7 ways homemade soup can improve your health

homemade soup

The aroma of a delicious soup bubbling away on the stove in winter is sure to tempt the taste buds

It’s no secret I love soup, in fact, I enjoy it all year round. Homemade soups can use up the limp veggies in the bottom of the fridge to make an easy, economical meal. Just chop up all the ingredients and throw it in a pot with some stock and let it simmer away until cooked. And, there are so many health benefits in every bowl.

Here are 7 ways homemade soup can improve your health:

  1. You’ll get more fibre. By adding lots of fresh veggies to the pot you’ll increase the fibre which helps to improve digestion and keep you regular.
  2. You’re more likely to get your five serves of veg. This will mean you’re getting more nutrients and less likely to succumb to winter colds and flus.
  3. You can reduce the saturated fat. Traditional soups are made on the higher fat cuts of meat. By choosing lean meat for soups you can considerably reduce the amount of saturated fat and reduce the risk of lifestyle related diseases. Switch high saturated fat coconut cream for evaporated light milk and coconut essence.
  4. It fills you up. The combination of protein from meat or legumes, and fibre from the veggies will help to keep you feeling fuller for longer. This means you’re less likely to go hunting for treat foods after a big bowl of soup.
  5. It’s a comfort food without the extra calories. In winter, we tend to crave high fat stodgy foods which contribute to weight gain. Healthy homemade soups can provide all the comfort without the fat.
  6. It can be made ahead and frozen. Soups are easy to freeze into individual serves for workday lunches or easy dinners, meaning you can have a healthy meal on the table in minutes and not resort to unhealthy takeaway food.
  7. You can lower the sodium. Many canned or packet soups are high in sodium which can increase blood pressure and cause us to retain fluid. By choosing reduced salt stock or no-added-salt ingredients you will have a healthier option.

Buy your Coconut Essence HERE


A few final suggestions for added health benefits:

  • Consider adding beans or legumes – these are a good source of protein, healthy carbohydrates and fibre. They also contain many essential nutrients.
  • Serve with grainy bread spread with a light scraping of Flora Light margarine.
  • Forget adding sour cream – add a dollop of low fat natural yoghurt as a much lower saturated fat option.

If you like to follow a recipe, I have 24 delicious soup recipes in my 9 cookbooks for you to enjoy.

IMAGE: Thai Soup & Asparagus and Sweet Corn Soup – Book 2


Want more winter tips? Check out my secret to a healthy hot chocolate


#symply2good