Health and Food Article – Many studies and research have been done with regard to the positive outcome of chicken noodle soup, the effects the soup has on the common cold. Does it actually have an effect on shortening the number of days you are lying in bed with an acute disease of the upper respiratory tract inflammation connected to the nose, throat and eyes? This is still up for debate. But the various symptoms of the common cold could include, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, headache and severe sinus pressure. Any type of relief is much needed and enjoying this take on a classic soup might be helpful while giving you some much needed relief, even if it’s just temporary.
The Power of Ginger has on the Common Cold
Recently, I experienced the common cold right around Christmas and it had me looking for new research on this old idea. After a day or two of rest, the cold had me running to my pantry to make my infamous Chicken, Ginger and Noodle Soup, a recipe I stumbled across a few years ago when messing around with a Tyler Florence recipe, adding a few wrinkles to it to make it my own.
My own take includes adding several extra garlic cloves, several organic carrots, a local Georgia Vidalia sweet onion, a mild Long Hot Green Pepper and lastly, copious amounts of fresh ginger. I found by using these ingredients as my base to make this soup and finishing it with organic chicken, dry pasta and chicken stock, it was very strong, in a good way.
The garlic and ginger notes are strong for a reason, there is a purpose behind using it. I found after experimenting with this recipe, it felt good to taste something strong and had a pleasing effect going down my throat and chest. The warm soup offered some much-needed immediate relief. And in turn, allowed me to feel a little better and rest better with something sitting well on my stomach. This was not “Grandma’s soup”, sorry, no offense to all the great Grandma’s soup recipes out there. My take on this staple recipe was to literally awaken the senses almost like how a strong black coffee affects us in the morning and jump starts our senses while giving us a boost, allowing us to take on our daily duties with a good attitude.
But I always pondered, does this just make me feel better, almost like a placebo effect, without any evidence or does new research back up the old claim that chicken noodle soup does actually have an effect on your physical symptoms with a common cold?
What Research Says
ScienceDaily posted some new research on this subject matter with their source being, American College of Chest Physicians a few years ago. To highlight their findings, it claimed that many of the substances could ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections related to a cold.
It was reported back in the 12th century by an Egyptian Jewish physician, Moshe ben Maimonides, who claimed some benefits come from chicken noodle soup according to his writings, his book called, On the Causes of Symptoms, and prescribed the broth. The physician and rabbi claimed chicken soup was not just good for the soul but could actually "neutralize body constitution".
(picture below, Moshe ben Maimonides)
More recently, Stephen Rennard, M.D., FCCP, reviewed a recent study and confirmed chicken soup prevents neutrophil migration to standard stimuli. It concludes saying, “the study presents evidence that chicken soup might have anti-inflammatory activity, namely the inhabitation of neutrophil migration.” And since white cells migrated less when in the presence of the chicken noodle soup, there were actually less to cause cold-like symptoms. So, in short, yes, chicken soup does help to fight colds and can give us some relief.
Other studies have confirmed that this soup does help with the increase of the movement of mucus, which gives us some much-needed relief. Also, the ingredients do have an effect as well. Specifically, garlic and onions which contain, organosulfides, paired with Vitamin D, stimulate production of certain immune cells called, macrophage. Carrots, which contain high levels of Vitamin A and carotenoids, helps with antibody production.
(picture below, ginger root)
A Chef Tip
Ginger, my secret ingredient (tell everyone, just give me credit), a plant originated from Southeast Asia, is considered one of the healthiest foods available due to its active compounds and make it a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Recent studies confirm ginger helps with the reduction of nausea. Ginger also adds some Umami sensation or flavor to the classic soup, a sweet spiciness that is very appealing when not feeling too good.
(picture below, my mise en place prep for soup)
My prep and or mise en place, a French term for your ingredients prepared before cooking, these above quality ingredients for nutrients are easily absorbed compared to eating solid foods and can help or aid in fighting against the flu or the common cold. Save or bookmark this recipe below and add your own personal touch to it. You will thank me later and you can share your appreciation, link below recipe.
(Full Recipe below for Chicken, Ginger and Noodle Soup)
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