Now, in terms of chicken soup's reputation as a cold and flu remedy--Moses Maimonides, a Jewish philosopher and physician, wrote about its healing properties as far back as the 12th century. In modern times, Stephen Rennard, M.D., a researcher at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the symptoms of upper-respiratory infections (including colds).
While Rennard and his team were not able to find the exact ingredients that created the effect of the chicken soup, they did find that the movement of neutrophils white blood cells--was reduced, and, as a result, inflammation in the upper-respiratory tract that causes the symptoms of a cold was reduced. Of course, other researchers have theorized that merely inhaling steam while eating soup raises the temperature of the airways and helps relax secretions. And drinking liquids also increases hydration, which in turn eases cold symptoms.
More: 3 Foods to Treat Your Cold
So, without further ado, here is a fantastic recipe for a healing chicken soup that I've been making and eating for years.
Serves 20
Ingredients:
4 parsnips1 bunch Italian parsley
6 large carrots
1 bunch fresh dill
10 large stalks celery
4 large onions
2 turnips
4 leeks
1 bunch broccoli
8 cloves garlic
2 whole chicken breasts with skin and bones
2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
2 cups fat-free, low-sodium, no-MSG chicken broth
1 ounce garlic powder
1 ounce onion powder
3 tablespoons pepper
3 tablespoons salt
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