Chicken soup is a delicious way to spice up and spread warmth on a rainy day. Homemade chicken soup is not only simple to make, it also has all the good-for-you benefits, with an added layer of spicy flavour or your favourite ingredients.
Chicken soup is a commonly known quick fix for flu and other ailments. Chicken soup has been used to treat respiratory tract disorders, asthma and facial pain among other ailments. It hastens the removal of pathogens from the nose. Not only this, a bowl of warm chicken soup also makes for a great comfort food!
The most commonly prepared version of chicken soup is the clear soup which requires chicken, chicken broth, onions, garlic, ginger, seasonal vegetables and salt and pepper for seasoning. You can bring everything to a boil and then simmer to cook till the meat is tender enough to separate from the bones. This simple recipe required no oil and no artificial flavouring.Here are the 5 benefits of chicken soup which will leave you wanting another bowl of this guilt-free goodness:
* May help regulate blood pressure
The proteins found in chicken especially its limbs may help to reduce blood pressure. If you are suffering from high blood pressure, including chicken soup in diet is a delicious way of keeping your pressure in check. However, it is advisable to avoid adding table salt as a seasoning as it may counteract the effects of the soup.
* Beneficial for bones
Chicken broth is one of the key ingredients in any chicken soup. Since a broth is mainly prepared by simmering meat and bones of chicken, it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and other trace minerals. These minerals are key in strengthening the bones and promoting the bone health.
* Low on fat
As compared to any other comfort food, chicken soup is relatively low on fat. The easiest way to get rid of the excess fat from the soup is to chill it and skim the layer of fat from the top. Since it is high on protein, it leaves you feeling full and nourished. It also tingles your taste buds just right to keep you away from snacking on unhealthy junk food.
* Promotes muscle health
Protein rich food helps is muscle building and healing the muscle tears and improving the overall muscle health. Chicken soup is high on protein and amino acids that are really good for the growth of muscles and other tissues.
* Boosts immunity
Key ingredients in a chicken soup (apart from chicken) include onions, garlic and additional seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, cabbage, etc. that add flavour and a healthy dose of important nutrients that is needed keep the immune system up and running.
These are just a couple of ways how your body benefits from chicken soup. Chicken soup in itself is a wholesome meal, however, it is extremely versatile and can be customized based on one’s taste.