Getting sick is the worst, but it's almost unavoidable. And as college students, we don't have time to sit at home, sweat it out, and get better. Also, going to the doctor can be really expensive and time consuming, so it's kind of silly to go for just a cold. Luckily, there are fixes out there besides medicine, one of which happens to be chicken noodle soup.
When I was younger, my mom always made sure I had plenty of liquids when I was fighting a cold, and chicken noodle soup was one of those liquids. Turns out, she was onto something. There are several scientific reasons why chicken noodle soup can help you feel better.
The best way to understand the different benefits of chicken noodle soup is by breaking it down into broth, veggies, chicken, and noodles. According to the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, each part of the soup gives different benefits.
The broth contains vitamins, minerals, and some healthy fats. It also provides hydration, and the heat from it can help clear nasal passages. The carrots, celery, and onion provide antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which are proven to strengthen the immune system and help prevent viruses.
The chicken itself provides protein, which also supports the immune system and can help you feel better faster, and the noodles provide carbs, which help you feel full. I can't think of anything worse than having a cold AND feeling hungry.
Turns out, mom was right to give us chicken noodle soup, but then again, was mom ever wrong? Next time you feel a cold coming on, heat yourself a bowl. Most college dining halls have at least one soup option every day, and most soups contain the components of chicken noodle soup that help you fight your cold. Even if it's not the homemade stuff from your childhood, it'll still do some good.