Chicken Soup RecipesGrandma's Chicken SoupA Potent Medicine for the Treatment of Colds and Flu
Every culture and tradition has its own special chicken soup recipes. Chicken soup has been revered for hundreds of years as a convalescent tonic to rebuild and restore health and vitality after illness and also as an immune boosting medicine for the acute treatment of illness particularly upper respiratory tract infections (colds) and ‘flu. Scientists have now discovered one possible reason why chicken soup is such an effective medicine and tonic. Many of the symptoms of a cold are believed to be a result of inflammation generated by immune cells as they battle the offending virus. A study published in the respiratory medicine journal “Chest” (Rennard et al 2000) found that chicken soup reduced this type of inflammation. Several commercially prepared soups, home made chicken soup recipes and a freshly made soup prepared to a recipe titled “grandmas chicken soup” were tested in the study. Grandma’s chicken soup had the most potent effect, even after having been frozen. Another ‘old wives tale’ validated by modern science! Many children lose their appetites while sick with a cold. giving chicken soup can also provide enhanced nutrition and improve hydration. The following recipe for Grandmas chicken soup is the exact recipe used in the 2000 study. Whilst organic chicken was not used in the study, it is strongly advised that you use organic chicken if at all possible. It can be made ahead of time and frozen in meal sized servings. Grandma’s Chicken Soup
Clean the chicken, place into a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the chicken wings, onions, sweet potato, parsnips, turnips and carrots. Boil for about 1.5 hours. Remove the fat as it accumulates on the surface. Add the parsley and celery and cook for a further 45 minutes. Remove the chicken. The chicken is not used further for the soup, however, the meat can be removed from the bones and used for another meal (delicious in salads or used to make chicken burritos). Puree the vegetables and broth in a food processor or pass through a sieve. Salt and pepper can be added to taste at this point. The soup can be served alone, with toast or cooked rice noodles.
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