Which are the healthy soups to try?

Soups are a healthy addition of any weight loss diet programs. They fill the stomach and have low calories and low fats. But they also nourish, hydrate, warm, and heal. All would are not equal. Which are the healthy soups?

Soups

Soups are watery solutions and great meal options. They are usually made of a lean protein blended well with vegetables in a watery base. Soups are to be consumed warm for best benefits. They warm the stomach and provide the consumer with nourishment. Additionally, they possess the capacity to heal colds and such upper airway common illnesses. They fill and satiate and hence are useful in weight management diets.

Healthy soups should have less calories and less fats. They should be low in sodium but have good amounts of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. The macronutrients in them come from high protein foods such as tofu, legumes, lentils, lobster, chicken, clams etc and starchy foods like white potatoes. While the micronutrients are from the vegetables such cabbage, broccoli, carrots, onions, celery and spices and herbs. The best soups are those that are prepared in a broth base such as chicken broth, vegetable stock, beef broth or bone broth.

Healthy soups

These soups consist of a lean protein source, veggies, and water, or broth. The following are the best of the lot. One should try these.

Black eyed pea soup

Black eyed peas are rich in protein, have low calories and low fats and are packed with vitamin B9 and iron. Along with black eyes peas, this soup also has added vegetables in it. This gives it the boost of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Avoid excess salt or cheese or cream and it will remain healthy.

Butternut squash soup

Cara Walsh from Medifast California feels that butternut squash soup is the healthiest soup. It has a velvety texture, is highly tasty and extremely nutritious. Cara elaborates:

“That’s because it’s packed with Vitamin A, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. There’s a host of other goodies in this soup, including Vitamin C—plus, a sprinkle of autumn! Because what’s better than the taste of squash during the fall season?”

Chicken noodle soup

This is a soulful soup. And it is excellent for the waistline too. It has low calories, low saturated fats, but is high in lean protein. It is a rich source of selenium and vitamin A. And it is good for thyroid function. But it might be high in sodium. So be careful there.

Minestrone soup

This soup has a lot of veggies in it. And it is extremely colorful. It has dietary fiber in it along with other essential nutrients. Cara says:

“This soup is packed with vegetables that can help you reach your daily vegetable intake!”

Also, read Fat trap in healthy foods (salads, granola bars, and soups)

NHS advise people to have atleast five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This is called five a day.  Soups can provide the vegetable punch for enhanced overall health and medical benefits.