The benefits of eating soup in winter

The temperatures drop, the rain is not disappointing and the forecasters seems to have been right. There is nothing more suitable for the cold season than a hot soup bowl that warms the body, satisfying and contributing to health. Beyond the fact that this is a luxurious and comforting dish, the soup also has significant health benefits that can help us maintain health even in a season where the body is more exposed to diseases.Keeps a liquid balance: In winter we tend to drink less water, and the soup helps to complete the vital daily fluid intake. Drinking hot fluids also helps maintain body temperature.

 

Contributes to maintaining the immune system: Soups are usually rich in vegetables so they provide essential vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin C, zinc and selenium that support the immune system. Studies have also shown that chicken soup can help relieve the cold symptoms. The herbs and spices such as black pepper and garlic that is used to add to the cooking water contributes to relief among those suffering from salvation. In addition, the soup water contains essential water and electrolytes that help us during dehydration, which can be caused by illness or diarrhea for example.

 

Digestive health support: The warm soup relieves the digestive process, providing the body with fluids that help with intestinal motility. The nutritional fiber that contributes to the microbiom health in the intestine – the population of the friendly bacteria. In practice, this fact also contributes to relief from digestive problems and contributes to overall health.

 

 

 

Featured feeling over time: The warm fluids and vegetables rich in fiber contribute to a prolonged feeling of satiety, which can help maintain normal weight.

Quality protein supply: Soups based on chicken, lean meat or legumes provide the body with an essential protein to build and repair body tissue, which is especially important in winter when the body needs more energy.

Can soup be fat?

Soup is fluid -rich foods and therefore it is usually considered a low calorie meal. However, it is important to pay attention to what you choose to add to the cooking water – if the main soup is vegetables, a little potato or sweet potato and chicken, it is a complete and balanced meal. If we prefer to avoid animal foods you can combine tofu or legumes.

In contrast, when adding to soup other toppings such as almonds, croutons, noodles or when choosing to adjust it with flour, for example, a large amount of carbohydrates and should be taken into account. This source of carbohydrates is usually processed and high in fat so it is recommended to reduce its amount. Cold soups containing cream or oil also contain a large amount of saturated fat and their caloric value may be relatively high.

 

 

 

Bottom line, hot soup is much more than just a comforting dish during the cold winter days. This is a nutritious meal that contains diverse health benefits – from the immune system support, through maintaining the fluid balance in the body to optimal satiety.

The writer is Hagit Lev, a clinical dietitian in Maccabi Health Services, Southern District