Cheats Chicken Soup
Level
Easy
Time
35 Min
SErves
4
Ingredients:
- 1 pre cooked chicken with all meat removed shredded or rough chopped
- 1 onion fine diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1tbs olive oil
- 1tbs massal chicken stock powder
- 2 carrots diced
- 3 celery sticks diced
- 1 cup of risoni
- 1 large bunch of broccolini rough chopped in to pieces 1-2 cm
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 2L chicken stock
- Pepper to taste (optional salt)
Instructions:
-
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, sautéing until they become translucent.
-
Stir in the celery and carrots, cooking for an additional 5 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly.
-
Add the bay leaves, chicken stock, and Massel stock powder for extra flavor. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
-
Add the risoni (or pasta of choice) to the pot and cook until the risoni is tender, approximately 5-10 minutes.
-
Stir in the cooked chicken and broccolini, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the broccolini softens slightly.
-
Finally, add fresh parsley, stir through, and serve your delicious soup hot!
Health Benefits of Chicken Soup
Chicken soup has long been hailed as a comforting remedy for colds and other illnesses, but beyond its soothing warmth, it offers a variety of health benefits backed by science. Here’s a breakdown of the key health properties of chicken soup:
1. Immune Support: Chicken soup provides a rich source of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These vitamins and minerals play essential roles in supporting immune function and helping the body fight off infections.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Studies suggest that chicken soup has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce symptoms of upper respiratory infections. The amino acids found in chicken, particularly cysteine, can help thin mucus, making it easier to clear congestion and improve respiratory health.
3. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Chicken soup is an excellent source of hydration, providing both fluids and electrolytes. Staying hydrated is crucial when battling illness, as proper hydration helps maintain mucosal linings in the respiratory tract, promoting efficient immune function and preventing dehydration from fever or sweating.
4. Gut Health: Bone broth, often used as the base for chicken soup, is rich in collagen and gelatin, which help maintain the integrity of the gut lining. This is important for preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and compromising immune function, as a healthy gut is essential for overall immune health.
5. Protein for Repair: Chicken provides a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for the repair and growth of tissues. The amino acids in chicken, including glycine and proline, are vital for maintaining muscle and tissue health, especially during recovery from illness.
6. Nutrient-Dense Vegetables: The vegetables commonly added to chicken soup, such as carrots, celery, and garlic, provide an array of vitamins and antioxidants that further enhance its health benefits. These nutrients, particularly vitamin C, help reduce inflammation and boost the immune response.
7. Easy to Digest: Chicken soup is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, making it a suitable meal for those experiencing digestive upset or loss of appetite due to illness. Its nutrient-dense, hydrating properties make it an ideal food for recovery.
8. Psychological Comfort: Beyond its physical health benefits, the warmth and comfort of chicken soup can have a psychological impact, promoting a sense of well-being and helping individuals feel nurtured. This emotional comfort can contribute to faster recovery by reducing stress and anxiety.
Biochemistry Fact!
Chicken soup contains cysteine, an amino acid that plays an important role in respiratory health since it is structurally similar to acetylcysteine, a medicine often used to treat illnesses such as bronchitis. Acetylcysteine works by breaking down mucus in the respiratory system, making it thinner and easier to exhale, effectively cleaning the airways. Cysteine, which occurs naturally in chicken, has a comparable impact.
When you eat chicken soup, the body absorbs cysteine from the chicken, which helps break down mucoproteins in the lungs. Mucoproteins are responsible for the mucus’ thick, sticky nature, which can obstruct the airways during respiratory illnesses. Cysteine reduces the viscosity of mucus, allowing the body to clear the airways through coughing or drainage, so relieving congestion.
Cysteine not only thins mucus but also acts as an antioxidant. It is a precursor for glutathione, one of the body’s most vital antioxidants. Glutathione protects cells from oxidative stress and aids the immune system in combating infections and inflammation. This dual action of cysteine—mucus thinning and immune support—emphasizes the biochemical efficacy of chicken soup in relieving cold and flu symptoms while also supporting respiratory health.
Chicken soup’s high cysteine content not only gives symptomatic relief from congestion but also adds to the body’s defence mechanisms by supporting antioxidant activity and lowering inflammation, making it a well-rounded therapy for respiratory disorders.
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