If you expect a straightforward answer as to how chicken soup is healthy, the thing is not so simple. Despite the widespread belief in the usefulness of this soup, there is no real evidence for it, and even less that chicken soup cures a cold.

Laboratory tests do show that chicken soup contains ingredients that prevent inflammation, but the amounts are really small.

Another big problem is that everyone has their own recipe for healing chicken soup. And perhaps that’s where the answer lies. The fact is that when we are sick with a cold, hot things are always welcome. Besides, chicken soup strengthens the mucous membranes and stimulates blood circulation. Vegetables further strengthen the organism and the immune system, which gives the body energy and speeds up recovery.

We should definitely not forget the placebo effect (grandmothers do know what’s good for us).

Regardless of the recipe, grandma’s chicken soup is always full of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and even vitamins. A plate of chicken soup certainly provides the body with its daily dose of necessary nutrients, which is especially important when fighting illness.

An American study from 2000 confirmed that soup made from chicken meat, lots of vegetables, parsley, carrots, and onions inhibits the activity of white blood cells that cause inflammation in the body, while also reducing mucus production. As a result, the airways are more open.

Another study from 1978 conducted with 15 volunteers found that chicken soup significantly reduced the feeling of nasal congestion, but this effect only lasted for 30 minutes. At the same time, the same study showed that a glass of hot water had a similar effect.

A whole range of studies on the effects of herbal teas have reached similar conclusions. Other than hydration, there are no significant effects. To recover just with teas, you would have to consume enormous quantities of highly concentrated herbs, which you won’t find in an average tea bag.

What all these studies have in common is that hot water is just as effective as chicken soup.