When we feel those first symptoms of a cold or perhaps the flu, we quickly think of a hot soup. Our grandmothers were wise and left us this remedy that we still use, with the faith of seeing a miracle and feeling better.
A hot plate gives us strength and lets us breathe better. Where does that advice to take chicken soup when you’re not feeling good come from? According to the National Institute of Health, the idea of soup exists since at least the twelfth century.
Dr. Keri Peterson, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City that is affiliated with ZocDoc, explained that soup can help decongest us.
“All liquid broth soups accelerate mucosal movement in the nose simply because it is a hot liquid and causes the dilation of blood vessels, which causes an increase in blood flow and allows the mucus to eliminate everything. That will help relieve congestion,” Peterson told CBS News.
Obviously, these days we don’t have time to cook a three hour long soup the way our grandmothers did. On the other hand, a canned soup fills us up with calories, salt and preservatives, which are unhealthy.
Therefore, recently, I received some help called ZOUP. This natural broth, in its versions of chicken, meat and vegetables and with a very fresh flavor, allows me to make soup faster.
To that broth I add a little chicken, onion and garlic that both help the flu and minutes before serving, I add vegetables and some coriander. Those additional and fresh ingredients are those that hydrate us, work as anti-inflammatories and fill us with beta-carotene and vitamin C, among other supplements.
While the soup will not completely cure the flu, these benefits make it a natural medicine. At least, it warms the soul, like my grandmother says.
ZOUP is a great alternative to keep in the kitchen and add to soups, stews and mashed. It’s natural and free of GMO’s, gluten and hormones. It is natural, free of GMO, gluten and has no hormones. It comes in a glass jar and is available in most chain supermarkets. Try it!
Doreen Colondres is a celebrity chef. Author of the book The Kitchen Does not Bite. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @DoreenColondres and visit www.LaCocinaNoMuerde.com, www.TheKitchenDoesntBite.com