Monday, January 16, 2012

Superfoods for the sick

It's that time of year when colds and strep throat run rampant through offices and schools. I was hit hard with a nasty head cold the past three days. I've never sneezed so much in my life. I only got up to make soup, smoothies, tea, take spoonfuls of this natural remedy or drink a glass of water.

When sickness strikes what do you eat? I turn to whole, nutrient dense soups and smoothies. I prefer homemade soups because they have so much more flavor and less sodium than canned or boxed soups. I also get to control the ingredients that go into the soup, adding extra superfoods to boost my immunity. I made a coconut carrot soup and this superfood packed miso soup. A few reasons why the ingredients in this soup are considered to be superfoods.

Garlic & onions: From the allium family, the sulfur compounds are thought to have incredible anti-biotic and anti-viral powers for fighting infection. Garlic reduces sinusitis, influenza, cholesterol, eat troubles, blood pressure. Also reduces fever by causing the body to perspire. Onions are an excellent source of immune-supportive, vitamin C.

Mushrooms: Help reduce mucus and toxins. High in protein and a good source of vitamin B2 and zinc. Great for boosting immunity.

Miso: A fermented soybean paste containing live lactic acid bacteria and enzymes that help digestion. Also contains zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, protein, tryptophan, and vitamin K. Zinc is very beneficial to the immune system.

Kombu: Kombu is a type of seaweed. Adding kombu to boiling water not only flavors the broth, but adds essential vitamins and minerals like iodine, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Vitamin C is essential for fighting infection. 

Cilantro: An herb that supports perspiration which means it treats fever. Also soothes nausea, headaches, and coughs. Cilantro is thought to safely rid the body of toxins.
Miso soup can be made in minutes, which is perfect if you're feeling pretty awful. The most difficult part is boiling water.

Miso soup
1.5 c water
1 stick kombu
2 garlic cloves, sliced thinly
2 dried mushrooms
2 tsp miso paste
1 green onion, sliced
1 tbsp cilantro
1 tsp seaweed gomasio mix*

Boil 1.5 cups of water. Remove from heat, add the kombu, garlic, mushrooms. Let sit for about 5 minutes. Take 2 tbsp of water and put into a smaller dish. Add the miso and stir well, dissolving into a thick sauce. Add the miso to the bowl of soup along with the onion, cilantro and gomasio. Enjoy!

*A blend of seaweed, sesame, sea salt. Eden Foods makes this or you could make your own.

Sources:
Bauman College, NE Handbook, 2008.
whfoods.org, 2012.
Wood, Rebecca. The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia, 2010.

10 comments:

Carlene @ Carlene's Figments said...

Miso is so comforting to me! I love that it's not too heavy, and best of all...it's warm.

la domestique said...

I like the focus on ingredients and their healing properties. I will keep this soup bookmarked for the next time someone in my house is under the weather (knock on wood). :)

Em (Wine and Butter) said...

Did you study at Bauman too?? I LOVED it!! Beautiful soup dear! xox

Unknown said...

Em, yes I did study at Bauman. I loved it too :)

Pharmacy Online said...

It's truly looking awesome. As the post shows the superfoods information for the sicks. It's truly knowledgeable and informative post for me. The existing content really enhances my amount of knowledge about it. Thanks for sharing.

Sarah B said...

Great minds think alike! I was sick last week and lived off a soup just like this. i kid you not - right down to the kombu! We gotta get together sometime girl. We would make such a yummy food team :)

Unknown said...

Couldn't agree more, Sarah! There's a giant body of water between us, but there's always email :)

Merissa Revestir said...

Hi Adrienne, I was so happy to find this recipe of yours. I've always searched for instant miso soups but I could never find one that was gluten-free, fish free, and msg free. Your recipe sounds very easy to make and I think my search has ended. I especially like all of your power veggie ingredients. Can't wait to try this. xo

Anna B said...

I've been sick with a stomach flu for the last three days and now I'm able to eat, this is what it'll be. I'm so looking forward to it. :)

Thanks,
Anna

Mike said...

I know people that eat garlic clovers raw. I think that's nuts.