As we approach the colder months, maintaining a strong immune system is crucial. With the global pandemic still at large, it’s never been more important to prioritize our health and well-being.

Luckily, soups are an excellent way to pack in nutritious ingredients that can bolster your immunity while also warming you up from the inside out.

1. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic that never fails to hit the spot on a chilly day. Its timeless comfort can be attributed to the way it makes us feel both physically and mentally nourished.

Chicken soup is high in protein which is essential for building and repairing tissues – a vital function when it comes to maintaining a strong immune system. Garlic, onion, and carrots in the recipe are all immune-boosting ingredients packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

2. Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is rich in iron and fiber, making it a filling, as well as nutritious meal.

Iron is important for carrying oxygen to the various cells in our body, while fiber keeps our digestive system in check – both are critical aspects of maintaining our overall health. Add some veggies like sweet potatoes, kale, and carrots, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of immune-boosting goodness.

3. Mushroom Soup

Mushrooms are a distinct source of selenium and beta-glucans, nutrients known to play essential roles in the body’s immune functions. Mushroom soup is a great way to incorporate these ingredients for a tasty and healthful meal.

Button mushrooms are widely accessible, but other varieties like shiitake and oyster mushrooms have higher levels of beta-glucans.

4. Tomato Soup

Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which helps protect against cell damage in the body. They’re also a great source of vitamin C and potassium, both of which contribute to the proper functioning of our immune cells.

Tomato soup is a comforting and easy to make meal that can be a potent immune booster when paired with ingredients like garlic and thyme.

5. Vegetable Soup

A bowl of vegetable soup is an excellent way to incorporate a variety of immune-boosting ingredients into your diet.

Ingredients like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are all excellent sources of vitamin C, which is vital for the proper functioning of our immune cells. Additionally, spinach and other dark leafy greens are full of iron to support healthy circulation and white blood cell production.

6. Turmeric Soup

Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural immune booster known to help fight off several diseases. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint pain and digestive problems.

A turmeric soup using coconut milk, lentils, and ginger can work wonders in strengthening our immune systems.

7. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable filled with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s also an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants.

Roasting the butternut squash added to the soup enhances the natural sweetness of the squash, making it a delicious and comforting meal.

8. Onion Soup

Onions, when cooked, produce quercetin, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support the immune system. Onion soup is a flavorful and hearty immune-boosting meal that’s perfect for a cold winter day.

9. Bone Broth Soup

Bone broth is a nutrient-dense broth made from simmering animal bones and connective tissues for several hours. It’s rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which help support healthy gut function and boost our immunity.

Bone broth soup can be made with just about any vegetable you like and is an excellent choice for people with gut-related health concerns.

10. Garlic Soup

Garlic is a natural immune booster and has been found to possess antibacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic is rich in sulfur-containing compounds that can help regulate our immune responses and reduce inflammation.

Garlic soup is a simple recipe that not only tastes delicious but is perfect for keeping colds and flu at bay.

The Bottom Line

Soups are indeed a comfort food, but also one of the healthiest meals options you can have.

These power-packed soups with immune-boosting ingredients help us maintain not only strong immunity but also keep our gut healthy and inflammation levels in check during winter months.