It seems like everyone is going down with colds just recently so I wanted to share with you a soup that is great for helping you/them get better! An alternative to the classic chicken broth that traditionally is the cure-all for so many people.
I have to admit that I make this Spicy Tomato and Lentil Soup because it is delicious but sometimes when I am feeling a bit sniffly I like knowing that It contains lots of herbs and spices that are held to help fight off symptoms of a cold or the flu. I can of course, make no substantiated claims to this soup being a magic cure for colds and flu, but it always helps me feel as though I am doing something positive which is no bad thing and at least there is no eye of newt or tongue of toad needed in this caldron/saucepan to make this potion/soup! It does, however, contain:
- ginger as an highly effective against nausea, a powerful anti-inflammatory, great for treating indigestion and for fighting infection.
- garlic which is renowned for its cold and flu fighting properties. It has anti bacterial properties
- chilli is very high in vitamin C. Capsaicin is the wonder property here and is reported to have anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties
- cumin Is held to increase antioxidant intake and promote digestion
- ground coriander reportedly has anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties as well as aiding digestion
- turmeric’s active ingredients is curcumin which is said to be anti-inflammatory and to increase anti-oxidant capacity. Black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin by something like 2000% – so always have pepper with turmeric.