Have A Cold and Cough? 6 Healthy Soups To Boost Immunity (2024)

Many parts of India are having to combat seasonal influenza at present. Many people are at risk of becoming sick with the flu. According to experts, the symptoms of this viral attack range from coughing and sore throat to fever and body ache. Each person's reaction to the virus will be different and it is advised to consult a doctor regarding exact medication and diet. During such times, it is always a good idea to opt for healthy foods that will boost your immunity - whether you have the flu or not. If you have a cold and/or a cough, you might also require soothing hot liquids. This is why we have put together a list of healthy soup recipes that you can easily try at home.
(Also Read:7 Easily Available Spices That Help Fight Cold And Cough)

Here Are 6 Healthy Soup Recipes For The Flu Season | Easy Soup Recipes To Boost Immunity:

1. Carrot Ginger Soup

This soup infuses nutritious vegetable stock with the goodness of carrots and ginger. Carrots are rich in vitamins A, C and B6, which can help improve your immune response. Ginger is loaded with antioxidants and minerals that can help infections at bay. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective home remedy for cold and cough. This soup also includes pepper and garlic, which can also bring relief. Click here for the full recipe for Ginger Carrot Soup

2. Tomato Peppercorn Clear Soup

If you like tomato soup, check out this version. This clear soup derives its distinctive flavour from peppercorns, ginger and cinnamon. Pepper has long been considered a great remedy for flu symptoms. This everyday spice has many antiviral and antibacterial properties. As for tomatoes, their vitamin C and lycopene content make them champions of immune health. As this is a clear soup and not a creamy one, it is light on your stomach and would not be too rich for your system to digest. This soup is super simple to make and will be ready in half an hour. Check out the full recipe for Tomato Peppercorn Soup here.

3. Mixed Vegetable Soup

This classic soup is a must-have in any season. It is packed with a range of nutrients derived from the many veggies it uses: peas, carrots, tomatoes, french beans, etc. More can be added as required. This simple soup does not have complex flavours: just some salt, pepper and cumin powder. It is a wholesome meal in itself and perfect for when you want a comforting broth to relieve your cough and aches. Click here for the full recipe for Mixed Vegetable Soup.
(Also Read:Cook Broccoli Differently: Try These 5 Quick And Healthy Broccoli Soup Recipes)

4. Garlic Soup Recipe

If you're craving the lovely flavour of garlic, this soup is for you. The best thing about this recipe is that it leaves the choice of veggies up to you. So just use whatever's in your fridge: carrots, cabbage, onion, peas, corn, etc. Garlic contains certain healthy sulfuric compounds that help strengthen your immune system. It is also loaded with many other nutrients that have antibacterial properties. Click here for the full recipe.

5. Thukpa Soup

This Tibetan noodle soup is a warm bowl of tasty and healthy broth. If you're looking for a different kind of chicken soup, you must try out this one. Making a purely vegetarian Thukpa soup is also possible. Click here for the veg recipe. Both versions require everyday ingredients: onion, carrots, spring onions, beans, broth and basic spices. While some recipes call for the use of chilli sauce and soya sauce, you can choose to not add them if they irritate your throat. The rest of the seasonings will ensure that the soup remains delicious! Click here for the recipe for Chicken Thukpa Soup

6. Sweet Potato Soup/ Shakarkandi Soup

Have A Cold and Cough? 6 Healthy Soups To Boost Immunity (2)

Soups for immunity: This sweet potato soup is full of flavour and nutrients.Photo Credit: iStock

Sweet potatoes contain carotenoids, anthocyanins, vitamins, and potassium. These help boost your immunity and prevent inflammation. Sweet potatoes are also considered good for your gut. This recipe uses Thai curry paste as a flavour, but you can choose to exclude it if you prefer a lighter version. The soup remains a great source of nutrients as it also contains carrots and coconut milk. Click here for the full recipe
These soups are a good way to stay healthy and protect your immune system from viral attacks. Stay safe and eat right!
(Also Read:Feeling Tired All The Time? These 5 Drinks May Help)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Have A Cold and Cough? 6 Healthy Soups To Boost Immunity (2024)

FAQs

Which soup is best for cough and cold? ›

A chicken soup or broth is an excellent food to eat when you have flu. The steam from soup or broth speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose to relieve congestion. A healthy soup also helps reduce inflammation. Sipping hot soup enhances your immune system that guards against bacteria and viruses.

What is the best soup to eat when you're sick? ›

Broth-based soups are helpful, as it's important to stay hydrated when you're not feeling well. Recipes like Baked Vegetable Soup and Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Kale are flavorful and comforting for days when you need an easy, delicious nutrition boost.

Does soup boost the immune system? ›

Many soups contain the nutrients the Mayo Clinic advises getting more of when you're not feeling well, mainly those that support your immune system, such as vitamins C and D, beta-carotene, zinc, probiotics, and protein.

What soup is good for the lungs? ›

Let's prepare a Soup that works like a healing medicine for your lungs. The ingredients: cauliflower, ginger, garlic, onion, coriander and curcuma strengthen the lung energy and thus helps to relieves colds, inflammations and infections, low vitality and fatigue, astma and skin problems.

What foods help stop coughing? ›

12 natural cough remedies
  • Honey. According to research, honey may relieve a cough. ...
  • Ginger. Ginger may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. ...
  • Hot fluids. ...
  • Steam. ...
  • Marshmallow root. ...
  • Saltwater gargle. ...
  • Bromelain. ...
  • Thyme.

What is the best soup to break up mucus? ›

Thai red curry noodle soup. A bit of spice may be just what the doctor ordered to clear your sinuses. When made with red pepper, the red curry paste in this zippy soup contains capsaicin, a compound known for breaking up mucus.

What are 3 foods that boost your immune system? ›

You need a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, and spices in your diet to enable your body to stay as healthy as possible. Good choices of foods to boost the immune system include citrus fruits, spinach, almonds, papaya, and green tea.

Which tea boosts the immune system? ›

Top immune boosting teas include turmeric teas, ginger teas, licorice root teas, peppermint teas, chamomile teas, and more. These teas contain beneficial properties that can help to strengthen your immune system and ward off illness.

Is chicken good for the immune? ›

Chicken. Chicken meat is an excellent source of vitamin B-6, which is involved in various chemical processes that take place in the body. In addition, stock or broth from boiling chicken bones has some beneficial nutrients. For instance, gelatin and chondroitin help repair the gut and strengthen the immune system.

What should I drink to clear my lungs? ›

HERE ARE SOME DRINKS THAT MAY BE BENEFICIAL:
  • Green tea. Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which may have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on lung tissue.
  • Turmeric Milk. ...
  • Warm water with lemon. ...
  • Honey and warm water. ...
  • Pineapple juice. ...
  • Beetroot juice. ...
  • Garlic-infused water.
Oct 5, 2023

What soup is good for upper respiratory infection? ›

The steam from chicken soup may open up congested noses and throats. Soup also provides fluid, which thins mucus and helps prevent dehydration. Chicken soup is believed to contain an amino acid that is similar to a drug used to treat some respiratory infections.

Which soup is best for bronchitis? ›

Best foods to eat when sick with bronchitis

Chicken soup can help ease a sore throat and loosen mucus when you're sick with bronchitis. Add spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic to soothe throat and chest irritation.

Can soup stop coughing? ›

Other popular home remedies include tea, chicken soup and honey, whether eaten alone or added to drinks. “Chicken soup has a lot of value if you're sick in general,” Bergquist said. “The warmth and spices open up the sinuses. For coughs, hot liquids ease the throat, and honey is quite effective.

Which soup is better in throat infection? ›

Chicken and vegetable broths and soups are loaded with nutrients and anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe and heal a sore throat. Broths and soups boost your immune system and go down easily when your throat feels raw and scratchy.

Is chicken soup OK for cough? ›

Chicken soup is generally taken warm to hot and if it contains ingredients that are generally warm, sweet or pungent in nature – garlic, onions, corn, chicken, vegetables – they will help lung function, promote circulation of energy (Qi), warm the body, stop the cough and clear phlegm.”

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