Soup is a dish that is part of cuisine and that’s just as well, as it brings many benefits to our health. Know six of the advantages of soup.
Vegetable soup, green broth, chicken soup, fish soup. Soups are part of the Pak gastronomic tradition and the recipes are countless. Whether as a starter or main course, including soup in our diet brings many health benefits. Learn more about six advantages of eating soup.
1. It is rich in nutrients
Soup can be a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, as it includes several food groups: vegetables, which are usually the protagonists, pulses, meat and fish, and can even include seeds or nuts.
2. Quenches and hydrates
Water is one of the main components of soup, so including it in our diet is also a good way to stay hydrated.
In addition, soup favors greater satiety, helping us to feel more satisfied faster and for longer compared to other more “heavy” meals. At lunch or dinner, prefer to eat the soup before the main course, as, in this way, insulin is released gradually, promoting an earlier and continuous feeling of satiety. Another factor that contributes to making it a satisfying dish is its high water content, which gives it volume, leading the stomach receptors to transmit the feeling of satiety to the brain.
Not all soups satisfy our appetites equally. For example, chunky soups tend to be more filling than skimmed/crushed soups, probably because the stomach takes longer to digest food. Soups with whole grains, legumes, vegetables and lean meat also tend to leave the stomach more slowly.
And did you know that some types of soup even keep you full for longer than if you ate the ingredients separately? This is the case, for example, with lentils. Therefore, soup can be especially useful for those who have diabetes or for whom it is important to avoid snacking between meals.
Do you know that…
Starting lunch and dinner with soup reduces the total amount of calories consumed at that meal.
3. Helps maintain weight control
As long as the ingredients are well chosen, soup can be a great ally when the goal is to maintain a healthy weight or even lose weight. To reduce the total caloric intake of a meal, prefer soups with less calories and rich in fiber – such as vegetables and legumes.
In addition, one of the main components of soup is water, making it an option with a lower energy density. In this way, we end up eating a meal that fills us up, but does not have a high calorie content.
4. It is an easy, practical and economical option
Since the soup can be made in larger quantities and then stored – in the fridge, it can be consumed within three days, and in the freezer, within a period of up to three months -, it is a practical way to have a healthy dish easily available , without having to cook every day. Just heat it up and serve.
In addition, the soup turns out to be an inexpensive recipe due to the ingredients that are usually used: vegetables.
5. Fits all occasions
Soup is a dish that can be adapted to the different needs of each person, simply by choosing the ingredients or adjusting the quantities depending on the objective to be achieved. For example, in summer, it is possible to opt for cold soups (such as gazpacho) and in winter for hot and more cozy options. In addition, the amount of salt can be reduced and the caloric content can also be higher or lower depending on the nutritional objective.
6. It’s a good way to include vegetables in children’s diets
It is common for some children not to be big fans of vegetables. Instilling the habit of eating soup can be a strategy to ensure that they eat these nutrient-rich foods that contribute to the normal development of the child. Younger children tend to prefer sweet flavors to bitter ones, and vegetables or fruit can be chosen to balance the taste.
Watch out for added salt
Soup has great potential to be a healthy dish, but it is important that the amount of salt is reduced. Especially when making soup for babies, children and adults with health problems such as high blood pressure, salt should not be added to the soup.
A good strategy is to add spices and aromatic herbs to your soup, such as oregano, parsley, coriander, garlic or ginger.
