Whether you are sipping warm chicken broth or stirring beef and veggie stew on a snowy day, there’s something undeniably comforting about soup. So warm. So filling. So wholesome. Soup is so good for you and offer these five benefits:
1. Soups are nutritious
When soup is made from scratch, it retains whatever nutrients are in the ingredients. You’re getting all the goodness of bone stock (including collagen-packed gelatin) and veggie broth. Most soups meet your daily quota for veggies as well. Soup is a natural and healthy option that can be prepared in various ways; with vegetables, meat, chicken or even legumes and rice. The way soup is prepared helps preserve the nutritional value in the broth even after cooking, making it high in vitamins, minerals and proteins.
2. Soups are hydrating
During the winter chill, it’s not uncommon to drink less than you need. But while you may not be hot and sweaty, you still lose fluid through daily activities. Since soups are mostly liquid, they’re a great way to stay hydrated and full, and a high quantity of water in soup help nourish your body cells and keep your skin fresh.
3. Soups are loaded with healthy fibers
Some soups, high in fiber such as vegetable soup and legumes, help keep your digestive system healthy and prevent bloating and constipation.
4. Soups might keep the sniffles away
Soups can help you stave off cold and flu, and they’re a great antidote for times when you are sick, too! Most soups are loaded with disease-fighting nutrients. In fact, chicken soup in particular can help prevent the common cold, especially if it is loaded with fresh garlic, onions, celery and carrots. (They all contain powerful immune-boosting chemicals.) A bonus: the hot liquid helps soothe a sore throat. Vegetable soup is a great way to boost your overall health and support your immune system. Take tomato soup, for instance. It’s brimming with disease-fighting antioxidants like flavonoids, lycopene, and vitamins C and E.
5. Soups can support healthy weight loss
Soups can be slimming because they give a sense of satisfaction and as a result help people eat less. They are filling, which could curb snack cravings. All that broth is like drinking a glass of water with your meal. It’s hydrating and satisfying. Warm, lovely, has a smooth taste and is easy to digest! Soups are rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your body needs