Khaberni - As winter approaches, nutrition experts advise abandoning ready-made medications like "Lemsip" and replacing them with homemade soup meals.
Soup meals contain natural ingredients that boost the body's immunity and help it resist colds and flu from within.
British nutrition expert Ruby Badock says that regularly consuming soup, not just as an occasional meal, could be "the secret to boosting immunity and fighting off winter illnesses," explaining that soup is "easy to digest and rich in vital elements that support the health of the digestive system, which is a key factor for strong immunity."
Badock warns against relying on canned soup types, as they often are "rich in added sugars," ensuring that home-prepared soup allows control over its nutritional components and quality.
Scientific studies support this approach, revealing a 2022 study that found consuming soup, especially chicken or barley soup, helped COVID-19 patients recover faster by approximately two and a half days compared to others, and also alleviated symptoms of congestion, sore throat, and fatigue.
Researchers attribute this to the natural soup ingredients like garlic, onion, and ginger, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, that work to fight bacteria and strengthen the immune system. Moreover, warm soup helps to melt mucus and ease throat pain, in addition to being easy to digest and absorb its elements.
In the framework of the "Healthy Eating in Winter" initiative, Badock, who is one of the experts of the weight loss program affiliated with the British Health Authority, provided three homemade recipes that can support immunity and keep the body warm during the cold months:
First: Goulash Soup
A traditional Hungarian dish rich in protein and anti-inflammatory agents, containing garlic rich in allicin compound that boosts immune cell activity, alongside Greek yogurt that provides the body with beneficial probiotics for gut and immune system health.
Second: Tomato and Bean Soup
An excellent source of vitamin C and zinc, which can be enhanced by adding cannellini beans to increase the protein content. It is recommended to prepare it from fresh ingredients instead of canned ones rich in sugar, and to eat it with a protein source like eggs or salmon.
Third: Roasted Cauliflower and Fennel Soup
Combines the benefits of cauliflower rich in vitamins C and K, with fennel and basil known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The addition of walnuts provides the soup with omega-3 fats, which enhance heart and brain health and increase the feeling of fullness.
Badock concludes her advice by saying, "Many people think that inflammation is negative, but it is actually an essential part of the immune response. A healthy and balanced soup meal helps the body naturally heal and fight off infections without the need to overdose on medications."
