Over the years, studies have shown that chicken soup is a natural decongestant. The chicken in the soup contains an amino acid called cysteine that breaks apart the mucus and has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects. Increasing hydration also helps to thin and clear mucus.
Modern research has actually shown that chicken soup, more than other hot liquid, increases mucus flow and helps the body rid itself of the cold virus. Chicken is rich in an amino acid called cysteine which helps loosen secretions. This effect is increased by adding spices such as pepper and garlic.
As it does with turkey, the body uses tryptophan from chicken to make melatonin—which can help you rest—and serotonin, the chemical that signals your nerves and makes you feel happy and at ease. Both of these are reasons chicken soup is associated with comfort food: you literally feel a physiological sense of comfort.
Bone broth serves as a great way to replenish the fluids that you're losing, while also providing your body with valuable electrolytes from the sodium in the broth. These electrolytes will also help you absorb the water more easily.
Chicken Soup Helps Soothe the Common Symptoms of Cold, Flu, and Mild COVID-19. If you're under the weather because of a Cold, Flu, or mild COVID-19, eating nutritious foods will help you feel better and recover faster.
As chicken cooks, it releases an amino acid resembling properties in medicine used to fight infections such as bronchitis. And in 2000, a study found that chicken soup may also reduce inflammation – less inflammation equals fewer symptoms.
One notable study showed that chicken soup diminishes the presence of white blood cells associated with inflammation in upper respiratory conditions that often plague cold sufferers, suggesting that it encourages a more effective immune response and helps symptoms clear up quicker.
"Clear broth soups are hydrating because they typically contain not only water but also salt and so those two together are good properties for hydration," Peterson said. Some research suggests chicken soup in particular can help reduce inflammation associated with colds and flu, thus providing some symptom relief.
Researchers in ISU's Health and Human Performance Department of the College of Education say that eating chicken noodle soup rehydrates the body better than drinking plain water. The results also suggest that chicken broth and chicken noodle soup increase the body's fluid restoration better than popular sport drinks.
Bone broth is anti-inflammatory
The long cooking time for bone broth breaks down cartilage and tendons releasing anti-inflammatory compounds, chondroitin and glucosamine sulphates, that are found in expensive supplements for arthritis and joint pain. These compounds keep your joints young and flexible.
Because of the rich flavor of broth that comes from meat, vegetables and herbs, you can drink broth plain. People often do this to remedy a cold or the flu.
"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," Allonen said.
This saying has been traced to a 1574 dictionary by John Withals, which noted that “fasting is a great remedy of fever.” The belief is that eating food may help the body generate warmth during a “cold” and that avoiding food may help it cool down when overheated.
Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water, juice, clear broth or chicken soup helps loosen mucus that can cause congestion and helps prevent dehydration.
Dr. Stephen Rennard, University of Nebraska Medical Center says that chicken soup, while not a cure, has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe sore throats and ease the misery of colds and flu—and even COVID-19. It helps us feel better so we can get better and that's good enough for me.
There is no evidence of an advantage to consuming these amino acids and minerals from bone broth as opposed to other foods. Bone broth does contain collagen and bone marrow but the claim that consuming these will directly benefit human bones and joints is unfounded.
Bone broth is different from chicken broth. It is a liquid that has more protein, collagen, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals than chicken broth. Chicken broth may be ok for cooking, but bone broth is much for concentrated and delicious. Bone broth also gives you nutritional benefits, while chicken broth does not.
You'll notice results from bone broth within the first 7 days if you drink bone broth daily. Many of our guests first notice that they 'feel better' and they have more energy first. Gradually they will notice their gut health improve between 7-14 days.
There is no way to get rid of a cold fast. A cold will usually go away on its own without treatment. However, a person may experience uncomfortable symptoms while they recover. People can take steps to aid recovery, such as getting plenty of rest.
The best thing you can do to recover from the flu is allow yourself to sleep, rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you catch your flu symptoms early, and you're at risk of serious complications, you can try an antiviral medication to help reduce the duration of your symptoms.
For context, if one cup of cooked chicken breast is about 40 grams of protein, you could easily drink a cup or two of bone broth in addition to your regular meals to reach your protein needs. For weight loss and muscle maintenance: Drink 2-6 cups of bone broth daily, along with protein at every meal.
Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse
Chicken broth also enhances anti-inflammatory capacity thanks to the amino acid glycine. Glycine is closely related to the immune and digestive system, and an important building block for many different acids that keep your body healthy.
If you're working to improve your gut health, we'd recommend drinking at least 3 cups of broth a day, ideally with the first being on an empty stomach in the morning. For hair, skin + nails: With its many benefits, collagen has gained increasing popularity in the past decade or so.