Why Soup Season Can Help Reduce Inflammation!
- jdimaggio1214
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
I love soup season! Not only making them, but also eating anything that I can "hug" like a cup of tea out of a bowl. So naturally creating a newsletter around that felt like the best way to start this year. I already had some soup recipes on my site, but used this as an excuse to add more. Enjoy!
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to an illness, injury or anything foreign to your body; such as germs or chemicals. It is a normal and important process that allows your body to heal and recover. Not all inflammation is bad! When it becomes chronic, or lasts for an extended period of time - it increases stress to the body and can lead to other medical conditions.
Why Soup?
Soups are generally considered to be anti-inflammatory because of their warmth, and some say that regularly eating warm, cooked foods helps your body digest faster; helping to reduce inflammation. Warm foods also help to improve circulation, support metabolism and decrease congestion in the body.
Other Foods That Naturally Reduce Inflammation
Fatty fish such as salmon, fresh fruits, and leafy greens.
Spices such as turmeric, ginger and garlic that have anti inflammatory properties
The Mediterranean Diet is highly recommended by the AHA and is also a very low inflammatory diet to follow.
How to Make Your Own Soup
Never made soup before? It is super easy! First you saute your aromatics (onion, celery, garlic etc) and then you add your broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable). Finally add any meats, vegetables or grains that you want, starting with those that take longer to cook.
Need ideas? Use the link below to access my favorite soup recipes on my website.
Butternut Squash and Red Lentil
Broccoli and Leek
Cycle Soup
Lentil Soup
Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
Chickpea and Red Lentil Soup
"Creamy" Broccoli Soup
Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper
Dress Up Your Soup
• Serve soup out of deep bowls or mugs
• To keep soup from cooling too quickly, fill bowls with hot water just before filling
• Set aside fresh herbs or extra sprigs while chopping to garnish
• Mound rice or pasta in the center of bowl and ladle soup around
• Puree a can of rinsed beans with equal amount water to add protein and thickness
More Ways to Help Reduce Inflammation
Like most things, some of the causes of inflammation are out of our control; such as autoimmune diseases, injuries, infections or viruses. But there are some external causes or contributing factors that that can be controlled to reduce levels of inflammation. And addressing these can also help decrease inflammation levels from sources that are not under our control.
Address your Stress:
Have a cup of green or black tea
Book a massage or acupuncture
Embrace Movement!
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
Opt for anti inflammatory food
Weight loss
