The Real Reason Why Chicken Noodle Soup Makes You Feel Better

Something that may stand out to you from your childhood is the ultimate cure for all sickness: chicken noodle soup. Whether you had a cold, the flu, or maybe you were just feeling downright lousy, chicken noodle soup always seemed to make things better.

Click here for the 5 Chicken Soups to Fight Off a Cold slideshow.

Sometimes you really do need medicine in order to feel better, but scientific studies show that chicken noodle soup does have medicinal properties. One study found that consuming chicken noodle soup can reduce upper respiratory cold symptoms by moving around neutrophils in the body. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that prevent infection in the body. The ingredients in chicken noodle soup provide the body with a boost of vitamin A and selenium. Warm liquids, such as chicken broth, can be used to promote hydration and clear your nasal passages. The vegetables contain vitamins A, C, and other antioxidants that boost the immune system. The chicken is packed with protein and the noodles give you a serving of carbohydrates.

It's no wonder that this hearty soup makes you feel better. Your best bet is to make the recipe from scratch, so that you can control the sodium content. Regardless, soup and plenty of liquids are the solution to healing the body from sickness.

The accompanying slideshow is provided by special contributor Emily Jacobs.