American scientists have studied the healing effects of chicken broth in the laboratory.
Already grandmothers and of course mothers pamper you with chicken soup during the cold. Now that the season of bacteria and viruses is here, it’s worth following this traditional advice again, and last but not least, scientists have discovered that there is something in it.
American scientists who studied the healing effects of chicken juice in the laboratory found that chicken juice has anti-inflammatory effects that can relieve the symptoms of infections of our upper respiratory tract.
The latest study, published in the medical journal Chest, specifically examined the movement of neutrophils – a type of white blood cell. By combining this type of leukocyte with meat juice, the soup has been found to trigger an anti-inflammatory mechanism that relieves cold symptoms.
What are neutrophils?
A number of white blood cells tells us about the number of white blood cells or leukocytes in the blood. They play an important role in the body’s resistance, as they destroy various pathogens in the body. We distinguish several types of white blood cells. Lymphocytes are usually elevated in viruses and cancers (leukemias), neutrophilic leukocytes react to severe bacterial infections such as angina and bacterial pneumonia.
“There is a substance in chicken broth that can affect cells in the body, which can have medical effects, although we have not proven these effects in detail. the author of the study explained to CNN dr. Stephen Rennard, Professor of Medicine at the Nebraska School of Medicine.
The study was conducted in a laboratory and not in humans, so Rennard points out that real evidence requires more analysis. Namely, researchers have not analyzed certain substances from the soup nor have they studied its positive effects in humans.
“Jewish penicillin” that protects the airways
The results of another study, which is four decades old, show that the aromas, spices and warmth of chicken soup cleanse the sinuses and airways: “It’s a study we did 40 years ago in Miami Beach. There are a lot of Jews living there who believe in chicken soup.” explained the study’s author, a pulmonologist dr. Kiumars Saketkhoo: “They call it ‘Jewish penicillin’ because it clears the airways.” he added.
In this old study, researchers inserted particles that mimic the effects of bacteria or viruses in the noses of 15 of these healthy volunteers. Prior to this, the particles were exposed to cold or hot water or chicken broth. Hot chicken soup was more effective than hot water – cold water was worse. Hot fluid is best stimulated by the mucociliary transport system, which helps cleanse the upper and lower airways and allows the body to rid itself of particles and infections.
There is no real evidence, but there is something in it
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, for example, causes swelling of the mucous membrane and impedes the flow of mucus, blocks the drainage channels of the sinuses, and mucus begins to accumulate in an enclosed space. As is well known, the milder forms of sinusitis are also treated in a hot bath: “Rapid airway improvement reduces the risk of infection, but also helps to overcome an existing infection.” adds the expert.
“Hot liquid helps to warm the lower part of the throat, which improves the symptoms“Saketkhoo added:”The study also showed that there is something in chicken soup that works. added the pulmonologist, noting that even his study does not provide health claims or conclusions about chicken soup.
However, scientists agree that chicken soup, especially home-made, is also healthy due to its high nutritional values and thus helps patients who have problems with poor appetite.