For centuries, cultures around the world have relied on chicken soup to help ease the symptoms of colds, and other maladies, but science has never confirmed its curative powers. A 2017 study published in the medical journal Chest now theorizes that chicken soup may have some anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha studied the interaction of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, and chicken soup, and found less active cells -- perhaps indicating that the soup can alleviate some cold symptoms.
Have some soup, get some rest:
- Previous studies have also alluded to the potential benefits of chicken soup. In 1978, a study documented that chicken soup was more effective than both hot and cold water at clearing up congestion in the nose.
- In 1980, a study showed that chicken broth helps to break down mucous in the lungs. It worked even better when the broth was spicy.
- Chicken soup won’t cure a cold, the medical community agrees, but it may make you feel better. Doctors advise that you should concentrate on good nutrition, get plenty of rest, and drink hot liquids.