This vegetable soup contains a large number of natural functional ingredients "phytochemicals" produced by plants to protect themselves from external enemies such as ultraviolet rays and pests. Phytochemicals are a general term for biologically active substances extracted from plants. Although it is not an essential nutrient, it is a food factor that acts as a vitamin-like substance that has health effects. It contains various substances such as terpenes, polyphenols, and sulfur-containing compounds. [1]

Phytochemicals can protect the body from various diseases by producing excessive amounts of non-toxic reactive oxygen species under various circumstances. Therefore, as part of the dietary guidelines, phytochemical soup (vegetable soup), which is prepared by boiling cabbage, onions, carrots and pumpkin in water, is recommended. [2]

When talking about the role of phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring functional ingredients found in vegetables, then “why make soup?” Fresh raw vegetables can be deliciously eaten in salads . However, only very few phytochemicals are absorbed from eating raw vegetables.

Many phytochemicals are found in plant cells. Cells are encased in cell walls made of hard, tough cellulose, which cannot be digested by human digestive enzymes. Even if you chop it with a kitchen knife or crush it with a blender, it won't break up, so the phytochemicals inside the cells cannot be taken out. [3]

However, when vegetables are heated above a certain level in soup, the tough cell walls easily break and most of the phytochemicals dissolve. Since phytochemicals are heat-resistant, they do not lose their effectiveness even when heated. On the contrary, a study by Hiroshi Maeda, an emeritus professor at Kumamoto University, showed that the antioxidant effect of vegetable soup is about 100 times stronger than that of original juice (juicing). [4]

You may think that heating vegetables destroys vitamin C, but don’t worry. Most of the vitamin C is dissolved in the soup, so it's easy to get it by drinking soup.

Additionally, soups reduce volume so you can take large amounts and absorb the active ingredients efficiently.

Friends who have not watched the vegetable soup video can click on the link below to watch it

Japanese clinicians recommend vegetable soup to balance blood sugar, lower lipids, and improve immunity. It is recommended to collect it/ 7008105630527390239

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