Chicken soup has long been the go-to comfort food in cultures from the Americas to Europe and Asia. And when
feeling run down with a cold or flu symptoms, we turn to
Chicken Lover soup for a pick-me up. Our parents and grandparents swear by the health benefits of the warming goodness of chicken soup, but where does this old wives’ tale of it having health benefits come from?
Wild chickens originated in northern China some 12,000 years ago, and were domesticated in Southeast Asia 5,400 years ago, and then taken
westward to Europe. The origins of chicken soup are not as clear but history links it to the domestication of the fowl in India or Southeast Asia.
But does chicken soup really have help benefits, or is it just another old wives’ tale?
"Chicken soup includes a combination of ingredients that provide nutrients to support a healthy immune system," says registered dietitian Novella Lui. "A typical chicken soup includes chicken, carrots, garlic and water. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc and B-vitamins. Zinc in particular, is an important player in strengthening the immune system and helping the body to fight viruses."
"Carrots contains beta-carotene, a phytochemical which converts into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant that may help support the immune system. In addition to carrots, beta-carotene can also be found in orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins and butternut squash, and in dark leafy greens such as spinach. To add more nutritional value to your chicken soup, consider adding a variety of beta-carotene rich vegetables," says the Canadian-based dietitian.
"Garlic does not only enhance the soup flavour, it also contains antioxidants, which may help fight bacteria. Some research suggests that eating garlic may prevent colds but more research is needed," she continues. "Whether you are sick or not, water is an essential fluid for overall health. It keeps the body hydrated and helps transport and absorb water-soluble B vitamins, which play a role in the immune system. When you are feeling ill, staying hydrated is vital so the symptoms do not worsen. In other words, if one drinks the fluids from the chicken soup, they will also be getting the nutrients from the ingredients."