The Healing Powers of Chicken Soup
December 9th, 2006
Studies show that chicken soup, if made properly, does contain healing properties that help combat colds, flu, and general malaise. A healthy chicken soup has antibacterial and antiviral properties, boosts the immune system, builds energy, cleanses the blood, reduces mucus, provides healthy vitamins and minerals and helps reduce inflammation. Here’s a recipe that will ensure excellent results and great taste:
- 1 small (5lb) chicken* with bones and skin (protein, amino acids)
- 1 medium lime, washed and cut in half (vitamin C and A)
- 2 ts curry powder (circulation and metabolism enhancer, antibacterial, antiviral)
- 1 ts tumeric (anti-inflammatory, improves circulation)
- 4 cloves minced garlic (blood cleanser, liver tonic, vitamins C and B6, selenium)
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme (promotes perspiration which cleanses the body, antiseptic, relieves coughs and congestion, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoid antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K)
- 1/8 cup fresh dill (cancer-fighting properties, anti-bacterial, calcium, digestive aid)
- 1/8 cup olive oil (oleic acid and other fatty acids help control cholesterol, vitamin E, phenol antioxidants, benefits for colon, heart, and liver)
- 3 cups grated carrots (alpha- and beta-carotene, vitamin A, fiber)
- 1 large onion, chopped (flavonoid antioxidants, blood cleanser)
- 2 cups chopped red potatoes (B vitamins, carbs, potassium)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cut chicken into two or four pieces, place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and remove the fat that accumulates on top. Add the lime halves, spices, garlic, onion, and potatoes. Cook on medium-low for about 1.5 hours. Remove the chicken and pull the white meat off of the bones with a fork (remove the skin and any skin remaining inside the pot). Return the white meat to the pot and keep the dark meat for future use. Add carrots and cook another 20 minutes. Removed lime peels, squeezing any extra juice out. Pour a little olive oil on top before serving.
* Please try to find an organically grown chicken, since studies show that most commerically grown chickens are loaded with bacteria.
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