AUTUMN DETOX SOUP
As the vividly-hued summer blooms are starting to curl brown to mother Earth granting the crown to shades of scarlet and gold, autumn’s sweet breath is announcing its presence more and more each passing day – there won’t be long till we’ll be stepping on a carpet of browns, and the cruel ball of fire melting the pavement in the last few months will be held back by a thick blanket of grey clouds. Trying to make the transition less painful for both the body and mind, I incorporated my favorite autumn veggies into an easy-to-make detox soup, with both nutritional and beauty related benefits.
WHAT I USED
Purple Cabbage: An abundant source of Vitamin C, cabbage fights and helps reducing free radicals, one of the main causes of premature aging. Due to its high content of sulphur, it also purifies the blood and removes toxins and uric acid, the first causes of rheumatism, arthritis and various skin diseases.
Lemon Juice: The main star of any detox diet, lemon juice is a great source of vitamin C, acting as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. This rich in vitamin C citrus fruit also has rejuvenating properties – it is said that a glass of lemon juice water a day can restore the glow to a dull-looking complexion.
Cauliflower: Rich in Vitamin K and omega-3 acids, cauliflower helps preventing chronic inflammation that leads to arthritis, chronic pain, obesity and diabetes. It is also a very good source of vitamin C and manganese, both powerful antioxidants that protect you from free radicals, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Containing glucosinolates and thiocyanates, as well as enzymes like glutathione transferase, glucuronosyl transferase and quinone reductase, cauliflower helps increasing the liver’s ability to neutralize toxic substances that could lead to deathly diseases.
BELL PEPPERS: With their antioxidant properties that benefit the heart and help supporting the blood pressure levels, and packed with many different fibres, bell peppers are essential into any detox recipe.
Carrots: Another power factor in the detox process, carrots contain an indigestible fiber that helps the body perform its natural detoxification process more efficiently. Due to their antibacterial features, carrots help remove the dangerous bacterial toxins from the body, preventing their absorption.
Cherry tomatoes: A greater source of lycopene than the regular tomatoes, cherry tomatoes help protecting the liver from the everyday abuse factors like the pollution, junk food and other modern world habits that could otherwise cause it a lot of damage.
Broccoli: Another staple of any detox diet, broccoli contains an essential combo of fiber, vitamins and minerals, proved to work wonders for the body’s main functions.
Courgettes: Rich in Vitamin C, courgettes supply the body all the nutrients it needs on a daily basis, therefore their consumption is essential in any detox diet.
INGREDIENTS:
8 cups water
2 carrots, diced
1 medium sized courgette
1 broccoli
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 cauliflower, florets
1 cup purple cabbage, chopped
1/2 onion finely diced
½ cup fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large pot, add the water and turn on the heat to medium-high. Sauté the onion. Add the cauliflower, courgettes, carrots, broccoli and cherry tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes, adding in extra water if needed. Add in the rest of the water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are soft. In the last 5 minutes of simmering, add in the purple cabbage and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper.
