Chicken soup: Cold cure or claptrap?

You may have heard that chicken soup is good for the soul. Or perhaps your mum or gran makes you chicken soup if you are sick. In fact, chicken soup and all its variations is recommended in various countries, from America to China, for its healing properties.

This article in The Conversation looks at the possible medicinal benefits of chicken soup in detail: Can chicken soup really cure body and soul?

If you are thinking TL;DR, here is the bottom line:

Homemade chicken soup is packed with protein, and if you add vegetables, fibre and micronutrients too. Protein is essential for cell growth and repair and can help you feel fuller for longer. Fibre is essential for various functions in the body, not least regular pooping! Micronutrients are also essential, for example folate, found in dark leafy vegetables, is required for blood cell formation. Vitamin C, also found in green veg, is linked to reducing the length and severity of the common cold infection. Plus, leaning over a steaming bowl of soup is great for clearing mucus and unblocking your nose!