We're diving into a beloved classic – tomato soup. Often associated with comfort and warmth, tomato soup is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrition.I don't know about you but tomato soup is a staple for me when I've come down with a cold. It also pairs so well with a grilled cheese sandwich (vegancheese of course!).
Rich in Antioxidants: One of the standout features of tomato soup is its high antioxidant content, particularly lycopene. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that gives tomatoes their vibrant red color. Studies suggest that lycopene plays a significant role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer. Incorporating tomato soup into your diet is an easy way to boost your antioxidant intake.
Heart Health Hero: Tomato soup is excellent for heart health. Thanks to its lycopene content, potassium, and fiber, it helps in lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The soup's low saturated fat content also makes it a heart-friendly choice.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes are a natural source of several key nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. Vitamin C is essential for a strong immune system, while potassium helps regulate fluid balance and nerve signals. Folate supports cell function and tissue growth, making tomato soup an all-around beneficial dish for maintaining good health.
Low in Calories, High in Flavor: For those watching their calorie intake, tomato soup is an excellent option. It's low in calories yet high in flavor, especially when made with fresh, organic tomatoes. Pair it with a salad orgluten free bread for a fulfilling, nutritious meal.
Digestive Health: The dietary fiber in tomatoes promotes digestive health and regular bowel movements. Fiber-rich foods like tomato soup can help prevent constipation and promote a healthygut microbiome.
Versatility in Recipes:This Mediterranean diet staple lends itself to great versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own or jazzed up with herbs, spices, and other vegetables. From creamy and indulgent to light and refreshing, there's a tomato soup recipe for every palate and dietary need. We've put one together below for you to try out. If you're looking for a pantry ready option our Tunisian Tomato Soup is a must have.
Plant-Based, Gluten-Free Tomato Soup Recipe
What you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes, with their juice (preferably organic)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (ensure it's gluten-free and free from soy and corn)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or any other plant-based milk for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to make it:
Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrot and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes. The vegetables should be tender, and the flavors well blended.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can cool the soup slightly and blend it in batches in a blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
Add Creaminess: Stir in the coconut milk and heat through. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Enjoy: Serve your delicious, plant-based tomato soup hot, perfect as a starter or paired with a side salad or gluten-free bread for a heartier meal.
Optional Additions:
- For added texture, consider topping the soup with roasted chickpeas or gluten-free croutons.
- For extra freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
Tomato soup is more than just a comfort food; it's a nutrient-dense, heart-healthy, and delicious choice. Whether you're looking for a low-calorie meal option or want to increase your intake of antioxidants and vitamins, tomato soup is a versatile and tasty solution. We recommend always keeping our Tunisian Tomato Soup in the pantry for a hearty meal. So, next time you're pondering over what to cook, remember the humble tomato soup – a dish that's good for your taste buds and your health!
FAQs
Tomatoes can be part of your overall produce intake because of their healthful nutrients and compounds, such as lycopene, beta carotene and vitamin C, all of which act as antioxidants and exert anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Is tomato soup anti-inflammatory? ›
Tomatoes can be part of your overall produce intake because of their healthful nutrients and compounds, such as lycopene, beta carotene and vitamin C, all of which act as antioxidants and exert anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
What is the benefit of tomato soup in cold? ›
Rich in Vitamin C
A bowl of tomato soup gives you a big part of the vitamin C you need each day. Vitamin C is key for a strong immune system. It supports white blood cells in fighting against sickness and infection, like the cold.
Does tomato soup boost immune system? ›
Tomatoes are a superfood because they are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and lycopene. These nutrients help your body combat cell damage and feel its best. Some of the health benefits of tomato soup include the following: Boosting your immune system.
What health benefits does tomato soup have? ›
Heart Health Hero: Tomato soup is excellent for heart health. Thanks to its lycopene content, potassium, and fiber, it helps in lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The soup's low saturated fat content also makes it a heart-friendly choice.
Is tomato soup good for your gut? ›
By incorporating heirloom tomato soup into your diet, you can increase your fiber intake and support a thriving gut microbiome. Boost Immunity: Heirloom tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, such as lycopene and vitamin C, which have been linked to improved gut health.
Which soup is best for joint pain? ›
With research on the rise linking these kinds of pro-inflammatory ingredients to increased pain levels, try these three delicious anti-inflammatory options instead.
- Chicken Ginger Soup.
- Red Lentil Soup with Saffron.
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili.
- Try a personalized approach.
Boosts immunity
Some cultures use tomato soup as a home remedy for the common cold. In fact, its vitamin C and carotenoid content may stimulate your immune system ( 3 , 46 ). Research also shows that vitamin C may help prevent the common cold and reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms ( 12 ).
Does tomato soup hydrate you? ›
Fortunately for those who enjoy eating soup, this means the nutrients present in your soup ingredients remain intact as you add water to the pot to bring it to a boil. Draining your bowl of tomato soup isn't just good for nutrition. The built-in water content does double duty and keeps you hydrated, too.
Does tomato soup lower blood pressure? ›
Everyone filled out annual questionnaires on their food consumption, including raw tomatoes, tomato sauce, and gazpacho (a Spanish tomato soup). After three years, researchers observed an association between eating more tomatoes and lower blood pressure.
Plant-based foods – Plant-based soups, salads, and smoothies are vital additions for those battling mucus. Some veggies and fruits, including leafy greens, tomatoes, onions, grapes, blueberries, and cherries, contain quercetin. This pigment is a powerful anti-histamine, which reduces phlegm and other allergy symptoms.
Is tomato soup good for lungs? ›
Tomatoes and tomato products are among the richest dietary sources of lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant that has been associated with improved lung health.
Is Campbell's canned tomato soup healthy? ›
The main ingredient in the soup, tomato puree, made from water and tomato paste, is all carbohydrate. So are the second and third ingredients, high fructose corn syrup and wheat flour. Each serving contains one of your five recommended daily servings of vegetables, according to Wegmans grocery store.
Is tomato soup good for your kidneys? ›
Tomatoes are another high-potassium fruit that may not fit the guidelines of a renal diet. They can be served raw or stewed and are often used to make sauces. Just 1 cup (245 g) of tomato sauce can contain 728 mg of potassium ( 38 ). Though tomatoes are commonly used in many dishes, several substitutes are available.
Does tomato soup count as food? ›
Soups that are canned, condensed, or ready-to-serve (minestrone, tomato, tomato with other basic components such as rice and vegetable, and vegetable with basic components such as meat and poultry) are creditable. One cup of reconstitute or ready-to-serve soup provides ¼ cup of vegetable.
What does tomato soup do when you're sick? ›
Sipping a bowl of smooth and creamy soup can work wonders for a sore throat. Look for gentle options like chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, or butternut squash soup. These warm and nourishing blends provide hydration and a gentle coating to ease discomfort. Soft and moist foods.
Is tomato good or bad for inflammation? ›
Some people say they have less joint pain and inflammation when they stop eating nightshades, but research hasn't shown this. Take tomatoes, for example. They have lycopene and vitamin C that help curb inflammation.
Is canned soup anti-inflammatory? ›
Canned soups that are high in sodium and saturated fat can contribute to a range of health issues, including inflammation, weight gain, and high blood pressure. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to increased water retention and elevated blood pressure, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems.
Is tomato soup good for you if you are sick? ›
Sipping a bowl of smooth and creamy soup can work wonders for a sore throat. Look for gentle options like chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, or butternut squash soup. These warm and nourishing blends provide hydration and a gentle coating to ease discomfort. Soft and moist foods.
Is tomato ketchup anti-inflammatory? ›
These results also indicate that tomato ketchup mitigates inflammation in an early phase by two distinct mechanisms i.e. by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory positive feedback loop and by stimulating the anti-inflammatory feedback loop. In both processes, lycopene again seems to be the most effective compound.
