Nourishing Soups For Your Skin

Comfort Food with Health Benefits

Sep 25, 2008 Vicki F. Chavis

Care for your skin naturally with these soups. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, beta carotene and calcium, take your soup seriously with these delicious recipes.

Nourishing soups are an easy way to care for our bodies from the inside-out. Wrinkles are caused by a loss of three vital skin structures: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. What can be added to our diets that will help our skin to be its best at any age?

Certain nutrients can minimize or prevent acne and wrinkles, not to mention enhance skin's natural beauty. One of the super-nutrients, Vitamin C, is part of collagen production protecting cells from free-radical damage which causes wrinkles and discoloration. Beta-carotene, another nutrient found in the following recipes helps to protect skin from sun damage.

Quick Cheesy Broccoli-Cauliflower Soup

This skin-nourishing soup printed here with permission from Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., NDSU, is rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin C and beta carotene.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 16 oz pkg frozen broccoli and cauliflower
  • 15 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • 8 oz of low-fat cheese

Directions:

  1. Heat chicken broth. Add veggies and simmer for 5-8 mins, till tender.
  2. Add tomatoes and heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Add cheese and stir till melted. Serve immediately.

Makes: 6 servings

each serving=140 calories, 14 grams carbohydrates, 4 g fat, 3 g fiber

Curried Pumpkin Soup with Coconut and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

printed here with permission from Chef Jamie West, Ojai Valley Inn & Resort, CA

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tablesp butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced finely
  • 1 teasp garlic, chopped finely
  • 1/2 Tablesp curry powder or paste
  • 6 cups water, chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 cups canned or fresh pumpkin puree
  • 1 potato, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup Half and Half
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • optional garnish: chives, sour cream, toasted pumpkin seeds

Directions:

  1. Heat butter in a med. pot. Add onions, garlic and potatoes. Cook over med. heat, stirring often, for a total of 3-5 mins.
  2. Add the curry powder and cook 2 mins to release flavor.
  3. Add water or stock - simmer 15 mins.
  4. Add coconut milk and Half and Half; season with salt & pepper to taste.
  5. Working in batches, puree soup till smooth.
  6. Garnish soup with sour cream, chives, and/or pumpkin seeds

Butternut Squash Soup

With plenty of beta-carotene and Vitamin C, this soup can elevate your 'glow' factor.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed (4 cups)
  • 2 leeks, trimmed and chopped finely
  • 1 Tablesp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 teasp cinnamon
  • 1/4 teasp nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Spray a large pot with cooking spray. Add oil and heat over med-high heat.
  2. Saute leeks for approximately 5 mins.
  3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and cook 1 min. longer.
  4. Add broth, carrots, squash and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat. Simmer for 25 mins. until veggies are tender.
  6. Puree soup in blender or processor/season with salt and pepper to taste.

While soups are an excellent source of vitamins, consider adding a diverse list of vegetables and fruits to your everyday diet along with plenty of water to protect and hydrate your skin naturally.

The copyright of the article Nourishing Soups For Your Skin in Healthy Cooking is owned by Vicki F. Chavis. Permission to republish Nourishing Soups For Your Skin in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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