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The Ultimate Cold & Flu Remedy: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Superfood Sauerkraut

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, we often find ourselves facing not just the festive holiday season, but also the dreaded cold and flu season. With predictions of a challenging year ahead, it’s more important than ever to arm ourselves with effective, natural remedies. While your grandma’s classic chicken noodle soup has always been a trusted ally against sniffles and sore throats, imagine boosting its power with an incredible superfood: sauerkraut. This unique combination doesn’t just offer comfort; it delivers a concentrated dose of nutritional value and healing properties that can truly astound you.

This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. My enthusiasm for their delicious sauerkraut and the opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Please support the brands that make valuable content possible.

The Timeless Healing Power of Chicken Noodle Soup

For centuries, long before modern medicine, chicken noodle soup has been the go-to comfort food and healing elixir prescribed by grandmothers worldwide. Its reputation as a cold and flu fighter isn’t just folklore; it’s backed by tradition and, increasingly, by science. From the 12th century onwards, this humble soup has offered solace and relief, earning its place as a staple in sick day routines.

What makes this simple dish so potent? Part of its effectiveness lies in its basic elements. The warm steam rising from a piping hot bowl of soup acts as a natural decongestant, helping to clear nasal passages and soothe a scratchy throat. Beyond the steam, the ample fluid content, primarily the rich broth, plays a crucial role in hydration, which is essential for flushing out toxins and supporting the body’s fight against infection. But the true magic of chicken noodle soup comes from the synergistic effect of all its components working in harmony. Together, they can actively reduce inflammation throughout the body, helping you feel better faster.

Scientific inquiry has also shed light on chicken soup’s therapeutic benefits. Dr. Stephen Rennard, a prominent researcher at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, conducted a study suggesting that chicken soup possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can specifically benefit nasal cells, providing much-needed relief from congestion. His research team further discovered that a diverse array of vegetables in chicken soup enhances its ability to alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, such as stuffy nose, coughing, and sore throat. Let’s explore the individual contributions of these powerful ingredients.

Key Ingredients and Their Healing Contributions:

Chicken: A fantastic source of protein, chicken provides the essential amino acid cysteine. When cooked into soup, cysteine is released and acts as a mucolytic, thinning mucus in the lungs and expediting the healing process. The protein also helps rebuild and repair tissues, vital for recovering from the muscle aches and general weakness often associated with illness.
Onions: More than just a flavor enhancer, onions contribute protein, calcium, and significantly, sulfur compounds. Sulfur is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce swelling and clear nasal congestion, offering relief from stuffiness.
Carrots: These vibrant vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and supporting the production and function of white blood cells, the immune system’s frontline defenders against infection.
Celery: Often overlooked, celery is a superfood in its own right. It boasts impressive anti-microbial properties that actively combat infections. Historically, celery seeds have been used in herbal medicine for centuries due to their reported antibacterial effects, making celery an excellent natural immune booster.

Elevating Your Soup: The Sauerkraut Superfood Boost

Now, if the incredible benefits of traditional chicken noodle soup weren’t enough, we’re about to introduce an ingredient that takes its healing power to an entirely new level: sauerkraut. But not just any sauerkraut – we’re talking about the exceptional quality of Frank’s Kraut.

Frank’s Kraut: A Century of Flavor and Fermentation

Since 1905, Frank’s has been dedicated to creating America’s best-tasting sauerkraut. The art of making sauerkraut is a time-honored tradition, a simple yet profound process passed down through generations. It begins with clean, shredded white cabbage, which is then placed into a sealable container with salt. The salt draws out the water from the cabbage, allowing it to ferment naturally in its own juices. Over a week or two, this magical transformation occurs, resulting in fresh, tangy, and incredibly delicious sauerkraut, as beautifully described in “The Story of Sauerkraut” eBook.

While those of us in the Midwest might easily find this culinary gem, Frank’s Kraut understands that everyone deserves access to their superior product. That’s why they offer convenient shipping right to your doorstep, ensuring you can enjoy its benefits wherever you are.

The Astounding Nutritional Value of Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut isn’t merely a tasty condiment; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. It boasts high levels of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, along with significant amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and a spectrum of B vitamins. Furthermore, it’s an excellent source of essential minerals like copper, sodium, magnesium, iron, and manganese, plus a moderate amount of protein. But its benefits extend far beyond these basic nutrients.

This fermented superfood is packed with amazing anti-inflammatory agents. The phytonutrient antioxidants present in sauerkraut can significantly reduce pain and discomfort in joints, muscles, and other inflamed areas – including your often-troubled sinuses. This makes it a particularly valuable addition when battling a cold or flu.

We all know that Vitamin C is a star player for immune support, especially when feeling under the weather. However, instead of solely reaching for orange juice, consider adding a serving of sauerkraut to your diet. A single serving provides approximately 35% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. This vital nutrient stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are critical for fighting off pathogens, and aids in cellular regeneration and repair, making it one of the most important elements of a robust immune system. But perhaps its most remarkable benefit comes from the fermentation process itself.

The Probiotic Powerhouse: Fueling Your Gut and Immunity

As a fermented food, sauerkraut is teeming with beneficial probiotics – live microorganisms that are incredibly good for your gut health. A healthy gut microbiome is directly linked to a strong immune system. When your gut flora is balanced, it can better absorb nutrients, fight off harmful bacteria, and even communicate with your immune cells. By introducing these good bacteria through sauerkraut, you’re not just treating symptoms; you’re strengthening your body’s overall defense mechanisms. This boost to gut health can lead to improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and a more resilient immune response, making sauerkraut an invaluable part of a wellness-focused diet, especially during cold and flu season.

Incorporating sauerkraut into your chicken noodle soup means you’re combining the traditional immune-boosting properties of the soup with the potent gut-healing and anti-inflammatory benefits of fermented cabbage. It’s a holistic approach to wellness, offering comfort, nutrition, and a powerful boost to your body’s natural defenses.

Whip Up This Healing Bowl in Under an Hour!

Whether you prefer to simmer a whole chicken for a richer broth or opt for the speed and convenience of boneless chicken breasts, this recipe is designed to be both nourishing and efficient. With just a little bit of chopping for your carrots, celery, onion, and chicken, you can have a steaming bowl of this wholesome soup ready to enjoy in less than an hour. It’s the perfect quick fix for a busy weeknight or a comforting meal when you’re feeling under the weather and need relief fast.

So, the next time you feel a sniffle coming on, or simply crave a deliciously comforting meal packed with unparalleled nutrition, reach for this homemade chicken noodle soup. But don’t stop there. Elevate your experience and fortify your health by topping it generously with a heap of tangy, probiotic-rich Frank’s Kraut! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a proactive step towards wellness.

Curious to learn even more about this incredible fermented food? Dive into The Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut to discover its fascinating origins, traditional preparation methods, and a wealth of delicious recipes to incorporate kraut into your daily diet.

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Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut in a white bowl

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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, just like grandma always said, can help with colds, but how about adding a true superfood like sauerkraut? You get tons of nutritional value and healing powers that will boggle your mind!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut

Servings: 6-8

Calories: 580 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or sub thighs, cut into small pieces)
4 large Carrots (sliced)
1 medium-sized Onion (chopped)
4 stalks Celery (chopped)
3 Tablespoons butter
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
1 quart Chicken Stock
3 cups water
12 ounces Kluski Noodles (Egg Noodles, prepared according to package instructions)
1 can Frank’s Kraut
1 Tablespoon Parsley Flakes
Caraway seeds (if desired)

Instructions

Place your chicken, celery, onion, and butter in a soup pot over Medium-High heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir until chicken is no longer pink.
Add in carrots, chicken stock, and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until chicken and vegetables are cooked to desired tenderness.
Add in prepared noodles and parsley. Let heat through for about 5 minutes.
Dish into bowls and top with Frank’s Kraut, and caraway seeds if desired.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

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