The science behind chicken soup as a cold remedy

People all throughout the world instinctively go for hot bowls of chicken soup when they're sick. For centuries, individuals have used this soothing dish to treat anything from the flu to sore throats. Approximately 4,000 years ago, Chinese doctors prepared bone broths that were high in protein and rejuvenating for their patients. According to Yahoo Life, Moses Maimonides, a Moroccan physician, recommended his chicken soup recipe in the twelfth century to treat respiratory ailments. This dish, which consists of long-simmered chicken and veggies, is still the basis for classic Jewish penicillin.

In the 1990s, scientists began seriously studying chicken soup’s potential mechanisms to relieve cold symptoms. The research detected anti-inflammatory effects from several identified plant and animal compounds and key nutrients known to support immunity.

When people yearn for comfort alongside healing, the steamy aroma of chicken soup calls. But does science support its reputation as a cold cure? What special properties might chicken soup have to impact health? Let’s review the evidence behind this venerable food medicine.

Most famous is Dr. Stephen Rennard’s 2000 in vitro study examining soup’s impact on white blood cell activity. He found that a basic chicken soup recipe slightly inhibited the movement of neutrophils, the inflammatory white blood cells that migrate to infection sites. Carrots, onions, and celery also demonstrated minor individual neutrophil-slowing activity. But the vegetables combined had a noticeable suppressive effect, as did the long-cooked broth itself.  

This suggests extended simmering somehow concentrates, transforms, and merges molecules from all ingredients into medicinal agents. The reactions likely vary based on cooking time and ingredients. 

Intriguingly, the whole soup showed the most dramatic slowing of neutrophil activity. Rennard believes this reveals a synergy between immune-modulating plant and animal compounds formed through lengthy cooking. 

However, Rennard cautions his observations occurred in test tubes only. No living organism was tested. “You’d have to show that if you give it to sick people, they get better. We didn’t do any of those things,” he explains. Without human trials, he cannot state definitively that any chemical reaction impacts health.

A few small human studies provide clues, though. One 2006 trial determined sipping hot chicken soup loosened mucus better than plain salted hot water. Researchers theorized smell and flavor signals prompt sinus gland secretions. This hints that aromas or nerves triggered by flavor relax airways.  

Another study found compounds abundant in many vegetables and chicken, including glutamate, carnosine, and cysteine, improved hydration, breathing, appetite, and digestion. Scientists speculate these nutrients also thwart viruses attempting to hijack host cells.

Rennard, for one, believes continuing research into pharmacologically active ingredients will pay off. “I’m convinced that every single vegetable and the chicken contributes potential medicinal activities,” he says. “They could be unique [to each ingredient] or common to all.”  

Nevertheless, without human trials, doctors lack enough evidence to prescribe chicken soup over drugs for cold relief formally. Rennard argues that compared to approved medicines, we better understand some proposed mechanisms around chicken soup. However, the full demonstration of efficacy would require extensive trials.

Assuming bioactive molecules accumulate in long-cooked homemade chicken soup, science suggests they still complement any direct physiological impact. Emotionally comforting foods can relieve symptoms even without changing bodily processes.  

Extensive research shows positive caregiving significantly aids healing. Chicken soup signals someone actively wants you to recuperate. This gesture often comforts as much as the food itself. Similarly, the effortful process of preparing authentic chicken soup conveys sacrifice. “It’s not easy or quick to make,” points out registered dietitian Kelsey Kunik. Recipes demand lengthy simmering of whole chicken and heaping vegetables to extract flavors and nutrients. This hands-on labor of love fuels the placebo effect.

Eating favorite foods also taps into nostalgia, evoking safety and simpler times. When you’re sick, the familiarity of a well-worn tradition reassures you. Shared cultural rituals serve as love letters from previous generations. Rooted in millennia, chicken soup’s mythology can elevate a bowlful to the status of sacred balm, able to renew the spirit and body.

Kunik also notes that soup's nutritional support aids recovery. Hot liquids can clear congestion while hydrating. The warmth may relax airways and loosen phlegm better than other hot drinks. Studies indicate even aromas activate immune cells while damping stress hormones. And when illness or medications make chewing unappealing, slippery broth soothes sore throats.  

Science terms this non-specific physical response to therapeutic ritual as the “meaning response.” Positive expectations conditioned by experience trigger measurable changes like reduced inflammation. In this sense, cultural beliefs become self-fulfilling: We have faith that chicken soup helps colds, so it does. 

Of course, the gesture of personalized attention also matters. Someone cared enough to simmer bones slowly, select vegetables, skim fat, and add spices. They chose to expend significant time and focus solely on your benefit. This visible act of nurture provides tangible comfort.  

While science has yet to decisively prove that chicken soup can cure illness, evidence and common sense indicate benefits. This food remedy likely eases suffering through bioactive molecules, hydration, nutrients, or emotional pampering. And unlike antibiotics or cough syrup, a bowl of soup poses little risk of side effects. 

During the cold season especially, extra home remedies offer care alongside healing. Symbolic food tonics infused with tradition, effort, and love make them doubly powerful. Only homemade soup simmered for hours will do for a full phytochemical and psychological impact. Select the choicest ingredients and bones, chopping and crushing to release their gifts. Tend this potion gently to draw out energies to restore any patient. Then serve your loved one this souper-food garnished with your devoted blessing. This powerful blend may just help heal the body and soul.