Soup is present in our meals since we are babies, it adapts to the produce of each season and represents one of the richest chapters in Portuguese cuisine . Some even claim that Portugal has the widest variety of soups in the world. From the nutritional point of view, the consumption of soup brings in itself a long list of benefits – one of them being the regulation of appetite , when consumed in the beginning of a meal, thus being included in many diets. But soup has other advantages , namely: It is an important source of vitamins, minerals, substances protective of the body (such as antioxidants) and fibres (that help regulate intestinal transit); In general, it is low in calories, help hydration and is easy to digest; It is economic, relatively simple and quick to prepare, and easy to store. It can even be frozen, in adequate containers and preferably in individual servings; It adapts to all ages and health conditions. Depending on the ingredients, it can be more or less caloric and has more or less salt or fibre, for instance; For children, soup is often one of the best way to eat vegetables. Remember: the ideal is to always start lunch and dinner with a bowl of vegetable soup. Source: Programa Nacional para a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável Learn here the suggestions of our nutritionists Alexandra Lima , Ana Pimenta Ribeiro , Cristina Vieira Cunha e Raquel Barbosa . Meet the nutrition clinical team from Hospital da Luz network
