Soups are mostly liquid, so they can't be that bad for you, right?
Wrong!
Here are a few soups you should definitely try to avoid and a few you should go ahead
and enjoy, worry-free.
By definition, a chowder is a type of soup that's made with milk — or cream — which
means it tends to be very rich, as well as high in fat and calories.
If you're aiming to maintain a healthy diet, any kind of chowder-adjacent soup might derail
you a bit.
This type of soup tends to be thick, chunky, and loaded with saturated fat.
Also, its dense structure is achieved by incorporating hearty veggies such as starchy potatoes.
Potatoes in and of themselves are actually quite nutritious, containing vitamins, minerals,
and fiber.
However, they're often transformed into cream-laden soups that are extremely fatty.
Their inherent health benefits go out the window as soon as you add heavy cream, milk,
or sour cream along with all those other extras like bacon and cheese that spike up sodium
levels.
Like chowder, bisque is a type of French soup traditionally made with a rich dairy base
and seafood components.
Smoother and creamier than chowder, it's made by pureeing the shellfish along with the dairy
and other ingredients, including wine.
Slight differences aside, most bisques contain as much saturated fat and calories as their
chowder cousins.
Steer clear!
Yes, the very tasty broccoli cheddar soup has broccoli in it, but it also contains copious
amounts of fatty cheese.
Most only use a small amount of broccoli and a whole lot of cheese.
As a result, the health benefits of it technically being a vegetable soup get cancelled out pretty
quickly.
If you want cheese, just eat some cheese, but don't fool yourself into thinking this
soup is a vehicle for the broccoli.
Hot and sour soup is one of those dishes you probably don't make at home but order as part
of your Chinese takeout haul.
While the ingredients in this soup are not actually unhealthy, the sodium level in many
restaurant-made varieties is completely bonkers.
According to Self Nutrition Data, a measly cup can contain as much as 876 milligrams
of sodium.
Stay away!
If you're bummed out that some of your favorite tasty soups are the ones you should probably
avoid, don't worry — not all soups are bad!
Here's a handful of soups for you to enjoy — without the guilt.
One of the best ways to use a whole bunch of lentils is to make them the main component
of a delicious warming soup.
According to Livestrong, in addition to being low in calories and high in fiber, lentil
soup is a rich source of iron, providing you with enough for the entire day.
It's a great choice for aiding weight loss, maintaining energy levels during the day,
and keeping you happily regular.
Carrot and ginger soup is a great option when you want a light, healthy meal that isn't
loaded with fat.
According to Everyday Health, ginger has long been regarded by healers as a soothing medicine
that helps to reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate circulation, and inhibit bacteria.
And carrots are a terrific source of beta-carotene, which helps to improve vision and slow down
the signs of aging.
Additionally, their antioxidants contribute to a healthy complexion.
Minestrone is a high-fiber vegetable soup that can be a delicious addition to a balanced
diet when you're thoughtful about the ingredients you use.
Since it traditionally contains broth, tomatoes, and various types of healthy veggies, this
soup tends to be low in calories and full of nutrients.
Choose produce that's low in calories and high in fiber content — think leafy greens
— as well as broth with reduced sodium levels to achieve the most nutritious results.
An Andalusian tomato soup traditionally served cold, gazpacho is light, refreshing, and unsurprisingly
good for you.
According to Everyday Health, the vitamins in the tomatoes and peppers help to stave
off colds, while the antioxidants act as an anti-aging agent.
This chilled soup is easy to make at home and much healthier, too.
To maximize the benefits, skip the dollops of sour cream, reduce the amount of oil you
use, and opt for fresh tomatoes over their canned counterparts!
It almost seems like mushroom barley soup tastes too good to be so nutritious.
According to S.F.
Gate, mushrooms lend earthy flavor along with a good dose of fiber, beta-glucan [BAY-tuh
GLOO-kin] to improve your immune system, and minerals that regulate the oxygen.
A hero of the grain world, barley's hearty texture keeps you feeling full, while lowering
your glucose levels and controlling your blood sugar levels.
If you love mushrooms, you'll understand the appeal of this satisfying soup.