Chicken Soup is Good for the Soul…and Flu

Tis the cold and flu season, and when you’re feeling crummy, nothing seems to taste better than a comforting, steaming bowl of chicken soup. But is it, as old wives tales tell us, really going to cure what ails us?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the idea of hot soup as a cold and flu remedy has been around since at least the 12th century and may really help ease the symptoms.

Research suggests that chicken soup can actually help reduce inflammation, providing some relief from that achy all-over feeling. Soups are also hydrating, containing both water and salt, which is especially important when fighting off an infection.  Finally, broth soups in particular are good at speeding up the movement of mucous in your nose because they cause the blood vessels to dilate, alleviating congestion, increasing blood flow and allowing your body to flush it all out.

So, while chicken soup may not actually cure a cold or flu, these real benefits make it a great choice when you’re feeling under the weather. Combine it with drinking lots of liquids, washing your hands frequently, and getting lots of sleep, and you’ll be feeling better in no time.

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