When you’re sick, there’s no more classic comfort food than chicken soup, as people have been drawn to this savory classic for its nutritional components and comforting warmth, which many believe has therapeutic properties.
However, scientists haven’t done much research to determine the health benefits of this go-to sick day. Aside from a well-known and oft-cited lab study in 2000 that suggested chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory properties, clinical researchers haven’t invested much time or effort into investigating the benefits of grandma’s home remedies for colds and flu.
“[I] haven’t found much other research that highlights the specific benefits of chicken soup in cold recovery,” Alyssa Pike, RD, senior manager of nutrition communications at the International Food Information Council, told Health.
It goes without saying that not all forms of healing require scientific validation to be effective. Individuals may derive unofficial benefits from a wide variety of unexamined practices.
However, many people claim to feel better after eating chicken soup, so more research is needed. Is this soup just a big bowl of hype or is it really a food used as medicine?
“The ingredients in chicken soup are full of vitamins and antioxidants that can help support your body’s natural healing process,” Sauceda told Health. “Carrots are a source of vitamin A, which is critical for the health of your immune system as well as the cells lining your GI tract, which are your body’s first line of defense.” She also pointed to a 2021 study that found carrot extract to be helpful for rhinoviruses.
Even broth or water in chicken soup can be beneficial. According to Pike, it’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re sick, so drinking something that contains water can be beneficial.
