The chicken soup recipe is known among most cultures as a remedy for fighting a head cold and to boost the immune system. In the Jewish culture it is compellingly known as "Jewish penicillin". So pervasive is this belief, scientists have actually taken it to the lab for testing.
Dr Stephen Rennard (a pulmonary expert from Nebraska) undertook a study into the health benefits of chicken soup and concluded it was a combination of the anti-inflammatory properties of many of chicken soup's ingredients that reduced congestion and eased the symptoms of a cold.
Dr Rennard concluded "A variety of soup preparations were evaluated and found to be variably, but generally, able to inhibit neutrophils. Many store-bought, prepared and even canned soups, had the same inhibitory effect."
Though researchers were not able to identify the exact ingredient or ingredients in the soup that made it effective against fighting colds, they theorize it may be a combination of ingredients in the soup that work together to have beneficial effects.
Dr. Rennard said the soup also may improve rehydration and nutrition in the body and the psychological and physical comfort soup provides may also have a benefit.
What are the Health Benefits of Chicken Soup?
The nutritional content of a bowl of chicken soup may provide relief to symptoms of nasal congestion and colds. L-tryptophan is an amino acid found in chicken meat that helps the body build proteins and chemicals in the brain that support cognitive function. It also releases L-cysteine during the cooking process, which helps to ease flu symptoms and inflammation.
Onion and garlic cloves are other basic ingredients in chicken soup that help fight off viral infections, lower cholesterol and prevent cancer, as well as adding rich flavour to the soup. Fresh ginger, while optional, makes for a fragrant soup as well as improving blood flow and fighting viruses with its antibacterial properties.
Black pepper, although a tiny spice, is a powerful antioxidant and rich with anti-inflammatory agents, which make it a crucial component of a hearty bowl of chicken soup. Now now, chicken broth wouldn't be complete without carrot slices, celery stalk chops and leafy vegetables. They not only add vibrant colours to everyone's comfort food but also enhance its nutritional value.
Carrots are rich in vitamins A and K, calcium and beta-carotene. Celery contains vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, aid digestion, and combat inflammation. Leafy greens play a key role in chicken soup beyond enhancing its taste; they are a vital part of everyone's diet since they contain fibre, vitamins and minerals that aid in the prevention of disease.
How to Prepare a Pot of Chicken Soup
Making homemade chicken soup is very easy. Almost all of the ingredients you'll need are right in your pantry. If you don't have one of these, you can use whatever is available there and still get the same delectable taste and texture. Additionally, a bowl of soup can help you stay healthy during flu season.
Ingredients
- 2 brown onions
- 6 carrots, chopped
- 6 sticks of celery, chopped
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 4 whole peppercorns
- 1 whole organic chicken
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 shallots
- Olive oil
- 3 sprigs fresh parsley
- 200 g baby spinach
- 2 handfuls of seasonal greens such as kale
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- To make the stock, place the onions, 2 of the carrots and 2 of the celery in a large pan with the bay leaves, peppercorns, a pinch of sea salt together with the whole chicken.
- Fill the pan with cold water until everything is covered and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. It is important to remove the scum that will surface to the top now and then.
- In the meantime, place garlic, parsley (picking off some of the leaves for later) and shallots in a pan with the butter and 1 tablespoon of oil and cook for 5-10 minutes or until soft. Add the rest of the carrots and celery and cook for a further 5 minutes.
- When the stock is ready, remove the chicken carcass, pull off any remaining pieces of meat and leave to one side, then discard the carcass.
- Add your greens and cook for a further 10 minutes.
- Finish the soup by squeezing in the lemon juice, then taste and season.
