Let's just say that as in everything, Mom was right.
By Jessica Migala Updated May 08, 2020
When you were little and got sick, along with access to the TV all day, your mom probably brought you a bowl of chicken soup. What was once thought of as a folk remedy may actually have some real benefits. Here’s how slurping down a bowl does your body good:
Chicken and veggies may fight viruses
Homemade chicken soup may exert anti-inflammatory activity on neutrophils, the white blood cells that respond to infection, found a now-famous study published in the journal CHEST in 2000. This, in turn, may help alleviate symptoms of a cold.
It’s all about the ingredients—and their interaction as they cook. “This study shows that both the vegetables and chicken reduce inflammation and possibly even kill the virus,” says Purvi Parikh, MD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist with Allergy and Asthma Network and New York University School of Medicine in New York City. So, vegetarian versions may also provide some benefit, she says. (One note: it’s important to remember that this was done in vitro—a test tube/Petri dish—so the results would need to be replicated in humans. It’s also one of the only pieces of research on chicken soup we have.)
Warm soup can clear a stuffy nose
Some of the benefits of a steaming bowl of soup are all about what you’re inhaling. “Heat and steam help with mucus and congestion and have a soothing effect on sore throat,” says Parikh.
Soup helps hydrate
It’s important to stay hydrated whether sick or well but keeping up with liquid intake can get you better faster. “Dehydration impacts your ability to fight infections,” says Parikh. “Fevers dehydrate the body, as does diarrhea, which is common in viral infections,” she says, adding that most people should be drinking two to three liters of water at this time. It’s easy to forget that what you eat can also provide the fluids an ill body needs—and soup is a great way to drink up.
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. The study used a homemade “grandma’s recipe,” so it’s best if you can make your own (or better yet, ask someone in your household to make it for you). Try these easy versions: Classic Chicken Soup, Ginger Chicken Soup with Vegetables, Spring Chicken Soup, and even a recipe nicknamed “Immunity Soup.”
FAQs
Modern research has actually shown that chicken soup, more than other hot liquid, increases mucus flow and helps the body rid itself of the cold virus. Chicken is rich in an amino acid called cysteine which helps loosen secretions.
Is chicken soup good for a virus? ›
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.
Does chicken broth actually help when sick? ›
“In particular, chicken is an excellent source of the amino acid cysteine, which has been shown to help thin mucus and help you manage cold and flu symptoms.” The broth that serves as the base of chicken soup can also provide fluids and electrolytes that help the body fight off infections, Collier noted.
Is chicken soup Antibacterial? ›
Chicken contains an amino acid cysteine which has been shown to reduce and break up mucous congestion in the lungs. Garlic- Garlic is a must in a chicken soup as nature's best natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent to help your body fight infection and get better quickly.
Does chicken soup boost immune system? ›
One notable study showed that chicken soup diminishes the presence of white blood cells associated with inflammation in upper respiratory conditions that often plague cold sufferers, suggesting that it encourages a more effective immune response and helps symptoms clear up quicker.
Is Campbell's chicken noodle soup good for you when sick? ›
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.
Why do hospitals give you chicken broth? ›
Chicken broth is rich in vitamins and minerals, and the vinegar helps to extract the minerals from the bones. It also contains an amino acid called glutamine, which is beneficial for gut health.
Why is chicken broth healing? ›
Health Benefits Of Chicken Broth
It supports the immune system and helps prevent and reduce infections. It's been traditionally used for recovery. It supports healthy bone, collagen, and cartilage formation. It's rich in compounds that support the cells lining our digestive tract.
Why is chicken soup like penicillin? ›
As chicken cooks, it releases an amino acid resembling properties in medicine used to fight infections such as bronchitis. And in 2000, a study found that chicken soup may also reduce inflammation – less inflammation equals fewer symptoms.
Are there antibiotics in chicken soup? ›
Garlic, onions and leeks, all typical components of chicken noodle soup, are plant cousins which contain a range of phytochemicals that have antibiotic, antifungal and health protective properties.
When chicken cooks in soup, an amino acid called cysteine is released. Cysteine thins mucus in the lungs, aiding in chest decongestion and faster healing. Chicken also provides a great source of protein that is particularly helpful to muscles when your body feels weakened and drained during illness.
Does chicken soup actually help when sick? ›
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.
Why is chicken soup anti-inflammatory? ›
Renard et al. (2000) found that chicken soup inhibited the migration of neutrophils, thus showing anti-inflammatory activity.
Is chicken soup good for the lungs? ›
' According to similar learning of research and new learning, 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, which in turn can work to improve respiratory passages.
Is chicken good for viral infection? ›
Chicken is rich in protein. Protein is needed fighting against any diseases. So, you can have unseasoned chicken prepared in less oil during fever (but you can't have red meat which is difficult to digest).
Is chicken soup good for a cough? ›
Chicken soup is solid comfort food and a great remedy for cough, cold, and congestion. If the weather gets to you, try this super easy chicken soup recipe to soothe your throat and nose.
Is chicken or vegetable soup better when sick? ›
Chicken Noodle Soup
Let's start with a classic comfort food! 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.
Does soup help when you're ill? ›
The sodium in the recipe helps relieve sore throat pain (the same principle behind gargling warm salt water), the heat helps clear nasal congestion, and can relieve pain and sinus pressure. The vitamins and minerals in nutrient-dense soups can also speed recovery, Bailey adds.
