What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Chicken Soup Daily in Winter?

It

is winter, and one of the best ways to beat the chill is to eat hot comfort food, which not only nourishes your soul but also your body. Chicken soup is among the best foods that you need to eat daily, especially in cold weather, as it provides the much-needed warmth, hydration, and nutrients that boost immunity and work best for digestion. According to experts, the soup – a perfect blend of protein, vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds- is one of the best ways for your body to fight infections and recover faster.

What happens when you eat chicken soup daily?

Boosts immunity

Chicken soup can be easily prepared with a variety of healthy ingredients, which include seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fresh spices. Common ingredients like onion, carrots, and celery are packed with vitamins like vitamins A, B6, and C – along with minerals like folate, selenium, zinc, and iron. All of these nutrients are important for a healthy immune system – protecting you from seasonal cold and flu, which increase in winter.

Hydrates

In winter, most people do not take hydration seriously, as they may forget to drink water. Since dehydration is dangerous, a bowl full of chicken soup - a broth-based fluid with a substantial amount of water- can do the needful. According to nutritionists, it also replenishes electrolytes like potassium and sodium - helping you hydrate, especially when you are sick and need enough fluids, nutrients, and electrolytes to recover.

Lowers inflammation

According to studies, chicken soup has anti-inflammatory effects – mostly due to the addition of spices and vegetables like carrots and thyme. These spices and foods are packed with various antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support faster cell recovery.

Provides adequate protein

Chicken soup is also a powerhouse of protein, needed for muscle building and proper functioning of your body. According to nutritionists, healthy adults can get around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of their body weight daily. Chicken – especially the chicken breast - is a great source of protein, with a 3-ounce serving containing nearly 24 grams of protein.

Reduces nasal congestion

Chicken also relieves symptoms of the respiratory tract, like cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. The steam from the fluid can help open up your nose and airways. The warm fluid can help thin mucus and moisten your throat.

How to make chicken soup in a healthy way?

Here are some tips to consider when making a healthy pot of chicken soup:

• Try making it from scratch at home so you have more control over what goes into the pot.
• You can add whole-grain noodles instead of the regular refined noodles, which are packed with more fibre, are more nutritious, increase satiety (how quickly you feel full), and are less likely to spike blood sugar levels.
• Use salt in moderation.
• Use a variety of vegetables, like kale, carrots, and tomatoes.
• Add legumes like chickpeas and green peas for even richer nutrients.
• Add herbs and spices such as onion, garlic, thyme, and ginger.
• Eat it warm or hot.