Chicken soup has long been regarded as a magical elixir for colds flu, and other illnesses. This hearty comforting dish seems to have an almost mystical ability to make us feel better when we’re under the weather. But is there any science behind chicken soup’s legendary curative powers? As it turns out, yes! Chicken soup provides a variety of health benefits that make it the perfect food to help fight off those nasty bugs.
The Hydrating Power of Chicken Soup
One of the primary reasons chicken soup is so good when you’re sick is that it helps hydrate the body. When you have a fever, cold, or flu, you can become dehydrated very quickly. Drinking plenty of fluids is key to recovery, but this can be difficult when you have no appetite or a sore throat.
Chicken soup, being warm and brothy, provides an easy way to get hydrated The liquid goes down smoothly, and the saltiness actually encourages you to drink more. This hydrating effect helps thin out mucus, prevent headaches, stabilize body temperature, and allow the body to function optimally to fight off the illness
Nutrient Content Boosts Immunity
In addition to hydration, chicken soup contains a variety of vitamins minerals, and other nutrients that support immunity
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Protein from the chicken replenishes the immune system and provides the body with energy.
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Vitamin A in carrots promotes healthy mucous membranes.
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Vitamin C in onions and celery helps fight infection.
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Zinc in chicken boosts the immune response.
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Sodium in broth helps prevent dehydration.
Combined, these nutrients pack a powerful punch that helps strengthen the body to ward off viruses and bacteria more effectively. Eating chicken soup gives your immune cells the tools they need to overcome illness.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties Reduce Symptoms
Studies have shown that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease cold and flu symptoms. Ingredients like chicken, garlic, and onions contain compounds that reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. This can help relieve congestion, coughing, sore throat pain, and other common illness side effects.
The anti-inflammatory activity of chicken soup also helps lower fever, allowing the body to conserve energy and recover more quickly. Pretty impressive for a simple bowl of soup!
Warmth and Steam Clear Congestion
Have you ever noticed how eating something hot and steamy seems to immediately clear your stuffed up nose and congested head? The heat and vapor from chicken soup work quickly to break up mucus, open airways, improve sinus drainage, and restore normal breathing.
This temporary decongestant effect provides immediate relief, allowing you to breathe and sleep better. The comfort of warm soup also soothes sore throats, eases coughs, and calms respiratory irritation.
Supports Healthy Digestion
When you’re battling an illness, keeping nutrients down can be a challenge. Chicken soup contains hearty protein from the chicken, plus vegetables and noodles that provide carbs for energy. These ingredients are easy on the stomach and get broken down quickly.
The soup broth also helps replenish electrolytes and provides fluids that aid digestion. This helps calm upset stomachs and promotes the absorption of nutrients to restore health.
An Easy, Appealing Meal When Appetite is Low
It’s common for appetite to disappear when you’re sick. But getting good nutrition is important for recovery. Chicken soup is often one of the only foods that sounds appealing when nothing else tempts your taste buds.
The salty, savory flavor gets those digestive juices flowing, and it satisfies cravings without upsetting your unsettled tummy. Chicken soup gives you an easy way to get a nutritious meal in when you need nourishment most.
So the next time you’re feeling under the weather, reach for some chicken soup. Science confirms this classic home remedy really does contain healing properties that can help you get back on your feet faster. Chicken soup’s combination of hydration, nutrition, and comfort make it a true elixir for mind, body, and soul.
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Chicken soup and its amazing health benefits
FAQ
What are the health benefits of chicken soup?
Chicken soup is widely known for its comfort and healing properties, especially during illness. It offers a variety of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, easing congestion, and providing hydration and essential nutrients.
What is the healthiest soup you can eat?
- Chicken Vietnamese Pho.
- Green spring minestrone.
- Herb and yoghurt-based soup.
- Lamb shank and barley soup.
- Pumpkin soup with star croutons.
- Lentil and vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Why is chicken soup so good for you when you’re sick?
Chicken soup helps by being easily digestible while providing vitamins and protein. The warmth of the soup can help ease a sore or scratchy throat. Also, chicken contains a lot of carnosine, a compound that has been found to help loosen congestion.
Is chicken soup good for your gut?
Chicken soup is full of nutritious ingredients that SUPPORT your immune function. Chicken soup is also known to support digestive function (and we know a lot of our immune system is in our gut!), and also, would you believe, there’s research to suggest it supports brain health too!
Why should you eat chicken soup?
Eating chicken soup inhibits their migration to the site of the infection, resulting in less inflammation and less symptoms. Stuffiness associated with the common cold, certain flu viruses or other respiratory infections of bacterial or viral causes, even allergies can be corrected and improved in a matter of minutes by eating chicken soup.
Does chicken soup make you feel better when you’re sick?
Chicken soup has long been used as a home remedy for cold and flu, and some scientific evidence indicates that the soup could be anti-inflammatory. Here’s what to know about the health benefits of chicken soup and why it might make you feel better when you’re sick.
Is chicken soup healthy?
The typical soup comes together with chicken broth, chicken meat, and a smattering of savory vegetables and alliums like carrots, garlic, onions, and celery. According to Amanda Sauceda, RDN, a lecturer at California State University, Long Beach, these healthy elements may make chicken soup more than the sum of its parts.
Is chicken soup good for your gut health?
Gelatin helps improve the gut lining and can promote overall gut healing, making chicken soup a gentle option for those with digestive issues. Chicken soup also contains nutrients that support healthy gut flora, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and overall health. 4. Comfort Food for Mental Well-Being
Is chicken soup good for weight loss?
And the fact that chicken soup is half water also contributes to curbing hunger and satiating. The chicken, the vegetables and the noodles are low-calorie which makes the chicken soup also low in calories which makes it a rather perfect dish for losing weight.
Is chicken soup anti-inflammatory?
Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years of experience in consumer-facing health and wellness content. 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.