Also known as ‘Jewish Penicillin’, chicken soup has long been revered for its supposed healing powers. Certainly, it is one of the first things we think of making loved ones when they are unwell.
It’s likely not just an old wives tale either; while chicken soup may not be the cure-all for the common cold, research suggest that it likely does possess qualities that can help you heal faster or, at the least, feel better for the duration of your sickness.
Firstly, steaming hot liquid, of any kind, helps to relieve congestion and the extra hydration is also great for helping to flush out viral bugs. However, a study by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Miami showed that chicken soup positively affects airflow and mucous more than just hot water alone. They also found that it improved the functioning of cilia, the tiny hairs in our nose that help prevent bacteria from entering our body and effectively sweep germs out.
One widely cited study, published in the medical journal Chest in 2000 by a Dr. Rennard, analysed the blood samples of volunteers and concluded that chicken soup inhibits the movement of white blood cells known as neutrophils, which are the most common type of white blood cell and which defend against infection.
Rennard theorised that by inhibiting the migration of these cells, chicken soup helps reduce upper respiratory cold symptoms. This action produces an anti-inflammatory response, which soothes sore throats and inflamed sinuses.
Other researchers have debated such findings, saying that since they were only done in a laboratory they can’t be used as evidence that the soup actually improve the symptoms of colds or affect their duration. Some believe it is merely a placebo effect at work – so strong is our belief in its healing power.
However, at the very least, a good chicken noodle soup made with stock and vegetables contains a healthy mix of proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbs and also tastes delicious – so how can that fail to make you feel better? Particularly if you don’t have to make it yourself, since a little TLC is always the best cure for a cold.
Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance, K Saketkhoo, A Januszkiewicz and M A Sackner, Chest Journal, 2000, http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/reprint/74/4/408
The Science of Chicken Soup, Tara Parker-Pope, New York Times, October, 2007, http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/the-science-of-chicken-soup