{"id":8391,"date":"2017-05-29T11:27:32","date_gmt":"2017-05-28T23:27:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ascensionkitchen.com\/?p=8391"},"modified":"2019-08-04T14:41:49","modified_gmt":"2019-08-04T02:41:49","slug":"anti-inflammatory-thai-pumpkin-soup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ascensionkitchen.com\/anti-inflammatory-thai-pumpkin-soup\/","title":{"rendered":"Anti-inflammatory Thai Pumpkin Soup"},"content":{"rendered":"

A luscious anti-inflammatory Thai Pumpkin Soup with turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime, chilli, cumin, coriander, coconut milk, and roasted pumpkin. Naturally gluten free and plant-based.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Pumpkin soup is certainly a classic – but the addition of these flavoursome herbs and spices take it from comfort food to a bowl of therapeutic goodness. The key spices used are turmeric and ginger for their warming and anti-inflammatory properties.<\/p>\n

Turmeric,<\/a><\/strong> the Golden Root, a personal favourite for its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. Thought to have a tonic effect on the whole body according to Ayurvedic traditions, there is ample literature to support its positive effect on the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems.<\/p>\n

It is also antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic and neuroprotective. The antioxidant effect of turmeric has been shown to be 10 times more potent than vitamin C.<\/p>\n

Fat and black pepper will aid in the absorption of turmeric – as it has a notoriously poor bioavailability.<\/p>\n

In herbal terms, turmeric is described as having the following actions; anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet<\/em> (reduces platelet aggregation), antioxidant, hypolipidemic <\/em>(lipid-lowering), choleretic<\/em> (promotes the producton of bile in the liver), antimicrobial, carminative <\/em>(relieves gastrointestinal gas), and depurative <\/em>(improves detoxification and aids elimination, helping to clear build-up of metabolic wastes under the skin).<\/p>\n

Interestingly, when considering turmeric from an energetic point of view – it is warming, bitter and astringent. Bitter foods, herbs and spices are fantastic digestive remedies – they stimulate the secretion of gastric acids needed to break down food.<\/p>\n

This means turmeric has a net drying effect on the body – as ultimately these secretions are leaving the organs. Constitutionally, this may mean turmeric may aggravate someone who is already quite dry in nature.<\/p>\n

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Ginger <\/strong>is another well known anti-inflammatory agent. As a circulatory stimulant, it also helps push blood flow to the periphery, aiding cold hands and feet. On that note, being prone to cold mits myself, iron<\/a>, iodine and magnesium<\/a> deficiencies can all contribute to cold hands and feet, as can suboptimal thyroid function. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Pumpkin <\/strong>has a sweet but slightly cooling nature, and provides the precursor to vitamin A (a key nutrient in skin and immune health) in the form of beta-carotene. The natural fats in the coconut milk will facilitate the absorption of beta-carotene.<\/p>\n

[bctt tweet=\"Luscious anti-inflammatory Thai Pumpkin Soup with turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, chilli, lime!\" username=\"laurenglucina\"]<\/p>\n

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Lemongrass <\/strong>contains essential oils that have been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects [1<\/a>].<\/span> It is particularly effective against candida in its vapour phase [2<\/a>].<\/span> As these oils are volatile, they will have evaporated off by the time you enjoy the soup, however you may be inspired now to use some of the essential oil in a diffuser! Tip - if you have leftover lemongrass you can freeze it for later use.<\/p>\n

Cumin, <\/strong>like ginger, is another pungent – meaning it will help promote circulation and increase metabolic rate. It also has carminative<\/em> actions, helping relieve intestinal gas.<\/p>\n

Coriander seeds <\/strong>have traditionally been used to treat indigestion. The essential oil content has anti-spasmodic and carminative effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Modern literature has found the seeds decrease blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance [3<\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n

This is Thai Pumpkin Soup is an incredibly easy recipe to prepare, and smells so fragrant as it simmers away on the stove. I like mine served with fresh herbs, toasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of coconut yoghurt and a drizzle of fresh lime. Enjoy!<\/p>\n

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More nutritious soup recipes<\/h2>\n