Chicken soup has long been considered a remedy for the common cold. Grandmothers have long been recommending chicken soup when you’re not feeling well. It turns out chicken soup does have cold-fighting capabilities.
Several studies over the years suggest chicken soup has a positive effect on the symptoms related to colds and flu. A hardy chicken soup tastes good and fills you up. It’s warm and makes you feel good. There are other benefits as well:
- Chicken soup can inhibit cold symptoms such as a runny nose and cough.
- Chicken soup is great for keeping a body hydrated when ill because it’s filled with electrolytes. It’s been proven to be more effective at rehydration than commercial electrolyte drinks.
- Ingredients in chicken have antioxidants and other nutrients to help eliminate toxins from the body. Ingredients such as carrots, onion, garlic, celery and parsley contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.
- Chicken soup can contain a variety of different noodles to be a source of carbohydrates. It can fill you up and satiate your appetite without overeating.
- Chicken soup provides a lift in the spirits and is a strong comfort food. When you have a cold and you aren’t feeling well, a warm bowl of soup just feels good in the tummy.
- Steam created by chicken soup can open airways and make it easier to breathe.
The health benefits from chicken soup come from homemade soup and not store bought soup. Canned soup is processed and high in sodium and preservatives.
A good chicken soup requires a chicken of about 3 pounds. Use both the white and dark meat for maximum flavor. The type of vegetables can vary but it usually includes celery, carrots, onions, parsley, garlic, scallions and dill.
A chicken soup doesn’t have to contain noodles but egg noodles are common. To most people, “chicken soup” and “chicken noodle soup” are two different things. The type of noodle is important. It can change the soup and its nutritional value.
Different countries make chicken soup in different ways. In Mexico, for example, chicken soup is made with whole chicken pieces instead of chopped or shredded chicken. Large cuts of vegetables are used instead of finely chopped vegetables. In Ghana, chicken soup is seasoned with lemon juice or vinegar. A mixture of yogurt and egg may be added. Hungarian chicken soup is clear with entire pieces of chicken, chicken liver and heart with chunky vegetables.
Many recipes for chicken soup are available and its easy to make. Its no wonder chicken soup has been recommended for centuries, and is good for the soul!