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 okay to eat chicken noodle soup everyday? ›
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? ›
Apart from being delicious, Chicken Soup is also very beneficial for health. It's rich in several vitamins and minerals, which help boost the immune system. Consuming this soup during winter season provides warmth to the body.
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.
What is the healthiest noodle for soup? ›
Rice noodles are often considered one of the healthiest options available. They are naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and easy to digest. P'Nut Asian Kitchen incorporates rice noodles into many of their dishes, including the popular Pad Thai and Wonton Noodle Soup.
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.
Is chicken soup good for high blood pressure? ›
Japanese researchers have found that collagen proteins found in chicken may actually lower blood pressure. These collagens appear to act like the blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors. One caveat, though: it's the chicken, not the rest of the stuff in the soup, that may be medicinal.
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.
6 delicious and healthy soups
- Chicken Vietnamese Pho.
- Green spring minestrone.
- Herb and yoghurt-based soup.
- Lamb shank and barley soup.
- Pumpkin soup with star croutons.
- Lentil and vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Which chicken part is best for soup? Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in soup. Just make sure to remove the skin so the soup doesn't become too fatty.
Is chicken noodle soup high in sodium? ›
For instance, one brand of store-bought canned soup states that it is a “25% less sodium chicken noodle soup,” however it contains 660 milligrams of sodium in half a cup and 1,220 milligrams in one cup, which is nearly half of the recommended daily allowance of sodium for healthy individuals.
Why do I feel better after eating chicken noodle soup? ›
“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.
Can I eat chicken noodle soup everyday? ›
Along with a high saturated fat content, soup can come with an overload of sodium, as well. The American Heart Association recommends the average person consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, but an ordinary can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup already has 890 milligrams of sodium per serving.
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 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 chicken noodle soup good for gut health? ›
The magic of chicken soup is that not only is it rich in amino acids like L-glutamine which strengthens the intestinal barrier and subsequently reduces inflammation, but depending on the ingredients you choose to add to your broth, you can boost its anti-inflammatory properties dramatically.
Why do we crave chicken noodle soup when sick? ›
In addition, chicken, when added to soup, releases an amino acid called cysteine. Cysteine thins out mucus in the nose and lungs and can help the body heal. This works in combination with soup's other benefits as well, such as helping hydrate the body.
