Chicken Soup

It's been said time and again, chicken soup could be one of the best cures for the common cold. My cold seems to be common enough, so a large pot of soup needs to do its magic. But does it really work?

According to the Mayo Clinic, scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. Does it have to be homemade chicken soup? Researchers at the University of Nebraska compared homemade chicken soup with canned versions and found that many, though not all, canned chicken soups worked just as well as soups made from scratch. Nevertheless, making a pot of chicken soup was on the "to do" list.

Saute a cut up clove of garlic, 1 large chopped onion and 5-6 stalks of celery and 3-4 cut up carrots in 1/4 cup of good quality olive oil in a large pot. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add cut up chicken breast and cook until all is sauteed. Add additional olive oil, as needed. Now toss in chopped parsley, a sprinkling of thyme and a dash of rosemary. Add four 14 ounce cans of Swanson's Chicken Broth without MSG, 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice and slowly simmer for 30-45 minutes. Bring the soup to a boil and throw in 1/2 package of wide egg noodles.

In sixty minutes or less a homemade pot of soup can be simmering in your kitchen. Not only does it smell good, it is a healthy alternative to store bought canned soup, and it has to be better for you. I just finished a big bowl of chicken soup and it really does make one feel better.
Photo attribution: Swansons