Become Your Healthiest Self With Kim’s New Book Here

Do you know the health benefits of hot soup?

Kim Shapira
April 17, 2023
Text separator
3
 min read
Facebook logo

Living in Southern California this winter, has brought some incredibly chilly weather and a real need  to stay warm in the forefront of my mind. While I was thinking of a newsletter, it dawned on me, let's talk about the benefits of hot soup! Winter months will not only affect your mood, the amount of energy you have, the outfit you picked today, it also changes your food preferences.


There have been long proven benefits of how warm soup works for your body, beginning with improving hydration (you know I love hydration, Rule #5), vitamins and minerals, health benefits, and digestion. We all know about having chicken soup, I am going to add a few more soup options and share where they may benefit you. They will be listed after each section.


#1 - Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants


The base of soup is water and veggies, it's like a cup of water and salad in one. Most soups have  key nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals and it may even have protein when the soup has beans or lentils, bone-broth or a meat base. Did you know soup-eaters get more servings of vegetables in a day than non soup-eaters. Just watch the sodium level. (Tomato Soup)(Cabbage Soup)(Asparagus Soup)


#2 - Hydration


During the winter months, it’s not surprising to drink less water than you need (8 cups of water/64 ounces daily is recommended). And, while you may not be hot and sweaty during chilly months, you still lose fluid through daily activities. Dehydration can feel fluish, and makes you feel fatigued. Soups tend to be salty, and salt helps your body retain water, preventing dehydration. Soups are a great way to stay hydrated and also, satisfied. (All Soups with liquid)


Tip #3 - Strengthen Immune Support and Cardiac Function


Soup can be made with a huge variety of immune-boosting ingredients. For instance using bone broth or stock has been shown to support immune function. There are so many amazing ingredients you can add to soups: turmeric, sweet potato, pumpkin, lentils, beans, onions, garlic, celery, carrots, etc.- etc. you get the point. These ingredients help with inflammation and boost your immunity. Unless, you are sensitive to one of them, then leave that one out. This is just a reminder that our diet plays a major role our immune system and overall body health. Most soups contain vital nutrients which improve the function and production of immune cells and antibodies within our own body.(Chicken Soup)(Spinach Soup)

Tip #4 - Clearing Sinuses and Inflammation


Funny enough, hot soup vapors actually help your sinuses when you lift the spoon towards your mouth. The salt content in the soup will also help relieve sore throat pain (the same principle behind gargling warm salt water), the heat helps inflammation, clear nasal congestion, and can relieve pain and sinus pressure, just as a hot towel can. The vitamins and minerals in nutrient- dense soups can also speed recovery if you are feeling unwell.(Chicken Soup)


Tip #5 - Good for Digestion


Using beans, lentils, and vegetables help with digestion. We need a minimum of twenty-five grams of fiber a day to poop regularly, soups offer a great base to add in that fiber.  (Pumpkin Soup)(Lentil Soup)


Why Soup- it's easy to make in a slow cooker, on a stove or in the microwave.Besides being a warm and yummy option, soup is also fairly inexpensive and easy to make. So if the chilly air or illness find you, give yourself a boost with all its benefits. Share your favorite soup recipe with me.


Xx

Kim

Kim Shapira

Kim Shapira

dietitian and nutrition therapist.

Related posts

JOIN THE FAMILY

All the tips, tricks, and recipes Kim gives to her
celeb clients straight to your inbox.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.