Chicken soup isn’t just good for the soul 'as they say' but it has a number of other powerful benefits. And high quality, long simmered chicken broth boasts an impressive laundry list of nutrients that are hard to find in many other foods. Trust me when I say it! Why? ;) I will tell you why?
Chicken soup, with its many 'easy to absorb', essential and nonessential amino acids like arginine, glycine and proline, which are the building blocks of proteins and essential for digestive health and immune system support. And best part? It is also one of the only natural food sources for collagen and gelatin, which help form connective tissue in the body. Remember that!! Beside, it has nutrients that support digestive functions, immunity and brain health.
The top nutrients found in chicken bone broth include:
- Magnesium (nutrient that body needs to stay healthy, especially when training daily)
- Phosphorus ( nutrient important for bones and teeth formation)
- Gelatin (contains proteins and antioxidants, which help protect the cells in the body)
- Collagen (protein responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity)
- Glycine (amino acid that contributes to cellular growth and health)
- Glutamine (best to promote muscle recovery and reduce muscle breakdown)
- Iron (helps carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of the body. Lack of it can lead to fatigue)
- Potassium (help maintain normal level of fluid inside our cells)
- Calcium (helping muscles to contract and regulating normal heart rhythms and nerve function)
- Glucosamine (important for building blocks of many part of your joints such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid - helping your muscles work without additional stress)
- Chondroitin sulfate (plays and important role in the elasticity and function of articular cartilage)
1. Chicken soup for healthy immune system
Researchers found that the amino acids released when making chicken broth reduced inflammation in the respiratory system and improved digestion. These compounds may positively affect disorders like allergies and asthma.
2. Improve your sleep
Chicken soup contains magnesium, which is known as the relaxation mineral. It is required for over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including synthesising proteins, transmitting nerve signals and relaxing the muscles. And all of these functions may promote better sleep. Getting magnesium through food as opposed to a supplement helps your body absorb more of it.
3. Protect your joints
Because of the naturally occurring collagen and gelatin in chicken soup, eating or drinking it regularly can support joint pain that comes from getting older. Gelatin can take pressure off the joints. It is also what acts as the cushion between bones, making it a great addition to your diet.
4. Have beautiful and clean skin
Chicken soup contains collagen (as mentioned above, collagen is one of the most important nutrient for skin elasticity. It is is the primary structural protein of your skin, and is responsible for its plump, firm, youthful appearance). When collagen begins to break down because of aging or environmental toxin exposure, signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Chicken soup does also contain zinc (zinc is a mineral found concentrated in bones. It is an important component for fighting acne and supporting healthy skin). In addition to collagen and zinc, chicken broth contains glycosaminoglycans, which are molecules found in the skin’s dermis along with elastin. Their role is to fill the space between collagen and elastin to keep skin plump and supple.
5. You may improve digestion
Chicken soup supports gut health because it contains glutamine. And as I already explained above, glutamine helps repair holes in the gut lining so that it can once again become impermeable. This not only enhances digestion, but supports your immune system ;) Win win!
When making chicken soup, the bones must be simmered for long periods of time (between 18-24 hours) to allow all of the vitamins and minerals to be fully released. The long simmer time also makes these minerals bioavailable, which means they’re easier for your body to digest and absorb. This is especially important if you have a weakened digestive system. Homemade chicken soup is one of the best options because you can control what goes in it and how long it’s cooked. Beside, you can throw in any veggies you like with it and enjoy even more 'rich' taste of the broth :) Also, if possible - opt for 'grass fed' animals and organic vegetables, which will have a higher nutrient content. And remember, while the conventional way to use chicken broth is in a soup or stew recipe, you could actually add it to any recipe that calls for liquid. Simply store the liquid (you previously run through strainer) in the fridge for up to few days and swap water for chicken broth in egg dishes, meat marinades, stuffings, casseroles, noodle dishes, etc. I love to make veggie risotto with it and it is just the best perfect, quick and simple meal ;).
Enjoying your homemade chicken soup weekly will definitely support your skin and gut health (if not earlier, you sure can see the benefits of it in your 'after 40 life' :). The abundance of amino acids, vitamins and minerals may also give you some extra energy without the jitters. I sure (without any doubt at all) recommend making chicken broth a part of your lifestyle. Perhaps this should be you number one 'healthy lifestyle habit' change you will make once on a mission of living better and healthier life? ;)
Until next time, S.
Comentarios