How many calories are in Bún chả? Is Bún chả fattening? Is it healthy?

Bún chả is a famous specialty dish in Hanoi, beloved not only by locals but also by foreign tourists. This dish is made from various ingredients, boasting rich and savory flavors. Consequently, the question of how many calories Bún chả contains and whether it's fattening or not is of great interest to many, especially those on a weight loss regime. Let's explore the answers in the following article by Mytour Blog to plan your diet scientifically when indulging in Bún chả.

How many calories are in Bún chả?

Bún chả is a delicious dish consisting of various ingredients including noodles, grilled pork, fresh herbs, sweet and sour fish sauce, fried spring rolls, and grilled pork wrapped in wild betel leaf. The total calorie count of this dish is as follows:

• 100g of grilled pork: 291 calories.
• 100g of fresh noodles: 110 calories.
• Wild betel leaf-wrapped pork: 200 calories.
• Fried spring rolls: 150 calories 
• Fresh herbs: 23 calories
• Sweet and sour fish sauce: 51 calories.

Thus, the calorie content in a bowl of Bún chả can range from 400 to 600 kcal. However, this calorie count is only for reference as it depends on the individual's cooking method and the amount of ingredients used.

Nutritional components of Bún chả

Bún chả is a nutritious dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In a bowl of Bún chả, there are approximately 25g of protein, 21g of fat, 67.5g of sugar, and 2.5g of fiber. For those looking to lose weight, adding Bún chả to their weight loss menu can be beneficial, as the starch content in noodles is lower than that in rice. However, frequent consumption of Bún chả can also affect health, so it's important to control your food intake.

Is Bún chả fattening?

After knowing how many calories Bún chả contains, you'll surely know whether eating this dish is fattening or not. As mentioned earlier, the calorie content in a bowl of Bún chả is equivalent to the amount of calories needed for one meal (about 600 calories). Therefore, if you only eat one bowl of Bún chả, you don't have to worry too much about gaining weight. However, consuming two bowls of Bún chả at once or eating it regularly without proper exercise can lead to excess calories in the body and easy weight gain.

Is eating a lot of Bún chả good?

According to research, Bún chả contains tinopal – a fluorescent substance that makes the noodles chewier. This substance can cause serious conditions such as kidney failure, liver failure, or cancer. Additionally, grilling meat over high heat generates harmful toxins for the heart, and the fat and protein in the meat can be metabolized into mutagens – substances that damage the cell's genetic system. Therefore, to reduce the adverse effects of this dish, you should only eat one bowl of Bún chả per day and limit consumption to 2-3 times a week.

Guide to enjoying Bún chả without worrying about weight gain

To indulge in Bún chả without the fear of gaining weight, consider the following meal plans: 

Meal Plan 1:

• Breakfast: 1 egg sandwich and 1 cup of tea (200 calories)
• Snack: 1/2 pear (70 calories)
• Lunch: 1 bowl of Bún chả (530 calories)
• Snack: 1 box of unsweetened yogurt (100 calories)
• Dinner: Rice (660 calories)

Meal Plan 2:

• Breakfast: 1 egg sandwich and 1 cup of tea (200 calories)
• Snack: 1/2 pear (70 calories)
• Lunch: 1 bowl of Bún chả (530 calories)
• Snack: 1 box of unsweetened yogurt (100 calories)
• Dinner: 1 bowl of Bún chả (530 calories)

Note: To maintain your ideal weight, combine a balanced diet with daily exercise.

Some tips when eating Bún chả

Regardless of how many calories Bún chả has, it remains a favorite dish for many. Therefore, when eating Bún chả, you need to consider the following to avoid affecting your health and weight:

• Studies show that consuming a lot of grilled meat can increase health issues, especially cancer. Since the main ingredient of Bún chả is grilled pork, it's important to eat in moderation to avoid adverse health effects.
• Anyone can enjoy Bún chả as it embodies the unique flavors of Vietnam. However, it's best to eat it moderately to prevent weight gain, ideally 1-2 times per week.
• Pregnant women can eat Bún chả, but during the first trimester, it's advisable to avoid green papaya in the dipping sauce. Eating too much green papaya can stimulate uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage.

Through Mytour's article, you must have learned how many calories Bún chả contains. While this dish is delicious and enticing, calorie control is crucial for maintaining good health. Additionally, you must combine it with physical activity to ensure nutritional balance and effective weight loss.