Immune Boosting Chicken Noodle Soup

It’s not fun to be sick, and we know winter is the time of year when we’re most likely to get a cold or cough. Today I’m going to share my favorite Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that’s loaded with cold busting, immune boosting, germ fighting ingredients. So if someone in your family comes down with the sniffles, try this recipe. It will help your ill loved one feel better and recover faster and it may even keep you and everyone else in the house from catching the sickness.

This recipe has lots of garlic, onions, herbs and spices. Here are the benefits our immune systems can experience from these ingredients.

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GARLIC Garlic has compounds that have the ability to block viruses from entering into host cells and boosting immune response. Crushing and cooking garlic can help prevent the loss the medicinal properties in garlic. ONION It may surprise you to find that onions are high in vitamin C which is important in regulating immune health. They are high in antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Onions also contain quercetin which is a natural pigment in many foods. It can help reduce inflammation, allergy symptoms, and boost immunity. BAY LEAVES Bay leaves have compounds that help to clear mucus in the lungs and relive sore throats. It’s also full of antioxidants. THYME The essential oil in thyme can help alleviate coughing and other symptoms of acute bronchitis. IT can also reduce inflammation and mucous. It’s also packed with vitamins A and C as well as copper, fiber, iron, and manganese. TURMERIC Turmeric contains curcumin, which is what gives this spice it’s orange-yellow color. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It also has the ability to activate a number of different cell types including dendritic cells which function as the sentinels of the immune system. These sentinels are responsible for the initiating the immune response to viruses and diseases. OREGANO Has three compounds in particular that are helpful to our bodies. Carvacrol has been shown to stop the growth of several different types of bacteria. Thymol is a natural antifungal and also supports the immune system against toxins. Rosmarinic acid helps protect against damage caused by free radicals. Now, what you’re really here for. The recipe!

IMMUNE BOOSING CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP INGREDIENTS

• 2 Cups Egg Noodles

• 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil

• 2 Cooked Chicken Breasts chopped

• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (add more if you want to!)

• 1 Medium onion diced (the WHOLE thing. Don’t skimp!)

• 2 Medium Carrots chopped

• 2 Celery stalks chopped

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

• 1 teaspoon Turmeric (you can add more of this too if you want!)

• 1 teaspoon Rosemary

• 1 teaspoon Oregano

• Salt & Pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (Add more if you like the spice)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the garlic, onions, carrots and celery. Sauté 3-5 minutes, stirring to loosed brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

3. Add chicken broth and spices. Turn the heat to high and bring soup to a boil. Skim any impurities off the top.

4. Add Egg Noodles, reduce heat to medium-low until noodles are tender.

5. Remove bay leaves and add the lemon juice.

6. Serve and enjoy.