The benefits of chicken soup for body and soul

When it comes to food that is good for the body and also warms the soul, chicken soup emerges as a timeless classic. And, often, in the conversation, there is someone who says: "My grandmother used to make it for me", followed by someone else who confirms "Me too, she used to make minestrone for me when I was sick". In fact, behind this dish, there is often the wisdom of the elderly who, in addition to preparing it with love, knew of the incredible benefits that would derive from it.

Considering that grandmothers are always right, let's discover chicken soup, starting from its use in various countries, particularly during holidays, and then focusing on the benefits and contraindications. We will conclude with a comparison between the homemade one and the industrial product. Let's see how such a simple dish can hide many benefits, becoming a real panacea for health and well-being.

The history of chicken soup: a journey through cultures

Chicken soup, in its essence, is a dish that speaks the universal language of comfort and tradition, or rather, let's say "grandma's dish". From one end of the world to the other, this simple but nutritious dish has taken on meanings that go beyond mere nourishment, becoming a symbol of celebration, union, and renewal.

In Asia, for example, chicken soup plays a significant role in Lunar New Year celebrations. In Vietnam, during Tet, similar to the Chinese New Year, this dish becomes an essential element in banquets that bring the family together, celebrating the new year with hope and joy. In China, it symbolizes prosperity and well-being, being a fundamental element in New Year's dinners.

In the Western world, chicken soup takes on a central role during the winter holidays. In Europe and North America, it is a constant presence during Christmas or Thanksgiving, where it once again symbolizes the warmth of family togetherness.

Jewish tradition offers further insight into how chicken soup is imbued with meaning. In Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, "goldene yoich" (or golden broth) is an indispensable dish on Shabbat and holidays such as Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.

In addition to being a recurring element in celebrations and rituals, chicken soup represents a bridge between different cultures, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds around a common dish that speaks of care, love and tradition.

The health benefits of chicken soup

The ultimate comfort food,  chicken soup is a treasure trove of health benefits. Its nutritional composition makes it a particularly beneficial preparation in different contexts, especially if you avoid skimming it.

For starters, chicken soup is a natural source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing body tissue. The proteins present in the broth, deriving from both the meat and bones of the chicken, are easily digestible, making this food particularly suitable in convalescence situations or during recovery from illnesses. It is for this reason that chicken soup is often recommended during colds or flu, underlining the fact that our grandmothers were right. Furthermore, it also contains a good quantity of mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium and group B vitamins, extracted from the bones during long cooking. These minerals are critical for bone and dental health, as well as playing an important role in other bodily functions such as blood pressure regulation and muscle function.

Another key component of chicken broth is collagen, which turns into gelatin during cooking and which, easily absorbed by the body, is known for its beneficial effects on the health of the skin, hair and nails. Additionally, collagen is important for joint health, helping to reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. Particularly suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding, chicken broth proves to be a nutritious and safe option. Its lightness makes it particularly suitable in these periods, where the woman's body undergoes changes and may have specific dietary needs. Furthermore, it contributes to good hydration, a fundamental aspect in these periods. However, it is crucial to ensure that the broth is prepared with well-cooked chicken to avoid risks of foodborne infections, and to moderate the use of salt and strong spices. Finally, the emotional and psychological aspect cannot be overlooked. Consuming a bowl of hot chicken broth can have a calming and comforting effect, a real balm for the soul, especially in times of stress or discomfort.

Some say no: the contraindications of chicken broth Chicken soup is generally considered a health food, but there are some things to consider regarding specific health conditions, such as liver problems, gastroenteritis, gastritis, and the quality of the chicken used. During an attack of gastroenteritis, which involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines, a bland diet is often recommended. While chicken soup may seem like an appropriate choice, in some cases, it may not be recommended, especially if it is fatty or high in spices, as it may further irritate the digestive tract.

For those who suffer from gastritis, characterized by inflammation of the stomach, chicken soup, especially if fatty or heavy, could slow digestion and aggravate gastritis symptoms. Excessive or frequent intake of chicken broth could increase the workload of the liver, especially in individuals who already suffer from it. Finally, the quality of the chicken used in the broth is of fundamental importance: chickens raised with the excessive use of fertilizers, drugs or antibiotics can affect not only the taste of the broth, but also the long-term health of the consumer. It is advisable to choose organic or sustainably raised chicken to reduce exposure to these substances.

Chicken broth: home nutrition vs industrial convenience

The choice between homemade and industrial chicken broth often comes down to a question of nutrition and convenience. Homemade broth, made with wholesome ingredients like whole chicken, fresh vegetables like carrots, onions and celery, herbs and a pinch of patience, offers a superior nutritional profile. The slow cooking, which lasts for hours, not only releases a welcoming and familiar scent but also allows the extraction of precious nutrients from the chicken bones.

On the contrary, industrial broth, although convenient and ready to use, can contain flavor enhancers, preservatives and excess salt, compromising its nutritional value. The production process, aimed at efficiency and long-term conservation, does not allow the slow and natural extraction of nutrients that characterizes the homemade version. The result is a broth that, while satisfying the need for convenience, offers a less rich nutritional profile. The choice therefore reflects not only our approach to food but also consideration for our health and well-being, since homemade broth nourishes both body and soul, recalling family traditions and offering authentic comfort.