What can I add to broth when sick?
But it's a matter of taste. Garlic and onion both have antiviral properties to boost your immune system. Steam seems to help by lubricating your sinuses so you can flush out nasty viruses. Cayenne pepper is very soothing for sore or scratchy throats, plus it opens up your sinuses and adds a wonderful flavor.
If sipped as a hot beverage, broths have the benefit of acting as a natural decongestant due to their hot steam, much like chicken soup. Drinking broth is a great way to keep your body hydrated and the rich flavors are a welcomed bonus.
Broths. Like their cousin, chicken soup, broths provide the hydration your body needs when you're sick. Bone broth is a basic, very nutritious stock that's made from simmered animal bones and connective tissue. A good broth may offer other healing benefits, too.
"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says.
Modern research has actually shown that chicken soup, more than other hot liquid, increases mucus flow and helps the body rid itself of the cold virus. Chicken is rich in an amino acid called cysteine which helps loosen secretions. This effect is increased by adding spices such as pepper and garlic.
Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water, juice, clear broth or chicken soup helps loosen mucus that can cause congestion and helps prevent dehydration.
Even when you're feeling well, chicken broth is a great choice for a healthful, low-calorie meal. Chicken broth can be enjoyed alone or as part of a variety of recipes, from chicken noodle soup to a creamy chicken casserole.
1. Chicken soup. Chicken soup has been a go-to for sickness for generations — and for good reason. It's an easy-to-eat source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein, which are nutrients your body may need in larger quantities while you're recovering from an illness ( 1 ).
Several cultures swear by chicken soup to nurse the sick back to health, and while of course it's comforting to sip, science shows that chicken soup can actually aid in fighting infections.
A scientific study found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, it relieves congestion by reducing the movement of white blood cells in the upper respiratory tract.
Does chicken broth cure the flu?
"Clear broth soups are hydrating because they typically contain not only water but also salt and so those two together are good properties for hydration," Peterson said. Some research suggests chicken soup in particular can help reduce inflammation associated with colds and flu, thus providing some symptom relief.
Just as when you're making stock for soups or stews, boiling will cause soluble proteins and rendered fat to emulsify into the cooking liquid. By simmering, you avoid emulsifying the fat and thus keep the stock clearer, and we found that the scum created simply settled to the bottom of the pot.
Luckily, as many of you know, soup and the common cold go hand in hand, but what you may not know is that soup, broth, and certain foods in general aren't just soothing, they may actually help reduce symptoms and prevent illness by boosting your immune system!