TV doctor Xand Van Tulleken says there is a “cheap and effective” remedy for the common cold and it could just be in your kitchen cupboard already
Dr Xand Van Tulleken, a familiar face on the BBC, disagrees with the view that chicken soup is just an old wives’ tale when it comes to battling the common cold – asserting there’s actually some truth in it. During an appearance on BBC Morning Live last year, he said: “We don’t have a treatment for the virus to actually shorten the duration of infection” cautioning viewers against splashing out on pricey over-the-counter remedies.
Emphasising the importance of rest and hydration, he suggested that “home remedies are cheap and effective” encouraging folks to try “lemon, ginger and honey” as a soothing beverage. As for food, he hailed chicken soup as “amazing”.
He added: “Doctor Oscar has spoken about this on the show as well but there is some evidence that chicken soup is quite good for colds, and of course, chicken soup is generally great if you make it properly”. Chicken soup can be found in any supermarket, with Asda offering a can for just 60p.
The doctor told TV presenters Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton that one could easily spend “£20 to £25 on over-the-counter remedies”, and asserted that “home remedies are cheap and they work just as well if not better”, reports Surrey Live. In a previous segment featuring Dr Oscar Duke on BBC Morning Live with the same presenters, as highlighted by Dr Xand, Dr Oscar outlined how tucking into nourishing meals such as chicken soup can substantially assist in tackling cold symptoms.
He said: “Chicken soup has also been the subject of considerable research. Studies suggest it may aid in clearing mucus from the respiratory airways. Homemade chicken soup is believed to be more effective than store-bought versions.”
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For those keen to prepare chicken soup at home, “use broth, not cream, as the foundation of your soup”, advises Debbie Krivitsky, director of nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiovascular Center.
As additionally documented on Harvard Health, should you be unwell and simply need a swift meal before heading straight to bed, consider seeking out soups containing “a low-sodium chicken broth with between 140 and 200 milligrams of sodium per serving”, suggests Debbie.
