Comfort food for the sick: China’s answer to chicken soup – The China Project (2024)

FAQs

Comfort food for the sick: China’s answer to chicken soup – The China Project? ›

Some may say chicken soup, and some may choose apple sauce. My answer is Chinese steamed eggs (鸡蛋羹 jī dàn gēng), with the texture of a baked custard. Whenever I lose appetite, come down with the flu or a stomach ache, this soothing, silky, pudding-like dish is my best cure.

Chicken Congee (China)

Chicken congee, a classic Chinese rice porridge, is an ideal choice for those feeling ill. The dish is easy on the stomach while offering sufficient protein from the chicken. A notable aspect of chicken congee is its adaptability.

Also, chicken soup is an easy way to get important micronutrients, macronutrients, and fluids when you're sick and may not have an appetite for other foods. “Chicken soup can be an easy and soothing way to get in some protein, carbs, and veggies when we're otherwise limited,” said Collier. Dr.

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. Though research is scant, experts say chicken soup is worth a try when you're sick.

Not only does homemade chicken noodle soup taste great, but chicken broth is known to help any cold. Hot chicken soup can relieve a sore throat and stimulate nasal clearance. Load it up with whatever vitamin-rich veggie medley strikes your fancy.

As it does with turkey, the body uses tryptophan from chicken to make melatonin—which can help you rest—and serotonin, the chemical that signals your nerves and makes you feel happy and at ease. Both of these are reasons chicken soup is associated with comfort food: you literally feel a physiological sense of comfort.

Cooked eggs are part of the bland diet, so you might tolerate them if you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Remember to eat more frequently, in smaller portions than usual. Slowly chewing your eggs helps reduce stress on your stomach. 1 Cooked eggs are also soft, which might be easy on a sore throat.

There are plenty of comfort foods you can eat when sick that don't require much effort. From hot soup to mac and cheese, these dishes will help make you feel better.

What is the best breakfast for a sick person? ›

If you're experiencing nausea or a stomach bug, opt for dry, starchy foods like crackers and toast. It's also best to stick to water or other nonalcoholic clear drinks. Some experts recommend the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), but there's little research into the effectiveness of such diets.

The bottom line. Think of chicken soup as supportive care—meaning it's one thing you do to make you feel a bit better while your body fights the virus—not a cure for it. As the CHEST study notes, potential antiviral benefits vary widely between brands, says Parikh.

Research shows that some soups – such as chicken and vegetable flavours – can help the body to kick a cold by easing congestion and inflammation. Stock up on Campbell's Soup collection to get you through the seasonal sickness.

Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus. The herbs and spices sometimes used in chicken soup, such as pepper and garlic, also loosen mucus. The broth, which contains water and electrolytes, helps with rehydration.

They may use foods, herbs and drink hot liquids to restore yin/yang balance. They will use traditional Chinese remedies as an initial approach for healing, especially during the early stages of illness.

Eat plenty of broth-based soups and rice. Drink warm liquids. If your symptoms are more "wind-cold," add ginger, cinnamon, green onion and garlic to your foods. If your symptoms are more "wind-heat," drink lots of peppermint tea and eat cooling fruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits.

Okayu: Japanese rice porridge. It is often eaten when people are not feeling well. The porridge has a very mild taste and it's easy to digest, making it a perfect food when you don't have much of an appetite. Okayu is usually made from white rice and water.

Ancient History

Another reason was that hot beverages were believed to expel humidity from the body, which was important for pregnant women, the elderly, and the sick. This connection between protecting and healing the weak gradually led the Chinese to link hot water with health.