Ah, the age-old debate: can chicken noodle soup really help conquer a nasty cold? Whether you’re a soup aficionado or a skeptic, the comforting aroma and soothing warmth of a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup have a way of making even the staunchest non-believer reconsider. So, let’s dive into the delicious world of chicken noodle soup and explore if this classic remedy is truly a cold-fighting champion or just a comforting myth. Get ready to slurp your way to the truth!
Key Takeaways
- Chicken noodle soup can help with colds by loosening mucus, clearing nasal congestion, and providing a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
- Drinking the liquid and inhaling the vapors of chicken soup can increase the temperature of nasal and respiratory passages, which helps loosen thick mucus.
- Chicken soup may improve the function of cilia in the nose, which can prevent contagions from entering the body, potentially acting as a preventative measure for colds.
- The broth in chicken soup soothes a sore throat, helps inhibit the movement of white blood cells, promotes movement of nasal mucus, and keeps the body hydrated.
- Studies show that sipping on hot chicken soup can help clear stuffy noses and lessen symptoms like congestion.
- Low-sodium, veggie-packed chicken soup is recommended for treating cold symptoms effectively.
Table of Contents
Can Chicken Noodle Soup Really Treat a Cold?
Chicken noodle soup has been a go-to remedy for colds for centuries, but does it actually work? The answer is yes, but it’s important to note that chicken noodle soup won’t cure a cold. What it can do is help to relieve some of the symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and body aches.
One of the ways that chicken noodle soup helps to relieve cold symptoms is by loosening mucus. Mucus is a thick fluid that can build up in the nasal passages and make it difficult to breathe. Chicken noodle soup contains hot liquid and steam, which can help to thin mucus and make it easier to expel.
In addition, the broth in chicken noodle soup contains electrolytes, which can help to keep you hydrated. When you’re sick, it’s important to stay hydrated to help your body fight off the infection.
Finally, chicken noodle soup contains anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response to infection, but too much inflammation can actually make cold symptoms worse. The anti-inflammatory properties in chicken noodle soup can help to reduce inflammation and relieve some of the discomfort associated with a cold.
Is Chicken Noodle Soup Effective for Preventing Colds?
In addition to treating cold symptoms, chicken noodle soup may also help to prevent colds. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who ate chicken noodle soup were less likely to develop colds than those who didn’t. The study participants who did develop colds had milder symptoms and recovered more quickly.
The researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties in chicken noodle soup may help to protect against colds. Inflammation is a natural response to infection, but too much inflammation can actually make cold symptoms worse. The anti-inflammatory properties in chicken noodle soup may help to reduce inflammation and make it less likely that you will develop a cold.
— Ultimate Guide to Homemade Chicken Soup Crockpot Recipes: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Comfort Meals
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup for Colds
If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve cold symptoms, chicken noodle soup is a great option. Here’s a recipe for a simple and effective chicken noodle soup:
Ingredients:
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken.
- Serve hot.
Other Ways to Treat Colds
In addition to chicken noodle soup, there are a number of other things you can do to treat a cold. These include:
- Getting plenty of rest. When you’re sick, your body needs time to heal. Make sure to get plenty of rest so your immune system can fight off the infection.
- Drinking plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s especially important when you’re sick. Fluids help to thin mucus and keep your throat from getting dry and irritated.
- Eating a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help to boost your immune system and make it less likely that you will get sick. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Taking over-the-counter medications. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve cold symptoms. These include decongestants, expectorants, and pain relievers.
- Seeing a doctor. If your cold symptoms are severe or don’t improve after a week, see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help you get better.
1. How does chicken noodle soup help with colds?
Chicken noodle soup helps with colds by loosening mucus, clearing nasal congestion, and providing a mild anti-inflammatory effect. The hot liquid and steam from the soup can help to thin mucus, making it easier to expel. Additionally, the broth contains electrolytes that can help keep you hydrated, and the anti-inflammatory properties can reduce discomfort associated with a cold.
2. Can chicken noodle soup prevent colds?
Research suggests that chicken noodle soup may help prevent colds. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who ate chicken noodle soup were less likely to develop colds than those who didn’t. The anti-inflammatory properties in the soup may help protect against colds, and those who did develop colds had milder symptoms and recovered more quickly.
3. What are the key benefits of chicken noodle soup for colds?
The benefits of chicken noodle soup for colds include loosening mucus, clearing nasal congestion, providing a mild anti-inflammatory effect, and keeping the body hydrated. The soup can also improve the function of cilia in the nose, potentially acting as a preventative measure for colds.
4. How does chicken noodle soup help with nasal congestion?
Drinking the liquid and inhaling the vapors of chicken noodle soup can increase the temperature of nasal and respiratory passages, which helps loosen thick mucus. This can help clear stuffy noses and lessen symptoms like congestion.
5. What type of chicken noodle soup is recommended for treating cold symptoms effectively?
A low-sodium, veggie-packed chicken noodle soup is recommended for treating cold symptoms effectively. The broth in the soup soothes a sore throat, helps inhibit the movement of white blood cells, promotes movement of nasal mucus, and keeps the body hydrated.
6. How long has chicken noodle soup been used as a cold remedy?
Chicken noodle soup has been used as a cold remedy as early as the 12th century. It has been a go-to remedy for colds for centuries due to its perceived effectiveness in relieving cold symptoms.
7. Is chicken noodle soup alone sufficient to cure a cold?
Chicken noodle soup won’t cure a cold, but it can help to relieve some of the symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and body aches. It is important to seek medical advice and consider other treatments for a complete recovery from a cold.
