Lots of people are exploring ways to enhance their health and boost their immunity! It pays to eat a healthy plantbased diet and be aware of what we consume. For example, around 15% of cancers can be prevented by dietary factors. Optimal nutrition can help us stay healthy and enhance our wellbeing. When I contemplated this soup and the creation of it, there were many unexpected health boosting aspects to it.
The soup was made with foraged spring nettles and wild garlic, as well as cleavers, ground elder and dandelion removed from the garden when weeding. It contained potatoes and coconut to add some creaminess and some stock for flavour. So what were the unexpected health benefits...
- Obviously there is an abundance of vitamins and minerals in the bountiful green ingredients. For example nettles are high in iron and vitamin C, dandelions contain vitamins A, B6, C, and K as well as iron, calcium and magnesium and much more. The wild garlic, cleavers and elder are also rich in nutritional elements.
- Each of the green ingredients has a long list of associated health and medicinal benefits. Here is an example of 5 of the benefits of nettles (early nettles are one of my favourite things).
- The nettles and garlic were foraged during my a walk in the nearby glen. Exercise is known to release endorphins and enhance our health and immunity. It can boost wellbeing and lower stress levels. Acccording to Dr Nick Cavill, a health promotion consultant "If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented".
- Being out in nature is invigorating and helps to soothe the soul. Ecotherapy refers to the various physical and psychological benefits of being outside.
- Fresh air and a good dose of oxygen helps to energise us.
- The glorious sunshine provided me with vitamin D.
- The cleavers, dandelion and elder were weeded out of the garden. I find gardening and connecting with the earth a really positive thing to engage in. It is something that brings me much joy and anything that inspires us helps us stay strong and healthy. Soil is a great source of vitamin B12.
- Finally, it brought me much joy to share this soup with a friend. We benefit immensely from connecting and sharing with others. One study has shown that social connection is a greater determinant to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure and it increases life expectancy. It certainly invigorates me!
Be kind to your body, gentle with your heart and nourishing to your soul!
With love from my heart to you, Fiona
With love from my heart to you, Fiona
Fiona is an Active Listening therapist, reflexologist, and experienced doula. She is passionate about living true to her heart and soul and empowering others to do the same. She holds retreats at her home in Scotland and runs various workshops related to the vibrancy of conscious plant based eating and women's issues including being childless/free and loves joining women in circle. Her website is www.fionareilly.co.uk or click here for her facebook page - True Living
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