You may remember a loved one making you a bowl of chicken noodle soup whenever you were feeling under the weather as a child. Just how healthy is this culinary cure-all?
“Studies have shown that a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup may help clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms,” says BIDMC clinical dietitian Sandy Allonen, RD. “It’s all about the ingredients.”
So let’s break it down – what’s in your soup?
Broth
If you’re fighting a cold, your doctor will tell you it’s important to stay hydrated. “A clear broth is warm and soothing, making it a great source of hydration while you’re sick, especially if you have a sore throat,” Allonen says.
Whether it’s vegetable or chicken broth – Allonen says the benefits are similar. “You may think added salt and other seasonings aren’t great for you, but in moderation, these spices can help combat the feeling of dull taste buds,” she says. “A loss of taste is common in a cold, but as with any flavor enhancer, salt is great for getting you to eat more.”
Allonen notes, however, that if your doctor has recommended you limit your sodium intake (whether this be for hypertension, kidney disease, congestive heart failure or another medical condition), then you will want to look for a broth that is low sodium or has no added salt.
Chicken
Chicken is full of protein that helps support the immune system. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, which boost immunity and help regulate digestion.
“Chicken is also high in tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin that can enhance your mood and give you the feeling of ‘comfort’ that helps make chicken noodle soup a true comfort food,” Allonen says.
Noodles
The noodles in chicken noodle soup aren’t just for show. They’re packed with carbohydrates that help you feel full and satisfied.
“Carbs are the preferred source of energy for your body, so getting in a good dose through soup can help you feel less sluggish,” Allonen says.
Vegetables
All those bits of carrot, celery, and onion commonly found in chicken noodle soup are a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as other antioxidants and minerals. “Not only does this help build a healthy immune system to fight off viruses, it also helps your body recover from illness more quickly,” Allonen says.
Vegetables like carrots are also high in beta-carotene, and can help reduce symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Steam
While steam isn’t an ingredient you’ve mixed in, it’s important to serve your soup warm. Hot steam that comes from your cup of soup can be helpful in reducing nasal congestion.
“Steam can open up airways, making it easier to breathe. It also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect that can help relax your muscles and soothe the discomforts of cold symptoms,” Allonen says.
While soup won’t cure your cold completely, it’s a delicious way to load up on nutrients and increase hydration. Make an appointment with your primary care physician if you’re feeling under the weather this winter.
FAQs
All those bits of carrot, celery, and onion commonly found in chicken noodle soup are a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as other antioxidants and minerals. “Not only does this help build a healthy immune system to fight off viruses, it also helps your body recover from illness more quickly,” Allonen says.
Is chicken noodle soup actually healthy? ›
"It's packed with a range of macro- and micronutrients, including protein, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids, and more. It also contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients." Research suggests that chicken noodle soup may prove particularly beneficial when you're sick.
Is it good to eat chicken noodle soup every day? ›
Hence, a bowl of chicken soup can be a great addition in your daily diet. Other key ingredients in a chicken soup include onions, garlic and additional vegetables that add flavour and a healthy dose of important nutrients that is needed for a well-functioning immune system.
Is chicken soup good or bad for you? ›
This soup is rich in nutrients which helps strengthen the bones. For those who don't know, Chicken Soup is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. It also helps in relieving arthritis pain.
Why do doctors recommend chicken noodle soup? ›
Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus. The herbs and spices sometimes used in chicken soup, such as pepper and garlic, also loosen mucus. The broth, which contains water and electrolytes, helps with rehydration.
Is the liquid in chicken noodle soup good for you? ›
Chicken broth, a clear liquid, counts towards your hydration goals. Nutritionally, it's rich in essential fatty acids and protein. Essential fatty acids, which the body cannot make on its own and which must come from the foods we eat, are a source of energy and major components of cell membrane structure.
Is chicken noodle soup good for your gut? ›
Chicken Broth
Bone broth includes several healthy nutrients that directly relate to healing. Gelatine and Glucosamine, a primary building block in the digestive system, both protect and heal the lining of the digestive tract—a factor that can be important when flu symptoms upset the GI system.
Is it OK to eat soup daily? ›
What Experts Say. "The concept of eating soup to lose weight has spanned decades, but experts say an all-soup diet lacks nutrients and is not sustainable. They do agree it can be smart to eat vegetable-packed soups for some meals, though, as these are filling, nutrient-dense, and low in calories."
Is Campbell's chicken noodle soup good for you? ›
Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup
Campbell's condensed chicken noodle soup is a classic and one of the most popular canned soups. But Frost, Gonzalez and Tills all said it's the least-healthy choice because it's so high in sodium: 890 mg per serving, or 39% of your daily value.
Why do I feel better after eating chicken noodle soup? ›
According to the study, undertaken by Nebraska Medical Center, chicken soup achieves these results by inhibiting something known as neutrophil chemotaxis. Basically, white blood cells behave differently after chicken soup, resulting in added anti-inflammatory activity.
Chicken soup with vegetables
This soup is full of nutrition that's healthy for your heart. “It's easy to pack this soup with extra nutrients,” Bishop says. “Just add vegetables and whole grains. A favorite combination relies on carrots, spinach and chewy wild rice.”
What is in Panera chicken noodle soup? ›
Water, Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics, Carrots, Enriched Noodles (Semolina Wheat Flour, Eggs, Egg Whites, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Celery, Contains 2% or less of: Onions, Chicken Stock, Natural Flavor, Sea Salt, Chicken Fat, Corn Starch, Garlic, Yeast Extract, Parsley, ...
Is chicken soup healthy for weight loss? ›
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, restrictive, low-calorie diets like the Chicken Noodle Soup Diet may help motivate overweight individuals to make the changes needed for healthy, sustainable weight loss when they experience success in just a few days.
Is chicken broth from chicken noodle soup good for you? ›
Researchers in ISU's Health and Human Performance Department of the College of Education say that eating chicken noodle soup rehydrates the body better than drinking plain water. The results also suggest that chicken broth and chicken noodle soup increase the body's fluid restoration better than popular sport drinks.
Is Chick-fil-A chicken noodle soup healthy? ›
Why It's Healthy: With just 120 calories and 3 grams of fat, the chicken noodle soup is one of the best side choices on the menu. There are two soup options at Chick-fil-A: Chicken Noodle and Chicken Tortilla. If you're trying to choose the healthiest soup at Chick-fil-A, the Chicken Noodle is by far the way to go.
Why do we crave chicken noodle soup when sick? ›
The latest science suggests that chicken soup – though not an out-and-out cure for colds and flu – really helps with healing. The soup may help boost appetite and reduce inflammation. To get the full benefits of chicken soup, stick to homemade soup packed with vegetables.
