Wednesday, January 2, 2019

The Whys and Whyfors Chicken Noodle Soup Is Good for You - From Someone Who Knows

Chicken Noodle Soup is chockful of ingredients that can make us feel better when we have a cold and other ailments. Archive photos.

BY VW

YOU’RE
sneezing. You have a runny nose. You are having slight dizzy spells. You are tired. You feel lousy. You have a cold and all you want to do is to get in bed and pull the covers over you. And sleep.

At some point during your convalescence, however, someone is going to mention that Chicken Noodle Soup is just the thing to get you on the road to recovery.

Since most of us were knee high to a grasshopper, we've known that chicken noodle soup is one dish that will make us feel better when we're under the weather - especially with a cold.

But few of us have probably ever stopped to think or ask why is that. What is it about chicken noodle soup that can lessen the effects of a cold (and numerous other illnesses)?


Carrots add a pop of bright color to chicken noodle soup. They also have numerous health benefits such as assisting in reducing inflammation.

Now, someone who knows about such things – a clinical dietitian from Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – explains why, major ingredient by major ingredient.

“Studies have shown that a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup may help clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms,” says Sandy Allonen. “It’s all about the ingredients.”

Chicken
Chicken is full of protein that helps support the immune system. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins. They boost immunity and help regulate digestion.

“Chicken is also high in tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin that can enhance your mood and give you the feeling of ‘comfort’ that helps make chicken noodle soup a true comfort food,” SA says.



Celery is not the brightest vegetable in chicken noodle soup but it is rich in vitamins C and K.

Vegetables
Carrots are high in beta-carotene and can help reduce symptoms because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Celery and onions also figure prominently in chicken noodle soup.

Like carrots, they are great sources of vitamins C and K, as well as other antioxidants and minerals. “Not only does this help build a healthy immune system to fight off viruses, it also helps your body recover from illness more quickly,” according to SA.

Noodles
Noodles are carbohydrate-rich, which is filling. “Carbs,” SA stresses “are the preferred source of energy for your body, so getting in a good dose through soup can help you feel less sluggish.”

Broth
A broth provides hydration, a necessary weapon when fighting a cold. “A clear broth is warm and soothing, making it a great source of hydration while you’re sick, especially if you have a sore throat,” SA says.

For those on low-salt diets, SA recommends a low-sodium broth.

The low-sodium chicken broth from Pacific Foods is ideal for those adhering to low-salt diets.

Steam
The steam drifting off of a bowl of hot chicken noodle soup can help reduce nasal congestion.

Says S.A., "Steam can open up airways, making it easier to breathe. It also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect that can help relax your muscles and soothe the discomforts of cold symptoms."

Chicken noodle soup, anyone?

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