Why Chicken Noodle Soup When Sick? The Science Behind This Age-Old Remedy

Chicken noodle soup has long been a go-to comfort food when feeling under the weather. This classic dish seems to have magical healing powers that provide relief from common cold and flu symptoms But is there any science behind chicken noodle soup’s reputation as a cold remedy? As it turns out, yes! Let’s explore why this nostalgic soup may actually help you feel better when sick

A Brief History of Chicken Soup as Medicine

Using chicken soup medicinally dates back centuries and spans many cultures. Jewish penicillin Jewish mothers’ cure-all and Grandma’s cold remedy are just a few nicknames for this legendary dish. Chicken soup emerged as a “Jewish penicillin” in Eastern Europe. Maimonides, a medieval Jewish physician, recommended chicken soup to treat respiratory tract infections back in the 12th century. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda also recommend chicken broth to nourish the sick.

Modern research is now confirming what our ancestors already knew. A steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup provides real health benefits that can shorten the duration of your illness.

The Healing Ingredients in Chicken Noodle Soup

To understand why this nostalgic soup makes you feel better let’s break down its key ingredients

Chicken broth – The broth provides hydration and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. The steam can help clear nasal congestion. Bone broth also contains gelatin, chondroitin, and amino acids that reduce inflammation.

Vegetables – Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic provide vitamins A, C, and zinc. These nutrients support your immune system.

Chicken – Chicken provides protein, zinc, and B vitamins to help rebuild your strength.

Noodles – Noodles are an easily digestible source of carbs to boost energy when you have no appetite.

Herbs – Herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaves add antioxidants and more flavor.

As you can see, each component offers important nutrients and health benefits that work together to help you recover faster.

The Science Behind Chicken Soup’s Healing Powers

Studies have shown that chicken soup has mild anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Here’s an overview of the science:

• The hot broth helps thin out mucus and reduces congestion and sneezing. The steam also may have a mucolytic effect to loosen thick mucus.

• The sodium in broth helps prevent dehydration and thins mucus. This improves sinus drainage and makes it easier to breathe.

• Some research found chicken soup has a mild anti-inflammatory activity, which helps ease cold and flu aches and pains.

• Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine. Cysteine works as an antioxidant and thins mucus in the lungs.

• The veggies provide carotenoids and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and fight infection.

• Herbs like garlic contain compounds that may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties to kill viruses.

While no studies prove it cures colds, the combined nutrient effects of chicken soup certainly make you feel better. It provides easily digestible nutrition when you have no energy or appetite.

Tips for Making the Most Healing Chicken Noodle Soup

To get the full therapeutic benefits, try these tips:

• Use bone broth – Simmer chicken bones for at least 12 hours to extract the most nutrients.

• Add plenty of vegetables – Go heavy on the carrots, onions, garlic, and celery for extra vitamins.

• Include fresh herbs – Herbs provide antioxidants to support immunity. Try parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, or bay leaves.

• Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper. The spiciness helps clear sinuses.

• Use whole grains – Swap regular noodles for whole grain noodles or wild rice for extra nutrients.

• Shred the chicken – Shredded chicken is easier to chew when your throat is sore.

• Garnish with lemon – A squeeze of lemon adds vitamin C and flavors the broth.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a truly medicinal chicken noodle soup. The more vegetables and spices, the better!

Why Chicken Soup is the Best Food When Sick

A steamy bowl of chicken noodle soup checks all the boxes for the perfect food when under the weather. Here’s why it’s so good for colds and flu:

1. It’s hydrating – The hot broth provides fluid to prevent dehydration from fever or vomiting.

2. It’s easy on your stomach – The light, simple ingredients are gentle on your stomach when nauseous.

3. It opens up congestion – The steam and salt can thin out mucus and improve congestion and sinus pressure.

4. It provides electrolytes – The sodium in broth replenishes electrolytes lost from fever, vomiting, and sweating.

5. It’s packed with nutrients – The veggies and chicken provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help you heal.

6. It’s high in protein – The protein from chicken helps rebuild strength with minimal chewing required.

7. It’s satisfying – Warm broth fills you up and satisfies when you have no energy to cook.

No other food checks as many boxes when you’re under the weather. It’s the ultimate sick day meal.

Other Good Foods to Eat When Sick

While chicken noodle soup is the star comfort food when sick, other good options include:

• Yogurt: Provides protein and probiotics to support immunity.

• Oatmeal: Easy to digest carbs and fiber to keep you full.

• Smoothies: Hydrating and packed with nutrients from fruit, milk, yogurt, and greens.

• Applesauce: Provides nutrients and hydration in an easy to swallow form.

• Tea: Warm, soothing liquids help relieve congestion and sore throats.

Focus on fluids, vitamins, antioxidants, probiotics, protein, and easily digestible carbs. Avoid fatty, greasy foods that can further upset your stomach.

Chicken Noodle Soup: The Bottom Line

While it may not be a magical cure-all, science shows that chicken noodle soup can genuinely help you recover faster from an illness. The combination of hydration, electrolytes, protein, veggies, and anti-inflammatory spices give this soup legitimate healing powers. It provides comfort and nourishment when you need it most. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, turn to this timeless home remedy and enjoy a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s sure to warm you up and help you feel better in no time.