The Health Benefits of Chinese Soups

Many of us grew up eating heart-warming Chinese soups brewed by our mothers and grandmothers. But did you know that these soups are not only delicious, they are perfect complements to any meal and are packed with nutrition and health benefits?

Here are some reasons for you to reach out for that bowl of soup the next time you feel a cold coming up or require an extra boost of energy and nutrition.

Melt away the extra kilos

Made with natural ingredients such as herbs, plants and meats, Chinese soups are a great way to 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 the fats of the meats that you use as ingredients.
  
• Remove the skin. Go skinless and boil any meats without their skin.
  
• Add more vegetables and roots. Vegetables such as bok choy, watercress, gourds and melons nourish your soups with fibre, calcium and vitamin C, which are great for the digestive system and skin health.
   

Get rid of colds

Some say that chicken soups may help fight against the common cold. For best results, include a mixture of these potent ingredients into the mix: goji berries, red dates, Chinese yam, wolfberries, angelica root and cordyceps. Cordyceps are widely regarded as one of the most powerful supplements for the lungs and respiratory system.
 

Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common problem among elderly folks. Once again, traditional Chinese soups offer the relief. When cooking up soups for diners with high blood pressure, be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the soup to make it healthier, while including ingredients such as wolfberry leaves, red dates, celery and spinach for added flavour.
 

Live Healthy, Eat Healthy

A diet that includes healthy traditional Chinese soups is just one part of a complete dietary and lifestyle change that must come about if you truly want to live healthy. If you have the time to chat with diners, share your knowledge of healthy eating. By showing 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.
 

Rejuvenate your energy

Chinese soups are 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, as well as boost energy levels of active adults and even athletes.

The secret lies in the quality and potency of natural herbs used. Popular ingredients known to help boost energy levels include codonopsis root (commonly known as “dang shen”), Chinese wolfberry, citrus peel and cordyceps.