Fight colds and flu with this surprising, health-boosting soup
Why chicken soup is beneficial during a cold (photo: Freepik)
Chicken noodle soup supports the body during a cold and helps prevent dehydration. Here's how to make this soup as nutritious as possible, according to Verywell Health.
Prolonged hydration
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that appetite can decrease during illness, making it more challenging to obtain the nutrients needed for recovery.
A serving of chicken noodle soup provides the body with nutrients and fluids in a form that is easily digestible.
Warm chicken noodle soup is gentle on the stomach and provides nutrients, including water and electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients support hydration and help maintain electrolyte balance during fever or illness.
Faster healing and recovery
According to Frontiersin, chicken is an excellent source of lean protein with low fat content. Protein provides essential amino acids that support the immune system and are necessary for producing antibodies, which are proteins that help protect the body from infections.
Adding vegetables to chicken noodle soup supports a healthy immune system in fighting infections. Ingredients like carrots, celery, and onions provide vitamins such as vitamin A, which helps regulate immune activity, and vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation.
Consuming chicken-based soups has been linked to a slight reduction in symptom severity and may shorten the duration of symptoms by about 1–2 days.
Symptom relief
According to MedlinePlus, chicken noodle soup can provide noticeable relief for symptoms such as:
- Nasal congestion: The steam and warmth from the soup help reduce congestion, making it easier to breathe
- Cough and sore throat: In addition to warmth, the liquid helps thin mucus, which can ease coughing or throat irritation
How to make your soup even healthier
Cook at home
Preparing soup at home allows you to control the ingredients and salt content.
Add more vegetables
Include a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, and others, to boost vitamins and antioxidants in the soup. More nutrients can increase the health benefits.
Include carbohydrates and fiber
Regular noodles provide a quick energy boost. For better satiety, consider using whole-grain or high-fiber noodles or adding legumes or grains.
Earlier, we revealed 11 snacks that reduce appetite and support weight loss.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
