There is no better day than Sunday to make soup. This Lentil Soup is so simple to make, and although needs to you be around to occasionally stir and taste, the hands on time is minimal. It's a hearty Winter Soup that's sure to be loved by everyone around the dinner table. Easy to make, cheap on the purse strings, filling in the belly, nutritious in the body and best of all, if you make too much, it keeps in the fridge or freezer for another cold day. There's not much not to like with this little gem.
And if your feeling adventurous you could add some Medicinal Mushroom Complex or Wild Chaga to add an additional nutritional health boost.
NOTE: Traditionally lentils were soaked overnight prior to cooking, and although to us westerners this step may seem arduous and one we can cut out from certain recipes, tradition knows best, as there are some important health benefits. Lentils, legumes and beans contain anti-nutrients in the form of phytates and enzyme inhibitors, these anti-nutrients prevent some nutrients for being absorbed and can also cause gut issues. Rinsing and soaking them breaks down these compounds and enables them to become more digestible and nutrient dense.
Lentils
Lentils are a high-protein, high-fiber member of the legume family, the fiber, folic acid, and potassium in lentils can help support heart health. Lentils also contain Selenium, which is a mineral that can be hard to obtain in the diet from other foods, it helps prevent inflammation, improves the response of the immune system to infections and decreases tumour growth rates. It also plays a role in liver enzyme function.
Carrots (Betacarotene)
The body turns betacarotene into vitamin A which is really important for eye and skin health among other things.
Adaptogen (Mushroom Complex)
Helping the body adapt to stress.
Immunomodulation (Mushroom Complex)
Strengthening, balancing, supporting and regulating the immune system, optimising immune response (great for winter).
Reishi (Mushroom Complex)
Known historically as the Mushroom of Immortality, Reishi's compounds have been shown to provide good all around calming and relaxing effects as well as supporting the immune system.
Chaga (Mushroom Complex)
Chaga is packed with anti-oxidants with studies suggesting its compounds have the capacity to provide support for the immune system and its ability to modulate it.
Cordyceps (Mushroom Complex)
Cordyceps has been used for cognitive and athletic performance along with it's possible immunomodulatory effects.
