset stomach. This can occur due to the spices in pho, which may irritate an already irritated stomach. Also, some people have adverse reactions to certain foods and ingredients in pho. For example, lactose intolerance can cause stomach problems after eating pho.
- Bloating is another side effect of eating pho for an upset stomach. Pho is often served with noodles, which are high in carbs and tend to make you feel full quickly, causing bloating and gas as a result. If you’re sensitive to MSG (monosodium glutamate), it can also cause bloating and discomfort when consumed in large quantities.
- Diarrhea Diarrhea is another one of the side effects of eating pho for an upset stomach. It’s a common problem that occurs when your body doesn’t digest food properly or absorbs too much water from food, making it runny.
- Flatulence is another side effect of eating pho for an upset stomach. It’s often a result of the carb content in pho and other Asian noodle dishes. The more carbs you consume, the more gas you produce. Also, if you’re sensitive to MSG, it can cause flatulence.
- Nausea is another one of the side effects of eating pho for an upset stomach. It’s a common symptom that occurs when your body doesn’t digest food properly or absorbs too much water from food, making it runny. If you have a sensitive stomach and eat too much pho in one sitting, it can lead to nausea as well.
Final Thoughts On Eating Pho For An Upset Stomach
Pho is a delicious, nutritious soup that can be eaten when you have an upset stomach. It’s rich in iron, which can help with bloating, fatigue, and headaches associated with an upset stomach. It also may help to calm an upset stomach. Pho isn’t the best option for everyone, though. If you have a sensitive stomach, it may be too rich for you. If you have diabetes, eating pho may spike your blood sugar levels. If you have an upset stomach, it’s best to try to identify the cause. Once you know what’s causing it, you can try to treat it with pho or another food that can help ease your symptoms.
