Chicken soup is a staple in many households, especially during the colder months of the year. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that can warm you up from the inside out.

What many people don’t realize, however, is that chicken soup has some amazing health benefits as well. Below are just a few of the reasons why chicken soup is good for you.

1. Helps Relieve Colds and Flu

Chicken soup has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds and flu. It’s often referred to as “Jewish penicillin” because of its healing properties.

Chicken soup contains cysteine, an amino acid that thins mucus in the lungs, making it easier to clear out. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms of inflammation in the body.

2. Boosts Immune System

The ingredients in chicken soup, including chicken, garlic, onion, and vegetables, all contain vitamins and minerals that help support the immune system.

Garlic, for example, is known for its immune-boosting properties, while chicken contains zinc, a mineral that is vital for a healthy immune system. Eating chicken soup regularly can help keep your immune system strong and healthy.

3. Helps Hydrate the Body

Chicken soup is a great source of hydration, especially if you’re feeling under the weather. The broth in chicken soup can help keep you hydrated, which is important when you’re sick since dehydration can make symptoms worse.

The vegetables in the soup also contain water, which can further contribute to your overall hydration levels.

4. Provides Nutrients for the Body

Chicken soup is packed with nutrients that the body needs to function properly. Chicken, for example, is a great source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vegetables like carrots and celery contain vitamins and minerals that can help keep the body healthy and strong. Eating chicken soup regularly can help ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

5. Helps Improve Digestion

The ingredients in chicken soup, including the broth and vegetables, can help improve digestion. The broth is rich in gelatin, which can help soothe and heal the lining of the gut.

Vegetables like carrots and celery contain fiber, which can help keep the digestive system moving and prevent constipation. Eating chicken soup regularly can help promote good gut health.

6. Can Help Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.

Chicken soup contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Garlic, for example, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while vegetables like celery contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation.

7. Helps with Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, chicken soup can be a great addition to your diet. The broth in chicken soup is low in calories but filling, which means you can eat a large serving of soup without consuming too many calories.

The vegetables in the soup are also low in calories but high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full for longer and prevent overeating.

8. Helps Improve Sleep

Chicken soup can also help improve sleep, thanks to the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is important for regulating sleep and mood.

Eating chicken soup can help increase your levels of tryptophan and improve the quality of your sleep.

9. Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common health problem that can lead to a number of serious complications, including heart disease and stroke. Chicken soup contains nutrients like potassium and magnesium, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure.

Eating chicken soup regularly can help support healthy blood pressure levels.

10. Helps Reduce Stress

Finally, chicken soup can help reduce stress, thanks to its comforting and soothing properties.

Eating a warm bowl of chicken soup can help calm the nerves and reduce anxiety, making it the perfect meal for a stressful day or when you’re feeling under the weather.