Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that has become a go-to treatment for colds and a favorite dish for all seasons.
But, aside from its exquisite flavor and relaxing warmth, what makes chicken noodle soup healthy?
In this article, we’ll look at the health advantages of this classic soup as well as the research behind why it’s such a good choice.
How Is Chicken Noodle Soup Good For You?
When you were sick as a child, someone may have made you a bowl of chicken noodle soup. How healthy is this miraculous food?
According to studies, a large serving of chicken noodle soup can help clear stuffy noses and alleviate cold symptoms. It’s all about what you put in.
So, let’s get to the bottom of it: what’s in your soup?
Broth
If you have a cold, your doctor will tell you how important it is to stay hydrated. A clear broth is warm and soothing, so it’s a great way to stay hydrated when you’re sick, especially if you have a sore throat.
Both veggie broth and chicken broth are good for you. You might think that salt and other seasonings aren’t good for you, but if you use them in moderation, they can help you feel like your taste buds aren’t as dull.
When you have a cold, you often lose your sense of taste. Salt, like any other flavor enhancer, is a great way to get you to eat more.
But suppose your doctor has told you to limit your sodium intake (because of high blood pressure, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or another condition).
In that case, you should choose a broth that is low in sodium or doesn’t have any added salt.
Chicken has a lot of protein, which helps keep the nervous system in good shape. It also has a lot of vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins, which boost your immune system and help you digest food.
Chicken is also high in tryptophan, which helps your body make serotonin. Serotonin can boost your mood and make you feel “comfortable,” which is why chicken noodle soup is a true comfort food.
Noodles
In chicken noodle soup, the noodles are there for a reason. They have a lot of carbs, which fill you up and make you feel good.
Carbs are your body’s preferred source of energy, so eating a lot of soup can help you feel less tired.
Vegetables
All of the bits of carrot, celery, and onion in chicken noodle soup are high in antioxidants and minerals, as well as vitamins C and K.
This helps build a healthy immune system that can fight off viruses and helps your body heal from sickness faster.
Carrots, which are high in beta-carotene, can also help relieve symptoms because they reduce swelling.
Steam
Even though you haven’t added steam, serving your soup hot is important. The steam from your cup of hot soup can help clear your nose if you have a cold.
Steam can open up the airways, making breathing easier. It also has a small anti-inflammatory effect, which can help your muscles rest and ease the pain that comes with a cold.
Even though soup won’t completely eliminate your cold, it’s a great way to get more nutrients and stay hydrated. If you feel ill this winter, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.
Chicken Noodle Soup’s Advantages And Uses
Symptoms Of A Cold
Symptoms of the typical cold include a runny nose, sore throat, and coughing. Some of these symptoms may be alleviated by eating high-quality chicken noodle soup.
Researchers discovered evidence that chicken soup ingredients may help with the common cold.
That’s more than enough for grandmothers all over the world to say.
The presence of an amino called Acid Cysteine, which is extremely similar to Acetylcysteine, is ascribed to the medicinal-like effects of chicken noodle soup. Acetylcysteine is found in medications that are used to loosen thick mucus.
Open Your Airways
Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to breathe after eating a bowl of chicken noodle soup?
In one study, test subjects who drank chicken soup had more enhanced airflow than test subjects who drank warm water.
The test revealed that it wasn’t only the fluid’s temperature.
The scent, flavor, and vitamin combinations in the soup and broth are thought to assist in strengthening your body’s ability to open your airways and stimulate mucus flow from your nose.
Upset Stomach
If you’ve ever had an upset stomach, you know how difficult it is to keep food down.
This is because some foods are difficult to digest. Fortunately, chicken noodle soup is easy to eat.
Remove some of the ingredients and serve additional broth to make things easier on your stomach.
Introduce more vegetables and noodles gradually as you feel better and digest your food more easily.
Post-Workout Comfort Food
What do fitness professionals advise after a strenuous workout?
Hydrate and consume a well-balanced meal of protein, lipids, and complex carbohydrates.
Chicken noodle soup, on the other hand, has a pretty good balance in all of those categories.
As a result, after your next workout, consider including a cup of chicken noodle soup in your diet to help your body recover faster so you can get back out there and crush it again.
Chicken noodle soup is not only a delectable dish, but also a nutritious and comforting option with numerous health benefits. From providing hydration and supporting your immune system to soothing a sore throat and being mild on the stomach, this classic soup has earned its reputation as a nourishing go-to option.
So, the next time you appreciate a bowl of chicken noodle soup, savor not only its flavor but also the scientifically supported benefits it provides for your health.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find it helpful.
