Immune Health
A Forgotten Remedy: The Healing Power of Chicken Broth
Chicken broth was once a trusted home remedy for colds. Modern research confirms that this traditional remedy has genuine scientific backing.
Immune Health
Chicken broth was once a trusted home remedy for colds. Modern research confirms that this traditional remedy has genuine scientific backing.
Line items
Chicken broth was a staple of every kitchen, but today few people give it much thought. Yet this old-fashioned remedy might deserve a comeback.
Did you know that chicken broth is known in the USA by the nickname "Jewish Penicillin"? As a traditional Jewish dish brought by Jewish immigrants to America, it's credited with healing properties for colds and respiratory illnesses.
The term "Jewish Penicillin" is a playful reference to the healing power of chicken soup ;-) But is there really something to it? Let's look at the research!
One cause of congestion and mucus buildup in the bronchi is a specific type of immune cell called neutrophils, which migrate into the mucous membrane.
This isn't inherently bad—in fact, it's the body's way of fighting harmful germs. However, neutrophils can sometimes overdo it, escalating the inflammatory response, which leads to swelling and increased mucus production.
An in-vitro study shows that chicken broth can somewhat inhibit neutrophil migration and thus work well against the annoying symptoms of a cold (1). Simplified: chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties.
You probably associate the term antioxidants directly with colorful fruits and vegetables, right? What many don't know: chicken meat—and therefore chicken broth—is also rich in powerful antioxidants like carnosine, anserine, and taurine, which can support your immune system.
Additionally, the peptides in broth—which are short amino acid chains—can boost immune function.
In animal studies, chicken broth showed immunomodulatory properties and was able to stimulate the release of antibodies and immune messenger molecules in animals with suppressed immune systems, effectively strengthening their immune response (2,3). Pretty cool, right?
Chicken broth also provides plenty of fluids and warms the airways—both of which can help loosen stuck mucus.
True, tea can do that too—but consider this: in a clinical study, hot chicken broth was more effective at moving nasal mucus than hot water alone. The authors speculate that a "magical," still-unknown substance in the broth might improve mucus flow through an aroma-dependent mechanism (4). Fascinating!
The healing power of chicken broth isn't just a handed-down myth, but also backed by scientific research. Little wonder, considering that variants of this dish have been used to treat illness for thousands of years in nearly every culture worldwide. Humans simply know instinctively what's good for them! :-)
We find it a shame that this simple yet so valuable food is falling increasingly into obscurity. Yet it takes just a handful of ingredients to make a healthy and delicious chicken broth.
Tip: Of course, you can cook the chicken longer. The longer you cook it, the more collagen tends to dissolve from the bones and skin. You'll notice this when the broth becomes somewhat gelatinous as it cools. We love collagen!
Bon appétit!
Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro - PubMed [Internet]. [cited November 8, 2024]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035691/
Zhang J, Wang X, Li H, Chen C, Liu X. Immunomodulatory Effects of Chicken Broth and Histidine Dipeptides on the Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression Mouse Model. Nutrients. January 2022;14(21):4491.
Li Z, Li X, Cai Z, Jin G, Ahn DU, Huang X. Immunomodulatory effects of chicken soups prepared with the native cage-free chickens and the commercial caged broilers. Poult Sci. July 15, 2022;101(10):102053.
Saketkhoo K, Januszkiewicz A, Sackner MA. Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance. Chest. October 1978;74(4):408–10.
