What Are the Best Foods to Eat When You Are Sick?
In addition to soup, the following foods and beverages are beneficial to consume when ill:
- Yogurt. It is rich in probiotics and protein, both of which can strengthen your immune system.
- Sugar-free cold cereal or oatmeal. They’re easy to digest and provide carbs for energy.
- Smoothies with frozen fruit and any kind of milk. They easily replace a meal and are highly hydrating.
- Fresh, frozen, or canned fruit (packed in 100% juice). Fruit gives you fiber to keep your digestive system moving and antioxidants and vitamin C to support your immune system.
- 100% fruit juice or tea. These are good choices for hydration.
Editors’ Note: The last review of this article was completed on and it was first published on Refreshed Feb. 23, 2022.
What Are the Health Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup?
When you’re feeling under the weather, a hot, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup is exactly what the doctor ordered. In addition to adding flavor, the ingredients in chicken noodle soup have several health advantages.
In addition to providing electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, the broth is hydrating. That’s especially beneficial if you’re feverish and at risk of dehydration. Additionally, the steam from hot broth helps facilitate easier breathing by opening up nasal passages.
Light, simple to digest, and incredibly nourishing is chicken noodle soup. It gives you just the right amount of nutrients to sustain your energy when you’re not in the mood to eat. A one-cup serving of homemade chicken soup has:
- About 150 calories.
- 13 grams of protein.
- 5 grams of fat.
- 12 grams of carbs.
In addition to protein, it offers antioxidants, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and other nutrients that support your immune system. The diverse array of nutrients is crucial as they collaborate to facilitate your body’s healing process. Feel free to add more nutritious ingredients to your soup if you want to benefit even more from it. Some good choices include:
- Ginger or cayenne pepper. The spiciness helps decrease congestion.
- Lemon juice. It adds more vitamin C.
- Garlic. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Leafy greens. They contribute more immune-boosting antioxidants.
You can add as many or as few ingredients as you like to make chicken noodle soup, which is its beautiful quality. When you begin to feel better, you can add more chicken or a can of beans to your soup to make it heartier. It’s an easy way to transition back to regular meals.
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These few ingredients will easily make a tasty bowl of chicken noodle soup, though there are many variations available:
- Chicken broth: This filling soup has fat, vitamins, and minerals. The hot beverage can help with upper respiratory symptoms by promoting nasal clearance and keeping you hydrated.
- Carrots, celery, and onions are vegetables rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. These nutrients aid in strengthening the immune system and thwarting viral invasion. They may help the body recover faster from an illness.
- The dish’s star, chicken, supplies protein and strengthens the immune system.
- Noodles: Packed with carbohydrates, these foods make you feel content and full.
- Herbs (optional): To strengthen your immune system and add more flavor and antioxidants, try using herbs like dill, thyme, bay leaf, or parsley.
