Feeding sick people chicken noodle soup has been a common practice around the world for centuries. Today, generations from almost every culture swear by the benefits of chicken broth, according to The Conversation.
Chicken soup has been used as a therapeutic remedy since 60 AD.
So, as flu season approaches, the question is: What does science say about the effects of chicken broth on colds?
Dr. Colby Teeman, nutritionist, associate professor in the Department of Health and Sports Sciences at the University of Dayton (USA), explains: The warm taste of the broth and the rich, delicious flavors of the chicken, vegetables and noodles, pho is very good. What gives chicken pho its special flavor is "meaty taste - umami".
Helps increase appetite and improve digestion
What gives chicken pho its special flavor is the "meaty taste - umami"
Studies show that flavor is important to the healing properties of chicken noodle soup. Doctors have noticed that patients with upper respiratory illnesses often suddenly eat less or not at all. This is because acute illnesses cause an inflammatory response that can reduce appetite.
This will lead to difficulty getting enough essential nutrients, which will negatively affect immunity and recovery.
But evidence suggests that the “meaty” taste in chicken broth may help stimulate appetite. Research shows that participants felt hungrier after first tasting “meaty” chicken broth.
Other studies suggest that this flavor may also improve nutrient digestion, making protein easier to absorb.
This may help reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms many people experience when they are sick. Research has found that the flu virus increases symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
May help reduce inflammation and nasal congestion
Eating chicken pho can help reduce inflammation and nasal congestion
Inflammation occurs when white blood cells move into inflamed tissue to aid in the healing process. When this inflammation occurs in the upper respiratory tract, it leads to cold symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and thickened mucus.
Research shows that chicken broth can directly inhibit neutrophils from migrating to inflamed tissues. This in turn helps reduce the number of white blood cells that migrate to inflamed tissues.
Main ingredients
Chicken provides the body with a complete source of protein to fight infection. Vegetables provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Noodles and pho provide easily digestible carbohydrates that the body uses for energy and recovery.
Even the warmth of chicken broth can help. Sipping the broth and inhaling the steam raises the temperature of the nasal and respiratory passages, loosening mucus in people with respiratory illnesses. Studies have shown that chicken broth is more effective at thinning mucus than hot water.
Herbs and spices added to chicken pho, such as pepper, onions, ginger, etc., also help thin mucus. The broth contains electrolytes that help rehydrate.
In short, the latest science shows that chicken noodle soup actually helps cure diseases, according to The Conversation.
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