January is National Soup Month, a time to celebrate the savory broths that keep us warm throughout the winter. Several soups are healthy options with unique benefits of their own, but one sticks out among the rest as the champion of cold and flu season. It’s not just a myth either—there is a science to prove that a bowl of chicken noodle soup could boost your health this winter.
The science
There are many recipes for chicken soup, but most traditional types contain certain essential ingredients such as onions and carrots that create an impactful combination. According to researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for your nasal cells, giving your nose relief in cold, dry weather or through seasonal illness. Onions, in particular, contain protein, calcium, and sulfur, which decrease swelling and aids in reducing nasal congestion. We know carrots are big proponents of healthy vision. Still, carrots also enable our bodies to produce vitamin A, strengthening our white blood cells and allowing us to better fight off infection.
The main ingredient, chicken, is essential to the make-up of this soup’s healing powers. When chicken cooks in soup, an amino acid called cysteine is released. Cysteine thins mucus in the lungs, aiding in chest decongestion and faster healing. Chicken also provides a great source of protein that is particularly helpful to muscles when your body feels weakened and drained during illness.
On top of physical benefits, chicken soup may also benefit your mood. Chicken is high in tryptophan, another amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin and enhance your mood and aid in a good night’s sleep.
These three may be the base for any robust chicken soup, but it doesn’t stop there. According to research, the more ingredients in your soup, the better. Research found that chicken soup with various veggies can help ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, including congestion, stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat. Vegetables are nutrient-dense and often packed with antioxidants to remove toxins from your system. Combined with chicken soup, they make a bowl of immune-boosting magic.
Last but not least, adding some noodles will provide enough carbohydrates to make you feel full while still going easy on your stomach. An upset stomach often accompanies cold and flu symptoms, but light broth with nutrient-dense veggies will be gentle on your stomach while providing adequate nutrition to get you feeling better.
Order a bowl from your favorite local restaurant, or take a shot at cooking your own simple chicken noodle soup.
Most soups have their benefits
It’s hard to go wrong! Hot soups, in general, help keep nasal passages moist, thin out mucus, prevent dehydration, and soothe a sore throat. Any kind of vegetable-dense soup is going to achieve similar effects to chicken soup, though you may miss some of its more unique qualities. Some other healing soups to try are:
- Carrot ginger soup
- White bean and kale soup
- Tomato basil soup
- Butternut squash soup
- Minestrone, or other vegetable soups
Why it matters
A healthy body starts with a healthy diet, and it’s important to consider what you’re eating every day—even when you’re not sick. Visiting Angels Toms River offers meal planning and preparation services to help you develop the right kind of diet for your body. Our caregivers consider all of your health concerns, including chronic diseases, when developing a food plan. Serving The Greater Toms River-Brick area and communities throughout Ocean County, our caregivers offer a variety of services beyond meal management. Reach out today to learn more about home care benefits and the options available to you at (732) 240-1050.
FAQs
When chicken cooks in soup, an amino acid called cysteine is released. Cysteine thins mucus in the lungs, aiding in chest decongestion and faster healing. Chicken also provides a great source of protein that is particularly helpful to muscles when your body feels weakened and drained during illness.
What are the healing properties of chicken broth? ›
Boosts immune system: The minerals and amino acids in chicken broth can help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation. Supports joint health: The collagen and gelatin found in chicken broth can improve joint health and reduce arthritis-related pain.
What does the chicken soup symbolize? ›
In China it is customary to give chicken soup to pregnant women and elderly people because the soup is thought of to give them energy. “Lamian” was an ancient Chinese noodle dish from the 2nd century AD. Noodles hold a great significance in Chinese cultures as they symbolize longevity.
Does chicken soup actually help? ›
Chicken soup has long been used as a home remedy for cold and flu. Some scientific evidence indicates that the soup could be anti-inflammatory. Though research is scant, experts say chicken soup is worth a try when you're sick.
What is chicken soup a good remedy for? ›
Chicken soup has been a popular home remedy for the common cold since at least the 12th century. Eating chicken soup while you have a cold will not do you any harm, but it will not cure your cold. Drinking warm liquids, such as soup, may give you relief from your symptoms for a short time.
What does chicken soup for the soul do? ›
A Chicken Soup for the Soul story is an inspirational, true story about ordinary people having extraordinary experiences. It is a story that opens the heart and rekindles the spirit. It is a simple piece that touches our readers and helps them discover basic principles they can use in their own lives.
Is chicken broth a natural antibiotic? ›
Chicken contains an amino acid cysteine which has been shown to reduce and break up mucous congestion in the lungs. Garlic- Garlic is a must in a chicken soup as nature's best natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent to help your body fight infection and get better quickly.
What does chicken broth do to your stomach? ›
Health Benefits Of Chicken Broth
Broth draws the digestive juices into the gut, assisting digestion. It supports the immune system and helps prevent and reduce infections. It's been traditionally used for recovery.
Does chicken broth fight infection? ›
May reduce inflammation and stuffy nose
And interestingly, research shows that chicken soup can in fact lower the number of white blood cells traveling to inflamed tissues. It does this by directly inhibiting the ability of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, to travel to the inflamed tissue.
What does the chicken symbolize in the Bible? ›
The hen symbolizes ideal maternal love and Christian love: she is self-sacrificing, nurturing, protective, and comforting. The chicks, who like human youngsters are precious though inclined to be errant, symbolize the Hebrew people as Jesus is portrayed as having viewed them with respect to his mission.
Chicken soup is a soup made from chicken, simmered in water, usually with various other ingredients. The classic chicken soup consists of a clear chicken broth, often with pieces of chicken or vegetables; common additions are pasta, noodles, dumplings, or carrots, and grains such as rice and barley.
What are the 7 things soup does? ›
There is an Italian saying: “La zuppa fa sette cose.” It means “Soup does seven things.” Soup quenches thirst, satisfies hunger, fills your stomach, aids digestion, makes teeth sparkle, adds color to cheeks and aids sleep. In other words, soup cures most, if not all human ills.
Why do I feel better after chicken soup? ›
“Chicken is also high in tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin that can enhance your mood and give you the feeling of 'comfort' that helps make chicken noodle soup a true comfort food,” Allonen says.
Can I eat chicken soup everyday? ›
Known to all, chicken is considered to be a great source of protein and amino acids that are really good for the growth of muscles and other tissues. Hence, a bowl of chicken soup can be a great addition in your daily diet.
Does chicken soup help fight viruses? ›
You won't find studies in humans that prove chicken soup can fight a cold, but there's enough evidence to make it worth trying. One study published in the medical journal Chest suggested that chicken soup might have anti-inflammatory effects, which could possibly ease symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
Does chicken soup fight infection? ›
Chicken contains an amino acid cysteine which has been shown to reduce and break up mucous congestion in the lungs. Garlic- Garlic is a must in a chicken soup as nature's best natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent to help your body fight infection and get better quickly.
Why does chicken soup make you feel so good? ›
As it does with turkey, the body uses tryptophan from chicken to make melatonin—which can help you rest—and serotonin, the chemical that signals your nerves and makes you feel happy and at ease. Both of these are reasons chicken soup is associated with comfort food: you literally feel a physiological sense of comfort.
Does soup help you heal? ›
Consuming more soup this winter can help your body fight inflammation and help regulate unwanted mucus, allowing you to feel your best. If you notice a cold coming on or you are under the weather this winter, consider opting for a warm bowl of soup.
How does chicken power your body? ›
Chicken is high in health-promoting nutrients, including protein, several B vitamins, selenium, and choline. These compounds may benefit muscle growth, weight management, and brain health.
