Why is Soup So Good When You’re Sick? - MSGdish (2024)

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Why is Soup So Good When You’re Sick? - MSGdish? ›

It's clear that soup is so good for you because of the nutritional benefits. Research has shown that the protein in chicken and antioxidants in vegetables can help the body make virus-killing antibodies. Also, a healthy soup provides an easy way to digest the nutrients we need, especially when we're sick.

Once our brains sense umami through the taste receptors on our tongues, our bodies prime our digestive tracts to absorb protein more easily. This can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms, which many people experience when they're under the weather.

Many soups contain whole foods that are full of fiber, which helps improve gut motility and regulate bowel health. Soup's warm, liquid consistency also helps stimulate your body's digestive tract, making it an excellent appetizer before eating heartier foods.

Fluids are often better tolerated than solid food when you're nauseous. That's why broths and soups may be a good first step toward eating again. They also provide hydration and electrolytes, which are particularly important if you have been vomiting or have a fever.

“Broth-based soups have all those components, along with vitamins and minerals and electrolytes,” Tewksbury says. Hot and steamy soups can also help break down mucus in upper respiratory tract infections. “It checks a lot of boxes.”

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.

Soup is often associated with being cared for. Over time, the food alone may conjure up feelings of comfort. In one experiment, people either had chicken noodle soup or not before doing a word-completion task. Those who ate the soup and regarded it as comfort food were more likely to recall relationship words.

May induce weight loss: Though evidence for soup-based diets is lacking, some research has found that eating soup as part of a regular diet may have some health benefits, including weight loss. In a 2011 study, soup intake was associated with lower body mass index (BMI) and smaller waist circumference.

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.

Soup, glorious soup

The tried-and-tested soup is the most popular option, being the remedy of choice for three in ten Brits (30%). Perhaps because it has plenty of salt, electrolytes, protein and vitamins, being warming and easy to heat up if you don't have a lot of energy.

What is the healthiest soup to eat? ›

Chicken soup has been a go-to for sickness for generations — and for good reason. It's an easy-to-eat source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein, which are nutrients your body may need in larger quantities while you're recovering from an illness.

The steam from chicken noodle soup also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Heat relaxes the muscles, it soothes discomfort in sore throats, it dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow. When you're sick with a cold, white blood cells called neutrophils go straight to your throat, causing it to be inflamed.

Here's what to eat when sick with stomach problems. Bland carbohydrates. Choose bland carbohydrates like plain rice, toast, crackers, or pretzels when your stomach feels queasy. These low-fiber options provide gentle nourishment while minimizing irritation.

This heightened activity often leads to an increase in our metabolic rate , energy demands and nutritional requirements. Sugary treats and carbs are quick sources of energy, satisfying this increased demand.

Taste itself is rarely effected by a cold, but without the ability to smell what you're tasting, it's difficult to fully experience flavor. Fortunately, it only takes about a week for the cold to go away so you won't have to wait long to enjoy all of your favorite flavors again.

Food really can taste different as its temperature changes. That's because microscopic channels in our taste buds change the way we perceive taste based on temperature. Dubbed TRPM5, these channels react more strongly to food and drinks at higher temperatures.

Soups are a great way to hydrate. Try drinking a light vegetable soup as a snack in the mid-morning or afternoon to boost your water intake and energy levels.