As the autumn season draws in and temperatures begin to drop, many of us find ourselves feeling under the weather as coughs and colds become more prevalent. When illness strikes, few things are quite as restorative as a wholesome, warming bowl of soup.
Dr Hazel Wallace, a doctor and nutritionist better known as @thefoodmedic to her 1.6 million Instagram followers, has shared her go-to ‘immune-boosting’ sweet potato, carrot, and orange soup. It’s the ideal dish to aid recovery, with followers already hailing the recipe as “amazing, “delicious,” and “perfect for the change in weather.”
So here is everything you’ll need to create this comforting autumnal classic, which is recommended by the medical professional.
Why the sweet potato soup is an immune system-booster
This soup isn’t merely a warming bowlful on a chilly day – it’s also brimming with functional ingredients that actively bolster your body’s natural defences.
Sweet potatoes and carrots are both extraordinarily rich in beta-carotene, which the body transforms into Vitamin A. Research demonstrates that Vitamin A is essential for preserving mucosal barriers (such as the linings of your lungs and gut) and regulating cellular immune responses.
Garlic, meanwhile, contains allicin, a compound extensively studied for its antimicrobial and antiviral qualities. Equally, ginger contains gingerol, which carries potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Plus, studies have suggested that consuming garlic regularly can reduce both the frequency and severity of the common cold.
Oranges, of course, are a tried-and-tested source of Vitamin C. According to clinical research, Vitamin C supports cellular functions across both the innate and adaptive immune systems, and deficiencies can lead to compromised immunity and a heightened vulnerability to infections.
Finally, fermented milk drinks such as kefir are abundant in probiotics. A considerable proportion of your immune system is housed within your gut.
Furthermore, microbiome research indicates that probiotics, including those present in kefir, can help regulate immune cells and may even shorten the duration of respiratory infections.
So next time you want something warming to get you through a gloomy autumn day, consider whipping this recipe up!
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
