May 16, 2019
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【營養師．中醫師Q&A】東西方的「飲湯養生」？
Q：湯水是中外最流行的養生法？
（T：註冊營養師Tiffany Shek，C：註冊中醫師Cinci EC）
T：說起飲湯，大家多數會想起中式養生湯水，其實飲湯近年在西方同樣盛行，尤其是Souping。這是一種近年外國流行的節食減肥法，數日的療程中只飲湯作排毒之用。此療程標榜的跟蔬果汁排毒減肥法不同，關鍵在於西湯多含有原材料的膳食纖維，因此飽肚感會比起除去纖維的果汁高。膳食纖維亦容許較慢的營養吸收及血糖升高。
但要注意Souping跟我們一般喝養生湯不同之處在於它們的用處。喝養生湯目的不是減肥，是作保健的用途，所以我們在喝湯之餘也應照常進食。我也不建議盲目Souping，忽略整體飲食。
另外，一般人會以為營養精華是在湯水中，喝了湯水就算，但其實從營養學角度來說，養生湯中含有最高營養價值的成分其實是湯渣！譬如肉湯，就算煮多久，大部分的蛋白質還是留在肉中，所以如果想攝取足夠蛋白質就要湯連渣一起飲用，才為之有益。
C： 一碗看似簡單的湯水，蘊含中醫學源遠流長的養生妙方，也體現了烹調者對身邊人的關心！只要根據體質，配搭得宜，一碗美味的湯水就可以簡易調理身體。很多人對湯水的認知仍然留在「補湯」，覺得湯水要夠溫補才可養生。其實不然，只要適合個人體質，食材新鮮，一碗平和的湯水已經可滋養身心。對比起有病吃藥，中醫更講求的是未病先防，最重要是改善飲食及生活習慣，而根據體質去飲湯是一個簡單便捷的飲食補健方法，改善常見的都市小症狀，強身防病。
Is drinking soup becoming a means to healthy living in both East and West worlds?
( T: Tiffany Shek, Registered Dietitian, C: Cinci EC, Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner)
T: When talking about drinking soup, many people will think of Chinese herbal soup. Actually, “souping” has become a popular weight loss method in western countries in recent years, wherein only soup is consumed for a few days for “detox” purposes. This diet is different from “juice cleanse” as soup retains dietary fiber of ingredients, which in turn increases satiety. Other benefits of including fibre are slower nutrient absorption and elevation of blood sugar.
But remember “souping” is different from drinking Chinese herbal soup as they serve different purposes. Having herbal soup is to enhance one’s wellbeing but not for weight loss per se. A balanced diet is recommended in addition to consumption of Chinese herbal soup. Prolonged “souping” is not recommended, as it may lack certain certain essential nutrients obtainable from a balanced diet.
Also, most people think that the liquid in soup contains all the nutritional essence thus that is all they consume. But from a nutritional perspective, the actual ingredients in the soup contain the highest nutritional value. Take meat-based soup for example, most protein remains within the meat, even after prolonged cooking. Therefore, for adequate protein intake, soup ingredients should be consumed along with the soup.
C: A bowl of soup might sound simple but it can contain healthy living essence passed on from ancient Chinese medicine theories, and it is also a reflection of love and care from the person who made it. A delicious bowl of soup can condition the body if consumed based on the body type with appropriate ingredients. Many people still having the mindset that the soup should be tonic to have any healthy effects. In fact, a mild natured soup that compliments the body type and is made with fresh ingredients is good enough to nourish the body and mind. Compared to taking medicine, Chinese medicine is more concerned about preventative healthcare. The most important thing is to improve diet and living habits. Drinking soup according to body type is a simple and convenient method to supplement your diet and prevent common urban ailments and improve your immunity.
