Nourishing soups
Soups are simply more nutritious. Why? Cooking vegetables in soup is much healthier than frying them or adding them to curries. It will not only maximise your child's intake of nutrients but they are low in calories too.
"If made of vegetables, soups can amount to zero calories," says Mumbai-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad. According to her, they are also rich in dietary fibre that helps prevent problems like acidity and constipation.
Soups also ensure better absorption of nutrients in your body as they are usually made of raw or steamed vegetables.
Home-made delight
Make your soups at home to avoid extra fat, sodium and preservatives. This will keep obesity and other health problems associated with today's children at bay. Move away from the usual tomato and sweet corn and try adding spinach, potato, celery, onion, carrot and other veggies to the soup.
Anti-oxidants galore
Soups are rich in antioxidants. "They will help boost your child's immunity by protecting cells from damage by free radicals," says Naini. It will also protect your child from damage due to other external factors like smoke, pollution and UV rays.
Vitamin dose
Soups are also a good way to ensure your child gets his required dose of vitamins and minerals. "Try pumpkin soup as it is a good source of calcium, iron and magnesium and spinach soup for vitamins A, E, C and iron too," Naini suggests. Soups are also calming and soothing. "A cup of clear soup can calm frayed nerves anyday," Naini says.
Other reasons to include soups in your diet:
- They are a good source of dietary fibre. Fibre makes soups easy to digest. It also binds toxins and helps our system to eliminate them.
- They ensure that your little one's tummy stays fuller for longer so he won't end up eating unhealthy junk food.
- Soups also contribute to your daily intake of fluids. Water in soups could make up 50 per cent of your everyday liquid intake. Thus, they prevent dehydration, muscle cramps and fatigue.
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