Many of us grew up eating heart-warming Chinese soups brewed by our mothers and grandmothers. But did you know that these Chinese soups are not only delicious? They are packed with ingredients that provide nutrients and many other health benefits. Chinese soups are also a perfect complement to any meal.
If you’re feeling tired, lacking in nourishment, or you feel a cold coming up, keep reading why you should reach out for a bowl of Chinese soup to give you an extra boost of energy and nutrition.
Weight Loss and Management
Made with natural ingredients such as herbs, plants and meats, Chinese soups are filling and tasty, and can help maintain your weight. You can drink Chinese soups in place of snacks, or simply have them as meal replacements.
Just follow these tips if you want to keep your Chinese soups healthy:
- Remove excess oil: Chinese soups can become oily from boiling fatty meat. To reduce the amount of oil, try using leaner cuts of meats, or use bones (fish bones, pork bones) to create the base of your Chinese soup. You can also use a spoon to remove any excess oil in the soup before serving. To make your Chinese soup even healthier, opt for boiling skinless meats.
- Reduce the use of seasonings, sauces, and stocks: Be careful not to add too much sauce to your Chinese soup. Reduce the use of stocks, soy sauce, or cooking oil. Where possible, opt for no MSG or low-sodium options to keep your Chinese soup healthy. Enhance the flavour of your Chinese soup with Knorr Chicken Seasoning Powder (No Added MSG) – it contains real chicken meat and is made with no added MSG!
- Add more vegetables and roots: Vegetables such as bok choy, watercress, gourds, and melons will nourish your Chinese soup with fibre, calcium, and vitamin C – these ingredients are great for the digestive system and skin health.
Home remedy for colds
There’s no cure for the common cold, but there are home remedies that can help you feel better!1 Try making a Chinese chicken soup to give your body the nutrients to fight your cold. For best results, include a mixture of these super ingredients: goji berries (wolfberries), red dates, Chinese yam, ginseng, angelica root, and cordyceps. Cordyceps are widely regarded as one of the most powerful ingredients for lung health and improving the respiratory system.
Chinese soups are also well known for their “powers” of rejuvenation. Trusted for thousands of years, Chinese soups have been used as natural supplements to boost immune systems, ward of common ailments such as a cold, as well as boost energy levels of active adults and even athletes. The secret lies in the quality and potency of the natural herbs used. Popular ingredients known to help boost energy levels include codonopsis root (commonly known as “dang shen”) and citrus peels.
Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common health issue amongst the elderly, and traditional Chinese soups can help! As Chinese soups are often flavourful, little seasoning and salt is needed. Be sure to use essential spices and select foods that are higher in potassium and calcium, while reducing ingredients that are high in salt content. You can also include plenty of vegetables to encourage healthy bowel movement, which may help to regulate overall blood pressure.
Healthy Diet
As consumers are becoming more mindful about their diet, take the time to chat with your diners and share your knowledge of healthy eating. Introduce more oriental or heritage flavours into your menu by recommending Chinese soups as an alternative to salads and porridge. By showing your diners that you care for their health with the food you serve, you will have them coming back to savour your dishes for many years to come.
Chinese soups have many health and nutritional benefits on top of allowing your guest to feel full and satisfied. Remember to experiment with traditional and non-traditional herbs and ingredients and encourage your diners to give Chinese soups a try over their usual menu picks.
Need some inspiration for cordyceps in your soups?
Try this nourishing Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Cordyceps Flower and Hairy Gourd!
