讀後心得

A study from 2020 showed that drinking soup can reduce the risk of obesity by 15%, mainly because soup is low in calories and high in water content, which enhances the feeling of fullness. However, Taiwanese people tend to drink soup after meals, which may lead to excessive calorie intake, especially from some greasy soups, which can increase cholesterol and saturated fat. Experts recommend moderation when enjoying delicious food, consuming meat in moderation, and eating more high-fiber vegetables to lower cholesterol and control weight.

• According to a study from 2020, scholars analyzed seven observational studies involving 45,292 people and concluded that drinking soup can reduce obesity risk by 15%. This is mainly because soup is lower in calories and has a high water content, which effectively enhances feelings of fullness, thereby reducing total calorie intake. Consequently, people who regularly drink soup are less likely to gain weight. However, the majority of these studies primarily come from Western countries and Japan, where soups are generally less greasy, such as Japan's miso soup and Thailand's tom yum, which are lower in calories and less likely to cause weight gain when consumed frequently.

• In contrast, the dietary habits of Taiwanese people are somewhat different. Generally, Taiwanese individuals tend to drink soup after meals rather than perceiving it as an appetizer as in Western dining. Soup lovers often believe that hot soup is the essence of food, and they usually consume bowl after bowl without realizing they have already eaten enough. This eating style can lead to excessive intake of fats and calories; for instance, a bowl of sesame oil chicken soup contains 450 calories, equivalent to two bowls of plain rice. Therefore, drinking excessive amounts of soup can easily lead to weight gain.

• Moreover, the choice of soup is also crucial. Recently, a doctor shared his experience regarding a Vietnamese patient he treated who had severe fatty liver and weighed 83 kg. This is relatively uncommon in Vietnam as the dietary habits there primarily focus on boiling, steaming, or grilling, with few fried foods. The patient's weight before pregnancy was 52 kg, but during the postpartum period, she drank sesame oil chicken soup every day, resulting in a 30 kg weight gain and still struggling to lose weight. Additionally, if the ingredients in the soup, such as pork ribs, are higher in fat content, their cholesterol and saturated fatty acids will also increase. Just drinking the soup may lead to higher cholesterol levels, posing a significant risk for hyperlipidemia.

• Therefore, it is recommended to exercise moderation while enjoying delicious food, ideally drinking less soup and opting for fiber-rich vegetables, as dietary fiber can slow down fat breakdown, accelerate intestinal evacuation, and reduce the reabsorption of bile acids, thus helping to lower cholesterol.