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Does chicken soup cure a cold? © Getty Images

Does chicken soup cure a cold?

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Nothing is better than comfort food when you’re sick, but does it really help?

Asked by: Susan Grey, Glasgow

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There is some evidence for this. Several studies have found that something in chicken soup interferes with the ability of white blood cells to flock to the scene of an infection. Since these white blood cells are responsible for the inflammation of your throat and sinuses, chicken soup may help to relieve the symptoms, even if it doesn’t actually cure the infection.

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Authors

luis villazon
Luis VillazonQ&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.

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