Which Soup Should You Be Savoring This Season?

As winter arrives, soup naturally takes center stage as a seasonal favorite. Nutritionist Dr. Maya Rosman addressed the topic on her FM 103 radio show, explaining which soups are the healthiest choices. She noted, “During the winter, soup becomes an integral part of our meals, and sometimes even our snacks. While it is a warming, filling, and nourishing dish, there are significant differences between various soups in both their nutritional value and calorie content.”

So which soups does she recommend? She starts with legume soup. “Legumes are an excellent alternative to meat, chicken, or fish, as their nutritional value is very similar. The proteins found in legumes are considered to have high biological value and help build muscle. In addition, legumes contain more iron than meat,” she explained.

She also highlighted vegetable soup. “Soups made from vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, and broccoli contain, on average, only about 50 calories, allowing them to be enjoyed without concern. However, it is important to note that these soups are not a good source of vitamin C, as the vitamin breaks down during cooking.”

Another recommendation was orange soup. “The main advantage of orange soups is their high vitamin A content. Vitamin A, also known as beta-carotene, does not break down with heat, making these soups an excellent source of this nutrient.”

In summary, Dr. Rosman explained that soup promotes a feeling of fullness for several reasons: it is rich in fluids and dietary fiber that fill the stomach, and consuming hot soup also affects an area of the brain related to appetite, helping to reduce hunger. “I recommend eating soup as a first course, before the rest of the meal, to help decrease overall calorie intake,” she said.

In her concluding remarks, Rosman emphasized that “all soups are healthy, but each offers different nutritional benefits. Vegetable soup is ideal during a diet, as eating it before a meal increases satiety and reduces calorie intake. Orange soup provides the highest amount of vitamin A, which is important for the immune system, while legume soup can serve as a protein-rich dish or even a complete meal.”