Is chicken soup really a good cure

Is chicken soup really a good cure for colds and flu?

By Shelley Widhalm

The Surveyor

As fall and winter approach, so does cold and flu season though the flu virus can circulate year round. ith the coughs and sniffles, oftentimes the first food that comes to mind is chicken soup. ut is the American classic good for you

That depends on if it comes from a can or is home-cooked. et’s start with chicken broth, a base ingredient not only for chicken noodle soup but for chicken casserole, chicken rice, vegetable stew and a braising liquid for chicken or vegetables. hicken broth, when cooked, is packed full of vitamins and minerals that are not only good for fighting the cold and flu but also ridding the body of food poisoning. roth helps soothe the body with heat and hydration and has been shown to ease cold symptoms. The steam from a hot bowl of it can open up airways, clear up congestion and improve breathing.

Hydration is important especially to keep organs and muscles working properly. A small amount of fluid loss can lead to increased body temperatures, while proper hydration helps the skin act as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body.

The needed hydration can come, in part, from the broth, which is light and easy to eat when not feeling well. roth is a low-calorie meal good for weight management, since it contains no fat or sugar it can be served alone or as a substitute to lighten high-fat recipes.

Another advantage of broth is it’s a great source of essential fatty acids and protein, which help the body build and repair muscle, bone, skin and blood cells. t contains iron and, depending on the ingredients used to prepare it, a long list of other nutrients, such as vitamins A, , , , and and antioxidants. t has selenium that helps prevent and manage cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol and other complications.

To turn the broth (chicken or vegetable into chicken noodle soup, add noodles and chicken, of course, but also vegetables to increase the bulk. The noodles provide carbohydrates, the body’s main fuel source, and help the body feel full and satisfied. egetables such as carrots, celery and onions have vitamins and and other antioxidants and minerals. The vitamins help build a healthy immune system to fight off viruses and speed up recovery from illness. hicken has lots of protein that also support the immune system. t’s a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as the vitamins that regulate digestion, as well as zinc, iron and copper. hicken also is high in tryptophan, which helps the body produce serotonin, a mood-enhancing chemical that also can give a feeling of comfort hence, the comfort food of chicken noodle soup. f taste buds are dulled from congestion, salt or other spices can be added to enhance the flavor profile, unless sodium intake needs to be reduced for conditions like hypertension, kidney disease and congestive heart failure. nstead, look for a low-sodium broth or one with no added salt. To make sure the soup is healthy, opt for white meat over dark meat since it has more nutritional value and is higher in protein. Avoid using rotisserie chicken that has a high amount of fat and salt. nstead, poach a chicken breast in a stock to make sure it is lean. For the noodles, opt for whole grain or wheat over white pasta that’s high in fiber.

Also, avoid canned soups, because they typically have a high amount of sodium and several processed ingredients. n general, canned foods don’t have as high a nutritional value as freshly cooked food.

The key is to go for as fresh as possible, use white chicken meat and add in raw vegetables to a healthy chicken or vegetable broth. Then find the other comforts, like a good book or movie, and get some rest, since sleep can help boost the immune system and help quicken recovery from illness.