Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. It’s warm, comforting, and layered with flavor. But many people wonder, “Is pho healthy for you?” It turns out that pho is not always the healthiest food, but with a few smart choices, you can enjoy healthy pho that’s delicious, satisfying, and good for you.
It seems like pho should be a healthy food option because it typically combines a light broth, fresh vegetables, protein, and rice noodles into one bowl. It offers protein for muscle health, carbs for energy, and vitamins and minerals from the herbs and vegetables. However, not all pho is created equal. The broth may be high in sodium, which can be a problem if you’re trying to follow low sodium dietary guidelines.
The choice of meat added to pho can contain a lot of saturated fat, which is not a great option for those on a heart healthy diet or trying to lose weight. The dish may also contain other ingredients and sauces that add unexpected fat, sodium, sugar, or calories. Finally, portion sizes can really add up, especially if you’re eating out.
If you’ve ever ordered pho from a restaurant, you know the servings are usually generous. While it seems like a lighter option compared to fried foods, restaurant pho often has hidden pitfalls:
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy pho at your favorite spot. It just means that if you’re trying to eat healthy, it’s best to be mindful of what’s in the bowl and how large the serving is. And if you really want to enjoy healthy pho noodle soup, we’ll give you some tips and a delicious recipe to make healthy homemade pho.
If you want to be sure the answer to the question “Is pho healthy?” is yes, the best thing you can do is to make it at home because making your own pho gives you full control of the ingredients. Here are some tips to make your pho delicious and nutritious:
Looking for some inspiration? Try this flavorful healthy pho recipe from the Health eCooks Recipe Test Kitchen.
This recipe for healthy pho uses a blend of low-sodium beef and chicken broths, infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and fennel, to create a rich yet heart-friendly base. Along with the aromatic broth, each delicious bowl features lean steak, gluten-free rice noodles, fresh herbs, and flavorful veggies, all clocking in at around 200 calories per serving.
When you make healthy pho at home, it can be flavorful, filling, and packed with nutrients without the extra sodium, fat, or sugar you often find in restaurant versions. By focusing on a low-sodium broth made with complex flavors and adding lean protein, lots of vegetables, and fresh herbs, you can enjoy pho as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The next time you’re craving this classic dish, skip the takeout and make our healthy pho recipe at home or experiment with making your own version using the tips provided by our dietitians. Not only will it taste amazing, but it will also leave you feeling energized, satisfied, and able to answer “yes” to the question “is pho healthy?”
