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.
Will chicken soup really cure your cold? ›
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. The steam from chicken soup may open up congested noses and throats.
Why is chicken soup given to sick people? ›
Even the water or broth in chicken soup could offer benefits. When sick, it's easy to get dehydrated, Pike said, so consuming something water-based can be helpful. Plus, if you're losing electrolytes from gastrointestinal illness, chicken broth can replace them—it's rich in sodium at 924 milligrams per cup.
Does chicken soup have antiviral properties? ›
Modern research has actually shown that chicken soup, more than other hot liquid, increases mucus flow and helps the body rid itself of the cold virus. Chicken is rich in an amino acid called cysteine which helps loosen secretions. This effect is increased by adding spices such as pepper and garlic.
Why do I feel better after chicken soup? ›
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 chicken soup fight infection? ›
The core nutrients in homemade versions of the soup are what set these varieties apart from canned versions. Chicken provides the body with a complete source of protein to combat infection. Vegetables supply a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Why does chicken soup make you feel so good? ›
“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.
What is the best broth to drink when sick? ›
Bone broth serves as a great way to replenish the fluids that you're losing, while also providing your body with valuable electrolytes from the sodium in the broth. These electrolytes will also help you absorb the water more easily.
Does chicken soup reduce inflammation? ›
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 is a natural antiviral medication? ›
2.2. Herbs
- Oregano. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) plant is well‐known for its medicinal properties. ...
- Tulsi. The main medical benefits of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) are its powerful antiviral, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial capabilities (Goel, 2013). ...
- Fennel. ...
- Peppermint. ...
- Black nightshade. ...
- Aloe vera. ...
- Tea. ...
- Coffee.
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.
Does chicken broth heal you? ›
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.
Does chicken soup have health benefits? ›
All those bits of carrot, celery, and onion commonly found in chicken noodle soup are a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as other antioxidants and minerals. “Not only does this help build a healthy immune system to fight off viruses, it also helps your body recover from illness more quickly,” Allonen says.
What does chicken soup for the soul do? ›
Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. is an American self-help, consumer goods and media company based in Cos Cob, Connecticut.
How does chicken power your body? ›
The lean protein in chicken is an excellent source of amino acids. Our bodies use amino acids to build muscle tissue, something that is particularly important as we age. Studies have also shown that higher protein intake helps to maintain bone mineral density.
