For centuries, people have turned to chicken soup when fighting a cold. While once considered purely folklore, scientific research has begun to validate this age-old remedy. Let's explore the evidence behind chicken soup's therapeutic properties.

The medicinal use of chicken soup dates back to at least the 12th century, when the renowned physician Moshe ben Maimonides prescribed it for respiratory ailments. This traditional remedy, passed down through generations, has now gained scientific backing through modern research.

How Chicken Soup Fights Colds

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Research published in the journal CHEST has revealed that chicken soup may contain multiple substances with beneficial medicinal properties. The soup appears to have an anti-inflammatory effect that could help ease upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.

  
  

  "Hot chicken soup was more effective than hot water in stimulating something known as the mucociliary transport system, which helps move things along in the upper and lower respiratory tract, allowing the body to rid itself of particles and infection," explains Dr. Kiumars Saketkhoo, a pulmonologist and clinical researcher at PIH Health who conducted pioneering research on chicken soup's effects on respiratory health over 40 years ago.

• Improved Mucus Flow: Scientific studies have demonstrated that chicken soup is particularly effective at increasing mucus flow compared to other hot liquids. This helps the body expel the cold virus more efficiently. The key ingredient behind this may be a combination of cysteine, an amino acid found in chicken, as well as as the warmth and steam of the soup  that helps loosen secretions.

  
  

• Enhanced Nasal Defence: A 1998 study found that chicken broth may improve the function of cilia - the tiny hair-like structures in our noses that help prevent contagions from entering the body. This suggests chicken soup might even work as a preventative measure.

The Key Ingredients

1. The Base - Chicken: Chicken contains carnosine, a compound that studies suggest helps reduce congestion in the nose and throat. This works by minimising inflammation in the upper respiratory tract through limiting white blood cell migration. However, this benefit only lasts while the soup remains in your system.

   
   

2. The Bones and Joints: When cooking chicken pieces with joint tissue (such as necks, knuckles, or carcass):

   • The cooking process releases glucosamine and gelatine.

   • These compounds can help protect and heal the digestive tract lining.

   • They also support the body's natural anti-inflammatory responses.

     
     

3. The Vegetables: Traditional additions to chicken soup provide extra benefits:

   • Onions and garlic: Contain phytonutrients that support immune function

   • Parsnips: Excellent source of potassium, crucial when fighting dehydration

   • Carrots: Provide antioxidants

   • Additional vegetables: Contribute to the soup's anti-inflammatory properties

While chicken soup can help manage cold symptoms, it's not a cure. According to Dr. Saketkhoo, the best treatment for the common cold combines "good nutrition, enough bed rest and hot fluids. And if you like chicken soup, then let it be chicken soup."

The common cold typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days, regardless of treatment. Chicken soup should be considered a complementary approach alongside other standard cold management strategies such as rest and staying hydrated.