Minestrone – only veggies, no pasta

Minestrone has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years. Its popularity began to take off in the 2nd century BC when Rome conquers Italy. During this time, economic growth allowed a variety of new vegetables to flood the market.

Instead of being limited to only a few vegetable crops, Italians could now enjoy a wide variety. It was this new mix of vegetables, and plates being made, that started the minestrone craze.

NUTRITION FACTS – Healthline
Lima Beans – Delicious and versatile, lima beans are also highly nutritious and have been linked to several potential health benefits. Eating these protein-packed legumes may even lead to:

• healthy weight loss
• enhanced blood sugar control
• improved heart health

Lima beans are especially high in manganese, which acts as an antioxidant and plays a key role in metabolism (2Trusted Source).
They also provide a good amount of copper in each serving, which supports immune health and promotes brain function (3Trusted Source).
Plus, lima beans are rich in magnesium, a mineral your body needs for energy production and DNA synthesis (4Trusted Source).
High in soluble fiber, Soluble fiber has been shown to reduce cholesterol, decrease inflammation, and lower blood pressure levels
Rich in antioxidants — protecting you against oxidative stress and inflammation — to help keep your heart healthy and strong
Studies show that eating more beans and legumes could be tied to increased weight loss and decreased body fat

May stabilize blood sugar levels
Like other beans, lima beans have a low glycemic index, which is a measure of how much specific foods increase blood sugar levels (5, 6Trusted Source).
They’re also high in fiber, which can slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream to keep your blood sugar levels in check (7Trusted Source).