The benefits of carrots

Most people who know me know how much I love soup. I enjoy it year-round—even during the hottest summer months—but when the weather begins to cool, it feels especially fitting to share my latest favourite: carrot soup.

As noted in The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Murray and Pizzorno, carrots are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene among commonly eaten vegetables. They also provide vitamin K, biotin, fibre, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and thiamine. These nutrients support overall health and may help protect against cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and macular degeneration. High beta-carotene vegetables such as carrots are fantastic for our immune systems.  As we move into the cooler months and think about ways to support are defenses to germs and viruses, think of having an orange vegetable every day!

When autumn arrives, I stock up on carrots and add them to meals in many forms—roasted, steamed, or blended into soups.

How to Make My Carrot Soup

• Sauté 2 onions, one-inch piece of ginger and 3 cloves of garlic.
• Add 2 potatoes, coarsely chopped.
• Add 2 lb of carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped.
• Stir to coat the vegetables.
• Add 4–6 cups of broth, depending on your preferred consistency. I use prepared chicken broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
• Remove from the heat and blend with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
• For a creamier texture, stir in ½–1 cup of cream. We use coconut cream.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, filling soup.

I always make an extra batch so I can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

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Mélanie Jacobson ND IBCLC is a Toronto-based Naturopathic Doctor and Lactation Consultant. She focuses on breastfeeding education, and supporting families with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, combo feeding as well as solid food introduction. She is available for home, clinic and virtual visits. You can book your free 15 min meet and greet consultation right here to discuss her services and approach.