5 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Soup

Soup may be traced back to man’s earliest culinary techniques when he first encountered the pot. Soup has always been highly worshiped all around the world, in every society and culture, for its restorative “capabilities.” Today, in addition to well-rooted traditional beliefs, there is also scientific evidence of the health benefits of consuming soup.

Soup has always been synonymous with food that comforts, invigorates, heals us, and often reminds us of the homely atmosphere and time we spend with family. Chicken soup has been proven to help with colds and nasal congestion, tomato soup is a folk remedy for hangovers, and recently some new food trump cards have been attributed to the consumption of soup. Namely, it has been shown that soup can be a great ally in losing excess weight and maintaining a slim figure.

Studies have shown that soup as an appetizer can reduce the total calorie intake of the main dish. In one study, researchers gave men and women pasta 15 minutes after eating a cup and up to two cups of soup that they could eat as much as they wanted. On another occasion, respondents were also given pasta, but without soup as an appetizer. The results showed that respondents consumed 20% fewer calories when they ate the soup before the main meal.

Also, experts from the British Nutrition Foundation have announced that consuming foods that contain high levels of water may be key to weight loss. Namely, dishes with a high proportion of water, including pasta and rice that easily absorb liquid, as well as soups and stews, allow you to keep the feeling of satiety longer. However, their research has shown that this effect cannot be achieved simply by drinking a glass of water with a meal – liquid must be an integral part of the food consumed.

Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of soup and get some delicious recipes to try.

1.  Soup is packed with nutrients and vitamins

Many soups are made with vegetables, which means they’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber helps promote regularity, while vitamins and minerals support the immune system, skin health, and more. Depending on your ingredients, soup can be a great way to get more of the nutrients you need.

If you make soup with meat there are endless possibilities for what it can do for you! For example, if you love chicken soup, it can help fight off a cold. Chicken soup contains an amino acid called cysteine, which helps thin mucus in the chest and nose, making it easier to breathe. Or, if you are feeling a little bit under the weather, try some bone broth soup. Bone broth is full of nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which can help reduce inflammation, ease joint pain, and improve gut health.

2.  Soups are affordable and can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand

Soup is a very affordable dish to make. You can probably make a soup with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen.  If not, soup ingredients are generally very affordable and can be found at most grocery stores. In addition, soups can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge or freezer for later. For example, if you make a big pot of vegetable soup, you can enjoy it for lunch and dinner throughout the week. This is a great way to save money and time! However, if you’d like to eat outside, you can visit restaurants such as Pret a Manger and try out some of their most popular soups. You’ll pay only £4.82 for Chicken Laksa Soup or Souper Tomato Soup – all their soups are very tasty and can easily be customized to your liking. So, if you are looking for a cheap, healthy, and easy meal, soup is the perfect dish for you!

3.  Soup is a great way to stay hydrated

When you’re sick, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking soup helps increase your fluid intake, which can help thin mucus and prevent dehydration. It’s not only great for when you’re feeling under the weather, but soup can also help you stay hydrated during hotter months. In some cultures, soup is served as a beverage! For example, in Spain, gazpacho is a popular soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. It’s very refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. So, consider adding soup to your diet all year long, not just when you’re sick!

4.  Soup can be a quick and easy meal to make

How many times have you thought, “I don’t know what to make for dinner tonight”? If you have soup in your pantry or fridge, you can easily whip up a quick and healthy meal. Most soups only require a few ingredients and take about 30 minutes to make. Plus, soup reheats well so you can enjoy it for leftovers the next day. If you are not in the mood for soup, you can always enjoy a sandwich or salad with a bowl of soup on the side. Also, if you don’t have enough time to prepare a soup with all the ingredients, don’t worry!  There are plenty of canned and boxed soups that you can buy at the store. It can be prepared in less than  10 minutes. This means that you can have a healthy and quick meal any time of day!

5. They’re perfect for cold winter days or when you’re feeling  sick

Soup is the perfect comfort food for cold winter days or when you’re feeling sick. It can help warm your body up and make you feel better. They usually come in a comforting and hearty broth and can be packed with all sorts of healthy ingredients. In addition, there are endless possibilities for different types of soup. When we are sick, our body craves liquids and vitamins to recover. Soup is the perfect way to get all of those nutrients in one dish, depending on the ingredients you choose. Not to mention, soup is also known to help relieve stomach aches. So, if you need some comfort food or are feeling sick, soup is a great option!