Here at Souperb, we believe in the power of food as medicine and are committed to using purposeful ingredients in our soups. That’s why we’re continuing our series of posts where we explore the benefits of functional ingredients in each of Souperb’s flavors. Functional foods, beyond their basic nutritional functions, can decrease the risk of many chronic diseases and have a range of physiological benefits. Most include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Almost every single ingredient in Souperb soups is a functional ingredient! Today we’re focusing on Broccoli with Almond, a delicious velvety blend of veggie goodness with a subtle note of almond flavor. Check out the nutrition label below for the full ingredients list – no artificial or unrecognizable ingredients here! 
Broccoli – Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable with a unique combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-detoxification components, which make it a unique food in terms of cancer prevention. Research shows decreased risk of prostate cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, and ovarian cancer. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, chromium and folate. Impressed? Broccoli is also a very good source of dietary fiber, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin E, manganese, phosphorus, choline, vitamin B1, vitamin A, potassium, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, zinc, calcium, iron, niacin and selenium. WOW!
Onion – Onions are a great source of unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. They contain high amounts of the antioxidant quercetin; several studies have shown quercetin to have beneficial effects against many diseases and disorders including cardiovascular disease as well as breast, colon, ovarian, gastric, lung, and bladder cancers. Onions also help manage gut health due to the probiotic inulin, which promotes a healthy gastrointestinal tract and reduces constipation.
Almond – Almonds contain a hearty amount of magnesium, which can help regulate blood pressure by improving the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Due to their health-promoting monounsaturated fats, almonds have been suggested to lower total and LDL cholesterol, thus reducing risk of heart disease. Almonds, specifically their skins, provide major anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, Almonds are a very good source of vitamin E, vitamin B12, manganese, biotin, copper and phosphorus. Are you nuts for more nutritional information? Check out this interesting chart below from the USDA Nutrient Laboratory Database:
Olive Oil – The functional highlights of this Mediterranean staple is its anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects thanks to an extensive list of phenols and polyphenols. These phenols and polyphenols are nutrients responsible for reducing inflammatory processes within our blood vessels, which then reduces our risk of inflammation-related cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis.
Soup is an easy and delicious way to get your daily servings of veggies. This spin on a classic broccoli soup will definitely leave you wanting more. Want to find Souperb’s Broccoli with Almond in your area for pickup or delivery? Enter your zipcode on our Find Us page. Stay tuned to the blog for a simple, nutritious recipe using our Broccoli with Almond soup!
References
Cruciferous Vegetable Intake and Cancer Prevention
New Metrics of Affordable Nutrition: Which Vegetables Provide Most Nutrients for Least Cost?
Onion and Garlic Intake and Breast Cancer, a Case-Control Study
The Nutrition Source – Almonds
