Importance of Soup When Under the Weather
It is no coincidence that soup is recommended for consumption when someone is feeling sick. A big bowl of chicken noodle soup, for example, is packed with essential, nutrient-rich ingredients that support immune health and aid in a quick recovery. With so many soup options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for when you are ill. Here is a comprehensive guide from two registered dietitians on making the best soup choices, whether homemade or store-bought, to help you feel better in no time. These soups are not only delicious and nourishing but also have one thing in common—lots of protein.
What is the Best Soup to Eat When Sick?
Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian and neuronutritionist, highlights the historical significance of soups in aiding recovery from illnesses. She emphasizes that the amount of vitamins, minerals, and, most importantly, protein, is what makes a soup ideal for consumption when unwell. Richter recommends bone broth as an essential ingredient in making homemade soups for a quick recovery due to its high protein and mineral content. She also shares her recipe for the “Ultimate Healing Soup,” which is filled with micronutrients and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lauren Manaker, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT, a registered dietitian, suggests a veggie-packed, sippable soup for those who do not eat meat or consume animal products. She combines sautéed onion, garlic, and carrots to make a veggie-based broth, adds Greek yogurt for creaminess, and includes an immune-boosting ingredient: orange juice. Manaker emphasizes the benefits of this vegetarian-friendly soup for gut health and immune support.
What is the Best Canned Soup to Eat When Sick?
For those unable to cook while feeling unwell, ready-made soups are a convenient option. Manaker suggests pre-made chicken soup, while also cautioning consumers to read the ingredient label before purchasing to avoid pro-inflammatory ingredients. She recommends Kevin’s Natural Foods Chicken Soup with Cauliflower Pasta as a dietitian-approved store-bought soup. Richter also shares a few noteworthy grocery picks for canned soups.
Does Soup Actually Help When Sick?
Both dietitians agree that soup can provide relief for various ailments. Manaker recommends clear broth for an upset stomach and chicken soup with vegetables for cold or flu symptoms. She also points out that the warmth and steam from hot soup can help clear nasal congestion. The key is to ensure that the soup contains the right nutrients, avoiding pro-inflammatory ingredients, and incorporating immune-boosting components. Richter emphasizes the importance of protein, vegetables, and hearty stock in making the best soup choices when sick.
Key Ingredients for Making the Best Soup When Sick
Richter stresses the importance of protein, plant-based foods, and micronutrients found in vegetables for maintaining a robust immune system and supporting the body’s healing process. Manaker emphasizes the role of broth in providing electrolytes for hydration, as well as the necessity of vitamins and minerals in aiding recovery.
Ultimate Healing Soup Recipe
Richter shares her recipe for the Ultimate Healing Soup, which includes carrots, zucchini, onion, ginger, turmeric, garlic, cinnamon, pepper, sea salt, bone broth, and lemon juice. This nutrient-rich and anti-inflammatory soup is designed to support immune health and promote a quick recovery.
