Last week I had a cold and to no avail my doctor told me to rest and have some chicken noodle soup. This remedy for a cold is usually known by doctors and parents alike, but why? Is it because it is comforting and delicious or are there can actual health benefits be derived? This led me to look into the health benefits of chicken noodle soup and why we are told to eat it when we have a cold.
Last week I had a cold and to no avail, my doctor told me to rest and have some chicken noodle soup. This remedy for a cold is usually known by doctors and parents alike, but why? Is it because it is comforting and delicious or are there any healthy benefits? This led me to look into the health benefits of chicken noodle soup and why we are told to eat it when we have a cold.
I was surprised by the results because I had completely different thoughts about the health benefits of chicken noodle soup. I am going to share my findings with you because we all deserve to know why this remedy has been around for so many years.
Provides Hydration
While I was sick last week, I had such a sore throat that I was unable to swallow any liquids. This led me to quickly become dehydrated and I had to find a way to hydrate myself. The broth of chicken noodle soup can work to hydrate your body. According to an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital, ""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."
Relieves Inflammation
Scientists have found a compound, carnosine, frequently found in chicken noodle soup that has been shown to decrease inflammation caused by a common cold or the flu. Colds are usually caused by viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. According to Wonderopolis.org, "Research suggests that the carnosine may have an anti-inflammatory effect by preventing or slowing the movement of white blood cells to the upper respiratory tract." I can attest to this because when I had chicken noodle soup when I was sick, it helped to make my throat feel less sore and provided a sense of relief from the pain that I was experiencing.
Provides Antioxidants
Antioxidants work to prevent or slow cell damage within the body. Many versions of chicken noodle soup contain onions, celery, and carrots, which contain antioxidants and Vitamins A and C that help to create a strong immune system and fight off viruses in the body.
Final Thoughts
It is nice to know that chicken noodle soup actually provides some health benefits and is not just a mother's trick. While chicken noodle soup can help to heal a cold, it is still important to get checked out by a doctor to make sure you do not have strep throat or any other viral infection that may need the help of antibiotics or other medications.