Homemade Chicken Stock
-1 bunch parsely
-1 bunch cilantro
-2 leeks
-2 onions, chopped
-1 yam
-1 red bell pepper
-4 stocks celery
-bones from one whole chicken, meat removed
Directions:
- Place chopped veggies and chicken bones in a large pot
- Cover with water and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 2 hours. Strain and reserve for soups, grains, etc.
Nutrition Information:
Modern research conducted by Dr. Stephen Rennard, professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine, and his colleagues at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha suggests that there might be some scientific basis for the belief in the curative powers of chicken soup. They found that the particular blend of nutrients and vitamins in traditional chicken soup can slow the activity of certain white blood cells. This may have an anti-inflammatory effect that could hypothetically lead to temporary ease from symptoms of illness. Their research was published in 2000 in the scientific journal Chest.
Because it is simple to prepare, relatively cheap, nutritious, and easily digested, chicken soup is a good food for winter convalescents. Sipping warm soup can also clear the sinuses because of the steam ventilating into the nasal passages, serving as a natural decongestant, which also relieves cold and flu symptoms. Additionally, cold and flu viruses can only survive within a narrow temperature range, and sipping hot liquids can raise the ambient temperature in the nose and throat above this threshold.