Why does soup make you feel better

Especially on a cold afternoon. It gives you warmth in more ways than one. There is an old magic at work, and that magic, when we look, may be the result of science. But it is likely also the result of more intangible properties: eating food cooked by caring people, eating food with other people, eating robust whole foods simply made.

As the famous study reveals, homemade soup is a great option. There are lots of kinds of chicken soup, with origins all over the world. Some even include further anti-inflammatory ingredients, like ginger.

Many aren't all that hard to make. Bottom line: next time you're feeling a sniffle or have a chicken and some vegetables, look to recipes like chicken noodle soup , ginger chicken soup , or Mexican chicken soup for some tasty healing.

By Chris Malloy Updated January 09, Save FB Tweet More. According to one classic study, chicken soup can also change bodily activity. All rights reserved. There are several scientific reasons why chicken noodle soup can help you feel better. The best way to understand the different benefits of chicken noodle soup is by breaking it down into broth, veggies, chicken, and noodles.

According to the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, each part of the soup gives different benefits. The broth contains vitamins, minerals, and some healthy fats. It also provides hydration, and the heat from it can help clear nasal passages.

The carrots, celery, and onion provide antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which are proven to strengthen the immune system and help prevent viruses. The chicken itself provides protein, which also supports the immune system and can help you feel better faster, and the noodles provide carbs , which help you feel full.

I can't think of anything worse than having a cold AND feeling hungry. Though vegetables often lose some of their nutritional value during boiling, steaming and the subsequent draining they undergo after cooking, including them in a soup is a great way to help them maintain healthful attributes, Bailey explains.

The sodium in the recipe helps relieve sore throat pain the same principle behind gargling warm salt water , the heat helps clear nasal congestion, and can relieve pain and sinus pressure. The vitamins and minerals in nutrient-dense soups can also speed recovery, Bailey adds. In fact, a University of Florida study in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that consuming garlic extract may reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.

When we eat nourishing foods, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, we tend to feel good. Small changes in our diet can lead to long lasting effects on our health.