We all know that drinking soup regularly has the benefits of preventing diseases and combating aging. When we are tired, drinking soup can also help us feel refreshed. During gatherings with family and friends, soup is a great appetizer. But how can we cook soup that is more nutritious?
Many people have always believed that "the longer the soup is cooked, the more nutritious it is". Indeed, cooking soup for a moderate amount of time can help release nutrients, but cooking it for too long can cause certain damage to the nutritional components.
In general, the main ingredients for cooking soup are foods with high protein content, such as meat. The main component of protein is amino acids. If the heating time is too long, the amino acids can be destroyed, resulting in a decrease in nutrition, and the dish can also lose its desired flavor.
Experts have selected three representative soup dishes - pig trotter soup, herbal chicken soup, and old duck soup. Through testing, it was found that the protein and fat content of pig trotter increased significantly after being heated for 1 hour, but then gradually decreased. The protein and fat content of herbal chicken increased gradually after being heated for 0.5 hours, reaching their maximum values after 1.5 hours and 0.75 hours of heating, respectively. The protein content of duck meat remained unchanged after being heated for 1 hour, while the fat content reached its highest value after being heated for 45 minutes. The nutritional value of these three soups did not increase as expected. Especially for herbal chicken soup and old duck soup, the longer the cooking time, the lower the protein content.
How long should soup be cooked? The suggestion from experts is to cook soup for 1 to 1.5 hours, which can achieve the ideal nutritional peak for these three soup dishes. At this time, the energy consumption and nutritional value ratio are also better.
Now that the soup is ready, what are the considerations for drinking soup?
There is a popular saying that "drinking soup before a meal is better than any remedy". Drinking a few sips of soup before a meal is like warming up for athletes. It can activate the entire digestive system, stimulate the secretion of digestive juices in the digestive glands, and prepare the digestive organs for eating. This way, the functions of various digestive organs can be fully exerted in a coordinated and natural manner, resulting in a more comfortable feeling after a meal.
Drinking soup before a meal can also help women become slim and healthy. When the soup reaches the stomach, it stimulates the appetite center in the brainstem through the vagus nerve reflex. This can excite and reduce the appetite center, automatically reducing food intake by one-third, and also slowing down the speed of eating.
Although there are many benefits to drinking soup before a meal, there are also certain considerations.
Drinking soup before a meal should vary from person to person, and the timing of drinking soup should be mastered. It is generally recommended to have half a bowl of soup before lunch and dinner, and a bit more before breakfast. After a night of sleep, the body loses a lot of water. Drinking soup during breakfast can help replenish the lost water, which is beneficial for the body. In addition, it is best to drink soup about 20 minutes before a meal, and it is also possible to drink a small amount of soup during the meal.
In summary, there is a certain order to drinking soup and eating. The correct order should be: soup, vegetables, rice, meat, and then fruits (30 minutes later).
