In our fast paced technically complex world where stress is a given, it is not surprising that the vast majority of ailments are caused by our choices. Thankfully through the use of healthy foods, and some positive lifestyle changes, our bodies have the capability to heal themselves which is all the more reason for this chicken soup recipe.
Whats in chicken soup anyway?
If we start off with two chicken breasts on the bone, place in about 8 cups of water with a few bouillon cubes, let it simmer until the chicken is cooked this will make a delicious broth. Remove the fully cooked chicken from the broth and set it aside. Add in some diced carrots, kale, red onions, parsnip, celery, and a turnip. Cover, simmer in the broth until the vegetables are soft.
In a separate pot cook a desired amount of noodles or rice to be added to the soup later. Dice the chicken into small cubes, removing the bones and add in the soup to reheat. Sprinkle in a little chopped parsley, serve with a piece of your favorite bread and “voila!” you have a hot, healthy delicious meal. I call this “Soup with a Smile”.
So what’s healthy about it?
If after our stomachs are full, our kitchen smells great we still ask “why chicken soup and how does it help, let alone heal”? Lets take a closer look…
Chicken ~ is a very good source of protein and since our structure is built on it, we derive our amino acids from plant and animal protein to prevent bone loss. Chicken is also high in vitamin B3 or Niacin which is a cancer-protective vitamin. A four-ounce serving of chicken provides 78% of the daily value for niacin. Vitamin B6 found in chicken is important for energy production as well as cardiovascular health and plays a role in creating antibodies in the immune system. Selenium found in chicken is linked to thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense system and immune functions.
Carrots ~ rich in vitamin A helps cell reproduction. It also stimulates immunity and is needed for formation of some hormones. Vitamin A helps vision and promotes bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. Deficiency in vitamin A can cause night blindness, dry skin, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel.
Kale ~ rich in vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, is an antioxidant and also has been found by scientists to be an effective antiviral agent. Vitamin K plays a critical role in blood clotting.
Red Onions ~ rich in vitamin A and vitamin C vitamin B12, as well as Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and Fluoride. Eating onions has many benefits, such as reducing colon cancer, bronchial spasms as well as providing a cure for cough, cold, bronchitis and asthma. Some of the natural therapeutic effects of onions are as follows: antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-cancerous and antiseptic.
Parsnips ~ Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E and fiber, and are also a good source of Potassium. The soluble fiber found in parsnips help lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels balanced. Their rich levels of vitamin C, B6 and E help in reducing high blood pressure, constipation and heart problems.
Celery ~ An excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. Celery is also associated with lowering blood pressure. A note of caution: people with low blood pressure might want to avoid celery for this reason.
Turnip ~ Contains vitamins C and B, Antioxidants with an added benefit of Potassium which serves to maintain your bodies mineral and fluid balance.
That’s plenty of wholesome goodness in just a little bit of soup. If you have a different recipe, please share as we strive to stay warm, soup is the way to go.
Sources:
www.everynutrient.com
Wikipeida The Free Enclyclopedia
wwwwhfoods.com
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb6
www.buzzle.com
www.puritan.com
http://www.juicing-for-health.com/health-benefits-of-celery.html
http://www.gardeningchannel.com/health-benefits-of-turnip/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/260668-nutritional-values-of-turnips/