What Are the Chicken Soup Treatments for a Cold?
Chicken soup won't cure your cold, but it can make you feel better. And not only because Mom says so. Researchers now say they have clinical evidence to support this time-tested folk remedy. And whether it simmers for hours on the stove or sputters in the microwave, there's a lot more to chicken soup than what's in your bowl.
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Considerations
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People have touted the benefits of chicken soup for centuries. The 12th-century physician Maimonides recommended the broth of hens and other fowl to "neutralize body constitution." Fast forward to 1993, when researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center sought to prove its effectiveness. They discovered chicken soup does in fact contain some unique substances that may have anti-inflammatory qualities that can help with upper respiratory infections. In other words, the stuff in chicken soup is good for colds.
The Mixture
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Though the researchers were unable to pinpoint exactly which element of chicken soup helps, they suspect it's the mixture of ingredients that's the key. They did find that plain chicken broth wasn't as effective as a complete recipe that includes cooked vegetables and chicken.
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Canned Vs. Homemade
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Canned or Homemade? Whatever works for you. The researchers studied several recipes--homemade and canned--in controlled conditions. They discovered canned varieties seem to have the same results as homemade. So you don't have to slave over a hot stove to concoct this effective cold treatment. Just open a can, pour it in a bowl, and zap it in the microwave to feel better fast.
Varieties
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Now that scientists have proven what moms have known for years, it's a matter of deciding which chicken soup works best for you. If you'd enjoy stirring up a pot from scratch, check the recipes below. If you're short on time, packaged soups can give you the taste of homemade in about 20 minutes. (Add frozen vegetables, cooked chicken and even noodles if you want.) Look for packaged soups in the canned soup aisle of your grocery store. If you're the patient yourself, you probably don't feel much like cooking, so a canned variety is probably your best bet.
Special Diet Needs
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Low-sodium, canned chicken soups are easy to find. Gluten-free varieties are a bit of a challenge, however. Chicken and wild rice soups from Campbell's and Progresso might fit the bill, but you should check the labels to be sure. Kettle Cuisine also offers a range of gluten free soups that includes a chicken variety.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Dan4th Nicholas Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of David Goehring
