It is enough to arrive in winter, or the cold begins to appear, for the common diseases of the season to manifest themselves as well. Runny nose, sneezing and indisposition are very characteristic conditions of colds and flu, which tend to be more frequent in low temperatures.
And if in this cold period the soups are highlighted to help warm the body, one in particular enters the scene when the first symptoms of colds and flu appear: the soup.
It is difficult to find anyone who has never taken one to help relieve symptoms – or at least I have heard about this little help. But can a good soup really ward off flu-like symptoms?
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Canja cure cold or flu?
Not directly. A soup can be a great ally when cold and flu symptoms appear, but it does not have the potential to cure viral infections. It is also difficult that after taking a portion, you already feel totally willing (a) – but it can give a little strength in the recovery.
Recent studies have indicated that cysteine, an amino acid released in cooking chicken, can help relieve flu-like symptoms. In the lungs, this substance can assist in expectoration by making the lung fluid less thick.
These data are considerably new, but the nutritional benefits of soup have been known for much longer.
This is because the dish, in general, consists of foods rich in nutrients and substances capable of helping immunity, such as proteins , minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. These are indispensable for the organism to recover well and more quickly.
It is also worth remembering that often the flu and colds have a direct relationship with poor diet – if you eat poorly, generating nutritional deficits, your immunity is lower, which makes viruses install more easily in the body, triggering diseases .
That is why there is so much talk about investing in a balanced diet – and not only when the cold or flu arises.
However, when there are already symptoms, strengthening care with nutrition can help immunity, which makes the body better able to fight viral infection.
But there is yet another weight factor for the soup to have the reputation of curing the flu: the affectionate aspect of the dish.
In general, the soup has an affective social meaning, reminiscent of good memories of care and protection – which is true of several other foods as well. This means that there is a portion of emotional well-being served with the meal.
It is also common for the soup to be made by someone who is helping to care for the person with the flu. And the very act of preparing food is surrounded by affection.
Thus, when taking soup (or even other soups), a feeling of well-being, affection and emotional comfort is generated – which is extremely beneficial for the body, and may also have reflexes in the perception of flu-like symptoms.
Can soup help you recover from the hangover?
Although soup is usually remembered when flu or cold symptoms appear, it has also gained a reputation for easing hangovers more quickly.
Not everyone thinks about consuming a broth or soup after exaggerating alcohol, but the idea of choosing this dish instead of abusing coffee, quick snacks or even going without eating until you feel sick can be a great option.
Traditionally, the soup is made with chicken meat, and may take some vegetables. These foods contain a substance called cysteine - the same that helps to relieve flu-like symptoms. But, in the case of a hangover, this substance can help to reduce discomfort such as headache, nausea and that feeling of malaise after abusing alcohol.
In addition, the dish has plenty of broth, which helps rehydrate the body – essential for those who overdo it.
It is rich in minerals such as potassium and sodium, great for nutritional replacement, especially when the exaggeration resulted in vomiting or intestinal changes. Finally, it has carbohydrates , which is important to generate energy for the body.
So, in general, soup can be a good choice to help the body recover, but it is important to combine it with comprehensive care – that is, to reinforce fluid intake, to eat light and nutritious foods and not to abuse compensators ( caffeine and energy drinks).
Is soup good to stop diarrhea?
Various conditions can cause diarrhea (which is liquid or soft stools). So, it is important to know the causes of the intestinal change. But, in general, when it is punctual (not lasting), due to a food that was bad, for example, food is a good ally at that time.
Soup is on the list of allowed foods that can help recovery. This is because the dish is light, which requires less of the digestive system – which is in the recovery phase.
It also contains nutritious ingredients (rich in vitamins and minerals), in addition to containing plenty of fluids, which helps to keep the body hydrated. Regarding vegetables and meats, it is worth mentioning that the cooking process helps to soften the fibers, which basically makes the food more easily digested.
Finally, the soup does not taste very marked and does not contain much fat, which helps in the process of ingestion – that is, it will avoid the famous vomiting cravings.
Why can soup help the body?
Regardless of having a cold, flu, diarrhea or a hangover, chicken soup is an ally of the organism. And there are a number of reasons for this.
The best known is because the broths, in general, are light dishes and, in the traditional soup recipe, there is little fat and many nutrients. This, in itself, helps in maintaining good nutrition, providing important nutrients for immunity.
There is also the issue of soups in general being affectionate meals, which makes it a great way to provide mental and, consequently, physical well-being.
Because it is a hot food and rich in liquids, it is an excellent way to warm up the body and maintain hydration, especially in cold times, when water consumption is usually reduced.
And, more recently, seeking to investigate whether soup has the potential to help recover from flu, studies have indicated that it can even help ease flu and cold symptoms. That’s because the soup has a substance called cysteine - an amino acid that is released during the cooking of chicken meat.
In the body, it helps to make the lung fluid more fluid, which means it has an expectorant action. Thus, by relieving congestion and improving respiratory symptoms, the feeling of well-being is much greater. It can also relieve symptoms like nausea and headache.
How is a traditional soup recipe?
It is not difficult to find people who have a very special recipe for chicken soup, those with family secrets. In fact, despite being a very traditional dish, there is no official recipe. But there is some consensus on what can go in preparation.
Some vegetables are accepted, although not every soup has it. Usually, potatoes and carrots are included in the recipe. Rice and chicken are unanimous.
One way to prepare the soup can be: fry a little onion in the oil and then place the whole chicken breast to lightly brown. If the option is to add vegetables or roots, it’s time to add them. Potato, carrot or tomatoes come in now.
Add the homemade vegetable stock or cold water, add the rice and add salt. Cover the pressure cooker (or regular pan) and cook.
The time varies, ranging from 15 to 20 minutes in the pressure cooker and 30 to 40 in the normal one. Remove from the heat, separate the chicken breast and shred it, returning it to the pan. Adjust seasonings and serve.
Chicken soup is a very famous dish – either for its flavor or for its potential to help with health. A source of good nutrients, the dish can give a boost to well-being and be part of a healthy life!
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