Winter Special: Do you know the benefits of Chicken Soup

Benefits of Chicken Soup

Benefits of Chicken Soup are well known, i am listing a few to remind us of its importance in winters:

1. Good for the common cold: Chicken soup has been observed to stop the migration of a type of white blood cells called neutrophils to the site of the infection, resulting in reduced inflammation and improved symptoms ¹.
2. Good for nasal congestion: Stuffiness associated with the common cold, certain flu viruses or other respiratory infections of bacterial or viral causes, even allergies can be corrected and improved in a matter of minutes by eating chicken soup. First of all, chicken soup is half liquid and this helps hydrate mucous membranes lining the nasal passages, allowing for the mucus to drain and facilitates normal breathing. Secondly, it’s usually eaten warm and the heat further helps clear stuffiness and eliminate nose mucus. Furthermore, research shows chicken soup has important anti-inflammatory benefits. And by reducing inflammation, it automatically contributes to less severe symptoms, including nasal congestion ¹.
3. Supports healthy weight loss: Chicken soup is low in calories and has boiled chicken meat which provides protein for creating muscle – muscle mass burns more calories and helps with weight loss. Chicken meat also has a little or a lot of fat which is needed for absolutely every cell in the body – in addition to antioxidant benefits, fat is essential for healthy and beautiful skin, a big concern during weight loss diets. Fat is also good for the brain and helps curb cravings, supporting healthy and clean eating. The variety of vegetables incorporated in chicken soup is a source of complex carbohydrates for good energy levels and fiber for great transit and an easy digestion ¹.
4. Benefits for gout: Chicken soup is rich in collagen, which is a type of protein that is found in the bones, cartilage, tendons, and skin of animals. Collagen is broken down into gelatin when it is cooked, and this gelatin contains amino acids that are beneficial for people with gout ¹.
5. For anemia: Chicken soup is a good source of iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells. It also contains vitamin B12, which is necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells ¹.
6. Combats dehydration: Chicken soup is a good source of fluids, which can help combat dehydration ¹.
7. Remedy for constipation: Chicken soup is a good source of fiber, which can help prevent constipation ¹.

Here are three chicken soup recipes that kids will enjoy:

1. Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup: Heat some oil in a pan and add chicken, ginger, and garlic to it. Cook for four to five minutes. Blend rice flour/whole wheat flour and a little stock. Add this mixture to the pan with the stock and the sweet corn. Boil and simmer for about 10 minutes. Beat an egg in a bowl and add some lemon juice to it ¹².
2. Creamy Chicken Soup With Egg Noodles: Add chicken breast, onion, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and dried thyme to a large soup pot. Add 5 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook partially covered for 1 1/2 hours. Add peeled and chopped carrots and cook for 5 more minutes. Then add 1 – 2 cups of egg noodles (depending on how hearty you want the soup to be) ³.
3. Chicken Broth With Vegetables And Herbs: Sliced carrots, celery, green onions, fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or coriander. Place the chicken thighs in a large pan and cover with water. Place on low to medium heat and cook till the meat is cooked. Remove from heat ².

Tell us in comments what type of soups you like.