Eat Chicken Soup to Boost Immunity and Fight the Common Cold

Chicken soup isn't just good for the soul. It's good if you're feeling under the weather, too. "Research has found that chicken soup helps to prevent inflammatory white cells from moving to other parts of your body, which can decrease your cold symptoms," says Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The bone broth in chicken soup contains collagen, which can help boost your immune system, in addition to amino acids and nutrients that help prevent inflammation. "Chicken soup's illness-fighting ability is thought to be related to cysteine, an amino acid released from chicken during cooking. The hot liquid in soup also helps you to stay hydrated, which can help loosen any secretions." Making bone broth at home is really easy -- just follow this recipe.

Bone broth is one of the most healing foods you can consume, including popular chicken bone broth. Rich in nutrients like gelatin and glycine, it helps to protect and heal your gut lining, skin and digestive tract. Try this easy-to-make healing recipe for your digestive system and more today!

INGREDIENTS:

4 pounds chicken necks/feet/wings
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium onions, peel on, sliced in half lengthwise and quartered
4 garlic cloves, peel on and smashed
1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
3 tablespoon ACV
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs fresh thyme
5-6 sprigs parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
18-20 cups cold water

DIRECTIONS:

• Place all ingredients in a 10 quart capacity crock-pot.
• Add in water.
• Simmer for 24-48 hours, skimming fat occasionally.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Discard solids and strain remainder in a bowl through a colander. Let stock cool to room temperature, cover and chill.
• Use within a week or freeze up to 3 months.