Soup is a common comfort food that can help you feel better when you are sick. Certain ingredients can boost your immunity if they are included in your soup recipes before you get sick. According to Ellen Brown and Karen Konopelski, authors of "Supercharge Your Immune System: 100 Ways to Help Your Body Fight Illness--One Glass at a Time," certain foods can be included in your diet to supercharge your body's ability to resist infection. Many of these foods can be used to prepare hearty soups.
Carrot Soup
Carrots contain high levels of vitamin A, a vitamin that helps improve the strength of your immune system, remark Brown and Konopelski. As you consume carrots, the beta-carotene that they contain is converted to vitamin A, which works as an antioxidant to help improve your immunity. Peel and slice six to eight carrots and boil them until soft. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add a chopped onion. Cook until soft and then add chicken broth and the cooked carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes and then puree in a blender until smooth. Return to the pan and add your favorite seasonings, such as dill or cinnamon. Add other colorful vegetables to the carrots, such as squash or tomatoes, to increase the immune boosting power, suggest Brown and Konopelski.
Squash Soup
Colorful squash, such as zucchini or yellow squash, contain flavonoids, say Brown and Konopelski. The darker the color of squash the more flavonoids it contains. Flavonoids can improve your immune system by providing antioxidants and reducing inflammation. Many flavonoids can also prevent illness by acting as an antibiotic that destroys bacteria and germs before they pose a problem. Linda Berry, author of "Internal Cleansing," suggests squash soup as one way to increase the health of your immune system. Cut your desired squash in half and roast in the oven until soft. Meanwhile, add oil to a pot with onions and minced garlic and cook until soft. Add the squash and some broth and cook until hot. Berry suggests different seasonings to get a different flavor of soup, such as nutmeg, cinnamon or cumin.
Chicken Soup
Chicken is a good source of iron and protein, two nutrients that can help build your immunity, report Brown and Konopelski. Iron is important for your immunity because it helps ensure that your blood cells receive the oxygen they need to protect you from viruses or bacteria that could make you sick. A diet with sufficient amounts of protein helps your body create antibodies that can fight off illness. Start with cooked chicken breasts and chicken broth. Add your favorite vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, onions or squash, all of which also have some immunity boosting power. Herbs, such as thyme, oregano or rosemary, can also boost your immunity, so add generous amounts of your favorite ones.
References
- "Supercharge Your Immune System: 100 Ways to Help Your Body Fight Illness--One Glass at a Time;" Ellen Brown and Karen Konopelski; 2008
- "Internal Cleansing;" Linda Berry; 2001
