Homemade chicken soup helps you fight a cold

Colds are a common illness that can appear at any time of the year. One of the folk remedies for treating colds is chicken soup. It turns out that it actually works because of the carnosine content. This compound helps the immune system cope with infection at an early stage of development. True, for this, carnosine needs to be constantly in the body.

It must be said that Dr. Stefan Rennard from the University of Nebraska Medical Center first spoke about the healing properties of soup more than ten years ago. Then he proved that the soup inhibited the movement of neutrophils. This reduced the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. And another experiment showed that many soups have a similar effect. Experts from Miami are confident that there is a placebo phenomenon at work here.

In turn, University of Nebraska researchers tested how chicken soup, cold and hot water affected air flow and mucus in the noses of 15 volunteers. Like any hot liquid, the soup improved the flow of mucus, which cleared the airways. It also affected the defense mechanism in the nose. This prevented the infection from getting inside.

Plus, the mixture of vegetables and poultry in the soup helped relieve inflammation. And it is known that all nutrients improve the functioning of the immune system. Organosulfides (substances found in garlic and onions) together with vitamin D stimulate the production of macrophage immune cells. While vitamin C affects the level of neutrophils and interferon.

Vitamin A and carotenoids (found in carrots) promote antibody production. Vitamin E and zinc affect the concentration of lymphocytes. All of them, together with soup, are easier to digest. By adding oil, it is possible to increase the absorption of vitamins D, A, K, E.

In principle, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and proteins produce a similar effect. For example, kiwi, citrus fruits, peppers and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin C. When you have a cold, it is recommended to drink herbal teas and alcoholic beverages mixed with hot water and spices.

Meanwhile, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey found that probiotics can also help fight colds. They reduce the duration of the disease and the severity of its symptoms. In a corresponding experiment conducted on 200 volunteers who took the bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis, the duration of the disease decreased by 50% and the occurrence of symptoms by 34%.

Thus, homemade chicken soup is one of the simple and affordable remedies that can help fight a cold. It contains nutrients that improve immune function and help the body fight infection. In addition, hot soup improves the flow of mucus and has a protective effect in the nose, which also helps fight colds. However, don't forget about other options such as probiotics, fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbal teas that can help boost your immune system and fight off colds.