Few foods are as convenient, comforting or filling as a warm bowl of your favorite soup. Thanks to the robust nutrients and healthy ingredients of soup, it has been a go-to meal option when someone is coming down with a cold for decades.

We’re breaking down seven key health benefits of soup and the reasons why you should consider eating more of it as flu season approaches.

7 Health Benefits of Soup

What’s better than cozying up with a warm bowl of soup as the temperatures get colder? Soup is soothing and comes in countless varieties — plus, it provides many amazing health benefits. Explore some of the key reasons why soup is good for you and why you should eat more of it this winter.

1. Boosts Immune System

Many soups contain key nutrients, including the following, that can help your body fight flu symptoms by supporting your immune system:

• Protein
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Probiotics
• Beta carotene 

Consuming more soup this winter can help your body fight inflammation and help regulate unwanted mucus, allowing you to feel your best. If you notice a cold coming on or you are under the weather this winter, consider opting for a warm bowl of soup. It is easy to prepare and eat, even when you don’t have a huge appetite or much energy.

2. Great Source of Fruits and Vegetables

Many people don’t get their recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Eating soup is a fantastic way to get more of these foods into your meals for a healthier and more well-rounded diet.

Studies show that eating enough fruits and veggies can be highly advantageous for your overall health. This food group can help reduce the risks of many chronic diseases, including the following:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer 
• Coronary heart problems 
• Diabetes

Whether they are pureed or diced, you can sneak fruits and vegetables into your soup recipes and enjoy the associated health benefits.

3. Convenient and Easy to Freeze

For many people, eating healthier can feel like an inconvenience. Preparing a nutritious meal can take longer than grabbing a quick snack out of the pantry. Luckily, soup is a nourishing option that you can easily store in an airtight container and freeze to enjoy later. 

All you have to do when you’re ready to eat your soup is let it thaw. You can do this by putting the container in a bowl filled halfway with warm water for about an hour or moving the soup to your refrigerator overnight.

4. Full of Vitamins and Minerals

Soup is chock full of the micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, needed to nourish your body and support its various processes. 

Micronutrients are an important part of every person’s diet, and consuming enough of them is essential for combatting diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease and cancer. Vitamins and minerals play a role in the following bodily functions:

• Regulating hormones
• Healing cuts and wounds
• Fighting infection
• Strengthening bones

Bone broth-based soups are especially good for your body and provide nutrients like calcium, collagen and magnesium. 

5. Boosts Digestion

Another awesome health benefit of eating more soup is boosting your digestive system. Many soups contain whole foods that are full of fiber, which helps improve gut motility and regulate bowel health. Soup’s warm, liquid consistency also helps stimulate your body’s digestive tract, making it an excellent appetizer before eating heartier foods.

If you’re looking for a nutritious, comforting meal after a long winter day, a warm bowl of soup might be the perfect option. Since it is very easy for the body to digest, soup can help your body feel relaxed and potentially relieve digestive issues like bloating or gas. 

6. Improve Portion Sizes

Soups have a higher water content than most foods, so eating a delicious bowl can help satisfy you quickly. If you want a healthy and simple way to improve your portion sizes, introducing more soup into your diet this winter could be a solution. Eating soup also causes your stomach to expand, which tells your brain you are satiated. 

7. Affordable Healthy Option

For many people, eating more nutritious foods can mean paying more money at the grocery store or when dining out. However, soup is a budget-friendly, healthy food option that will help you eat a balanced diet without breaking the bank. 

Many recipes are cost-effective and allow you to prepare them in large batches so that you can store your leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to enjoy on another day.

Healthy, Fresh Soup Options From Salata Salad Kitchen

At Salata, we have two scrumptious soup options on our menu. Our Tomato Basil Soup and Chicken Tortilla Soup are prepared with fresh ingredients and served hot. 

Explore the health benefits of these types of soup:

Health Advantages of Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is very popular and beloved for its creaminess. Tomatoes are a superfood because they are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and lycopene. These nutrients help your body combat cell damage and feel its best.

Some of the health benefits of tomato soup include the following:

• Boosting your immune system
• Fighting cancer
• Improving heart health
• Preventing diseases
• Lowering bad cholesterol

The Tomato Basil Soup from Salata is a popular menu item that is made with fresh tomatoes and served warm, making it the perfect meal for lunch or dinner this winter. 

Health Advantages of Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has long been a go-to option for people with a cold — and for a good reason! There are many health benefits of chicken soup, thanks to its nutritious and protein-packed ingredients. Eating chicken is an easy way to support muscle growth since it is a source of complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids, including:

• Histidine.
• Isoleucine.
• Leucine.
• Lysine.
• Methionine.
• Phenylalanine.
• Threonine.
• Tryptophan.
• Valine.

Along with its high protein content, chicken soup is packed with vitamins that support your immune system and help combat viruses. The Chicken Tortilla Soup from Salata is an excellent option when you want a fresh, delicious soup to boost your health this winter.

Find a Salata Location in Your Area Today

When you want a convenient and nutritious meal, turn to Salat’s menu. We know the importance of offering fresh, healthy options that you can customize to your unique preferences and palate. 

We have a wide selection of salads and wraps and more than 50 toppings to choose from. Our Tomato Basil Soup and Chicken Tortilla Soup are made in-house with fresh ingredients. You can easily order online for pickup or third-party delivery. 

Are you feeling hungry yet? Find a Salata location near you and place your order online today!