We’re well into winter, some places more so than others, and nothing says comfort like a good, healthy, steaming bowl of soup when it’s cold outside! Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite and relatively easy to make recipes: Mushroom-Spinach Soup with Cinnamon, Coriander and Cumin!
Did you know that one needs to cook mushrooms to get the nutritional benefits from them? I used to throw them raw on my salads but now I know better. The Asian culture has been using mushrooms for healing for hundreds of years. If you or someone you love is fighting the flu, this soup will boost the immune system, mushrooms and spices alike! Trust me when I say that if you like mushrooms, you’re going to LOVE this recipe, and your friends will too.
First, let’s review the ingredients! If you’ve always cooked with the white button or cremini mushrooms, why not venture out and try a few other varieties? That’s why I love this recipe. You can mix and match, and they’re all really healthy!
Why do they have to be cooked for nutritional benefits?
Because their cell walls are indigestible unless heated. How about that?!
How about throwing some Oyster mushrooms in this batch of soup?
What are the health benefits of mushrooms?
- Many are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Crimini mushrooms are the ONLY natural food source of Vitamin D!
- Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins which give the body energy. They also contribute to a healthy brain.
- Mushrooms also contain germanium, a trace mineral that aids in oxygen being used efficiently in our bodies. They also work to prevent the negative effects of free radicals (chemicals that can harm a person’s body cells).
- Many mushrooms are rich in copper, niacin, potassium and phosphorous, antioxidant minerals.
- Mushrooms provide protein, Vitamin C and iron as well.
- Mushrooms provide a good source of soluble fiber and can help moderate the rise in blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Consuming mushrooms appears to lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality.
- Maitake mushrooms in particular have shown an ability to suppress breast tumors.
- In another study shiitake mushrooms have shown to boost the immune system.
- Mushrooms are naturally low in cholesterol, fat, sodium and calories!
Grocery stores carry wonderful, healthy varieties of mushrooms!
Note: I tend to get all of my mushrooms from a reputable grocery store. If you like foraging for wild mushrooms I’m sure you already know this but an important reminder:
Avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem and a bulbous or sack like base called a volva. It means you will be avoiding the deadly members of the Amanita family. Avoid any mushrooms with red on the cap or stem.
The Health Benefits of Cinnamon, Coriander and Cumin
I love cinnamon because it fights infections and viruses!
Cinnamon:
- High Source of Antioxidants
- Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties
- Protects Heart Health
- Helps Fight Diabetes
- Helps Defend Against Cognitive Decline & Protects Brain Function
- May Help Lower Cancer Risk
- Fights Infections & Viruses
- Protects Dental Health & Freshens Breath Naturally
Coriander is great for lowering blood sugar and for easing digestion.
Coriander – 8 Health Benefits of Coriander Seeds
- Lower Blood Sugar
- Ease Digestive Discomfort
- Decrease Blood Pressure
- Fight Food Poisoning
- Improve Cholesterol Levels
- Help Urinary Tract Infections
- Support Healthy Menstrual Function
- May Prevent Neurological Inflammation & Disease
Cumin boosts the immune system!
Cumin:
- Aids Digestion. Thymol, a compound in cumin, is known to stimulate the glands that secrete acids, bile and enzymes
- Boosts Immune System
- Treats Respiratory Disorders
- Promotes Skin Health
- Treats Insomnia
- Prevents Diabetes
- Has Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties
- High Source of Iron
Spinach – Why We Love It
Last but not least, most of us know how healthy spinach is for us. It’s good for every part of our bodies. Spinach is a great source of niacin and zinc, protein, fiber, vitamins A,C, E and K, B6 along with thiamine, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese.
Okay, dear readers, give this gem of a soup recipe a chance. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Mushroom-Spinach Soup with Cinnamon, Coriander and Cumin. Click here for the recipe!
Peace and Good Health!
Sources:
Benefits of Cinnamon, Coriander and Cumin – Dr. Axe
What Benefits Can you Get from Eating Mushrooms? Healthy Eating SFGate –Tracey Roizman/BS Nutritional Biochemistry
What Is The Nutritional Value of Mushrooms? Medical News Today-Megan Ware RDN L – updated 2/2017
Mushroom-Spinach Soup with Cinnamon, Coriander and Cumin – New York Times, Melissa Clark
If you “Like” this post, I’d be thrilled if you’d share it.
JAN