Can Chicken Soup Really Help When You’re Sick? I Say Yes!
Fall is here, which means cold and flu season is here. There are many home remedies to fight off illnesses, one of them being chicken soup. Growing up, any time I wasn’t feeling well, my mom would make Matzo Ball Soup. This is known as ‘Jewish penicillin’. It’s homemade chicken stock, usually with some carrots and celery and matzo balls. It’s my favorite! And it always makes me feel better!
Numerous cultures have their own version of chicken soup, and since I’m Jewish, Matzo Ball Soup is ours. That said, when I’m sick I make a different chicken soup for myself. For whatever reason, if I have Matzo Ball Soup, it’s better to me if someone else makes it. I’m sure it’s just in my head that it’s tastier when made my someone else. Kinda like a grilled cheese sandwich…always better when made by someone else.
So, does chicken soup really help when you’re sick? According to The Conversation, yes! There are properties in the soup that can help your body when you’re sick. Hot chicken soup can help reduce inflammation, which can lead to a stuffy or runny nose. The protein and nutrients in the soup can also help fight off infection.
But Wait, There’s More Benefits Of Chicken Soup
When you’re sick, you usually don’t feel like eating much. When you don’t eat, you aren’t getting the nutrients you need to fight off an illness. Chicken soup has protein to help your body, and the warm broth comforts your body. Obviously, if there are veggies in the soup, you’ll get nutrients and vitamins your body needs to get better.
Although canned soups provide the warmth, rarely to they give your body the hearty veggies that can help you heal. When the soup is homemade, you’re getting real chicken which is giving you protein to fight off infections. Lots of veggies are supplying your body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And if you add noodles, they’re a good source of carbs, which gives you energy and they’re easy to digest.
If you’re like me, when I make soup, I use lots of garlic and fresh herbs. Not only does it enhance the taste, but it’s good for you! Pepper and garlic can aid in loosening mucus. Fresh herbs add flavor to the soup, helping you eat more.
Outside of all the health benefits of chicken soup, psychologically it helps too! It makes you feel warm and often gives you a sense of comfort. Chicken soup is like a warm hug, especially if someone you love makes it for you. Even if you make it yourself, there’s a good chance it brings you comfort because it’s nostalgic.
Physically and mentally, chicken soup is good for the soul and for what ails you! If you’re like me and live alone, make some homemade soup for yourself, and freeze it. That way when you’re sick and not feeling up to cooking, you’ll have some homemade medicine ready to kick the sickness away!
Enjoy the video from the show ‘Sunday Morning’ about ‘Jewish penicillin’. Makes me long for my mom’s soup!
