“A person cannot live on bread alone,” says the Holy Scripture. But it doesn’t mention that a person can live on soup alone! Simple, hearty vegetable soups in hot broth are easily digested and make us feel fuller than other meals. In fact, when we use soup as our main meal, we can even cut calories and lose weight! Studies have found that soup satisfies us and contributes to a sense of well-being.
Hot soups make us eat slower and feel full faster. When we eat more slowly, we eat less and our bodies better absorb beneficial nutrients. Nutrients that can be lost when cooking are actually gained by eating the broth that contains them.
Soups are great all the time and can be enjoyed no matter what part of the country you live in or the climate. What better way to increase your intake of plant protein than to prepare a pot of delicious and nutritious soup?
The water content in the soup provides an incredible benefit. When hot, vegetables digest better and beneficial nutrients are absorbed. Vegetable soups break down cellulose and alter plant cell structures so that fewer body enzymes are needed for digestion.
What’s in a soup? It usually provides more nutrients than if we ate raw vegetables. Antioxidants are much more easily absorbed when cooked in a soup compared to eating raw.
Making soups is a great way to save money and reduce waste. Soups can be made with any vegetables that are in season, less expensive and a healthier way to eat, and can be refrigerated or even frozen for later meals.
When the bananas are overripe, we make banana bread. When preparing healthy and nutritious soups, think the same way. You can never have too many vegetables! What is left over can always be thrown into a soup. It’s also a great way to make sure you’re eating a variety of vegetables. Add those that aren’t necessarily your favorites too; these can be enjoyed in a soup when mixed with other ingredients and flavors.