January is National Soup Month and there is no better way to celebrate then indulging in a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Soup can be a meal or a snack. It can fill you up when you’re watching your waistline or help you defrost on a chilly day.
If that’s not enough to persuade you to cook up a pot of homemade comfort tonight, consider this: Soup also saves time and money. A large batch can feed your family for several days and costs only a few dollars. Here are some healthy ingredients you may want to throw into your next pot.
Beans – Rich in dietary fiber, which has been shown to have a number of benefits including decreased risk of coronary artery disease
Spinach – Provides folate, a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food and needed to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia
Sweet Potato – Packed with potassium to help maintain healthy blood pressure and strong bones
Kale – Filled with Vitamin A to keep eyes and skin healthy and help to protect against infections
Broccoli – A natural source of Vitamin C to help build your immune system and fight off cardiovascular disease
Don’t forget to add your favorite seasoning, broth and protein. Now, what are you waiting for? Prepare a pot tonight. Your soul will thank you.