We often think of soup as a food you eat when you're feeling under the weather [1] — but with the right ingredients, a comforting bowl of soup [2] can help support the immune system and keep you from getting sick in the first place. From antioxidant-rich veggies to proteins packed with zinc [3], there are a ton of nutritious ingredients that can be tossed into a soup pot and transformed into a satisfying and immune-supporting meal. This cold and flu season, keep up those healthy habits that help keep viruses at bay — like washing your hands (often!) — then add these nine delicious soups to your lunch and dinner rotation.
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Red peppers are a powerhouse when it comes to nutrients that help support your immune system, including vitamins C and A. Sipping on this roasted red pepper soup is a simple way to sneak them into your diet. Plus, if you've got Swanson Chicken Broth [4] ($2) on hand, it's a great way to add more protein.
Get the recipe: roasted red pepper soup [5]
Broccoli Lentil Soup
One cup of broccoli contains as much vitamin C [6] as an orange, and that's in addition to other immune-supporting nutrients like folate and carotenoids. The lentils in this recipe add a healthy dose of antioxidants, while giving the soup some staying power.
Get the recipe: broccoli lentil soup [7]
Vegetable Soup
There's nothing better than a heaping bowl of vegetables, especially when you're trying to prep your immune system for a harsh winter. This classic veggie soup is loaded with beta carotene, vitamin C, and more, to help keep you healthy all season long.
Get the recipe: vegetable soup [8]
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
The claims about chicken noodle soup are more than just an old wives' tale. One study found that chicken soup may reduce inflammation [9] and even contain substances with medicinal properties. Did we mention it's hydrating and delicious?
Get the recipe: homestyle chicken noodle soup [10]
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup traditionally contains greens and meatballs, and while those ingredients aren't chosen for their immune benefits, they're certainly a bonus. Research shows that green vegetables like spinach help form chemical signals that are important to a healthy immune system [11], and chicken is a natural source of zinc, a nutrient that plays a pivotal role in immune health [12].
Get the recipe: Italian wedding soup [13]
Seafood Soup
The healthy fats naturally found in seafood have been linked to a healthy immune system [14], and this soup is chock-full of 'em. Enjoy a bowl during cold and flu season and know you're doing your body good.
Get the recipe: seafood soup [15]
Curried Lentil Kale Mushroom Soup
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the immune system [16], but food sources of this important nutrient [17] can be scarce. Mushrooms are the only produce that contains a significant amount of vitamin D, making this curried soup a natural choice for the colder months.
Get the recipe: curried lentil kale mushroom soup [18]
Sunchoke Apple Soup
Approximately 70 percent of your immune system is found in your gut [19], which makes this tasty soup an immune all-star. The prebiotics in sunchokes essentially "feed" the good bacteria in your gut, helping to support your immune health. Plus, the Swanson Natural Goodness Lower Sodium Chicken Broth [20] ($2) is a great way to amp up the protein in this soup.
Get the recipe: sunchoke apple soup [21]
Vegetable, Beef, and Barley Soup
Beefy soups are satisfying and surprisingly good for your immune system. Beef is a natural source of vitamin B12 [22] and zinc — two nutrients that can help keep you in fighting shape. When you combine the chunks of meat with the base of Swanson Beef Broth [23] ($2), it creates a hearty, protein-rich meal. Barley contains many B vitamins, too, making this recipe doubly good for you.
Get the recipe: vegetable, beef, and barley soup [24]