The tradition of reaching for a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup at the first sign of a cold is a practice that spans centuries and cultures. This classic remedy is more than just folklore, as scientific inquiry has explored whether the ingredients and warmth offer tangible benefits to the body’s fight against a respiratory virus. While the soup does not possess any ability to cure the common cold itself, its components work together to provide a range of physical and psychological supports that make the experience of being sick less severe.
Immediate Physical Relief
The most immediate benefits of consuming chicken noodle soup stem from its warmth and liquid composition. The steam rising from the hot broth works much like a localized steam inhalation treatment, helping to open nasal passages and loosen thick mucus temporarily. This warm vapor increases the temperature of the nasal and respiratory passages, which helps mitigate the congestion that makes breathing difficult during a cold.
The liquid aspect of the soup is important for maintaining hydration, which is often compromised during illness due to fever, sweating, and increased mucus production. The broth delivers fluids in a palatable form, which can be more appealing than plain water when a person has a sore throat or low appetite. Beyond simple hydration, the ingredients in the soup may have a direct effect on the respiratory system’s natural defense mechanisms.
Research suggests that chicken soup has a measurable effect on the movement of nasal secretions. Studies have shown that consuming the soup can increase the velocity of mucus flow and airflow through the nose compared to drinking cold water or even plain hot water. This increased clearance helps the body more effectively remove infectious particles and reduce the feeling of stuffiness.
Essential Nutritional Support
The ingredients within the soup offer nutritional components that support the body’s recovery efforts. Chicken is a source of protein that provides amino acids, which are the building blocks required for immune cell function and tissue repair. One specific amino acid present in cooked chicken is cysteine, a compound chemically similar to the prescription drug acetylcysteine, which is used to break up mucus.
The broth base helps replenish electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, that can be lost through sweating from a fever or excessive nose-blowing. Maintaining this balance of minerals is important for the body to retain fluids and prevent the sluggish feeling associated with dehydration.
The noodles and vegetables provide easily digestible carbohydrates, which serve as a gentle source of energy and calories when a person’s appetite is diminished. The vegetables often included, like carrots and celery, contribute vitamins and antioxidants that help support overall immune health.
The Psychological Benefit of Comfort
While the physical effects are quantifiable, a significant part of the soup’s perceived effectiveness is rooted in the emotional experience of consuming it. Chicken noodle soup is a culturally ingrained symbol of care and attention, and the feeling of being looked after can reduce stress hormones.
The familiar aroma and taste of the soup can trigger a beneficial effect, making a person feel better simply because they believe the remedy will work. This power of expectation, often called the placebo effect, cannot be dismissed in the context of recovery.
Consuming a warm, soothing meal also helps to alleviate discomfort that comes with being sick, which contributes to a state of relaxation conducive to rest.