Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used black chicken soup, also called silkie chicken soup, to improve health and well-being for hundreds of years. People love this one-of-a-kind soup made from black-skinned black-boned chickens because it tastes great and is good for you. But what is it about black chicken soup that makes it so good for you? Let’s look at these health benefits in more detail.
A Potent Source of Antioxidants
Black chicken soup is good for you because it has a lot of antioxidants. There is two to three times more carnosine in black chickens than in white chickens. Carnosine is a strong antioxidant that keeps cells safe from damage caused by free radicals and swelling.
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Too many free radicals can lead to cellular damage and inflammation which are underlying factors in many chronic diseases. Carnosine helps restore balance by neutralizing these harmful compounds.
The antioxidants in black chicken soup can help:
- Prevent premature aging and cell damage
- Protect vision health and reduce macular degeneration
- Alleviate inflammation and pain
- Boost brain function and mental clarity
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Fight cancer cell formation
Sipping this nourishing soup provides your body with an influx of cell-protecting antioxidants to keep you functioning at your best.
Supports Liver and Kidney Health
In TCM, the liver and kidneys are thought to be the source of all your vital energy. Keeping these organs healthy is essential for overall wellness. Black chicken soup has nutrients that are good for the liver and kidneys and make them stronger.
There are a lot of minerals in this soup, including iron, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, and collagen. All of these are good for the liver. The amino acid carnosine keeps liver cells from getting hurt or toxic. Hyaluronic acid, which is found in chicken feet and is often added to soup, helps the liver work well.
For the kidneys, compounds in black chicken soup increase kidney blood flow and have a protective effect on kidney tissues and cells. The soup also contains nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium that promote proper kidney function.
A Nutrient-Dense Blood Tonic
In TCM, blood deficiency is seen as the root cause of many ailments. Black chicken soup is prized as a blood tonic that can nourish, enrich, and invigorate the blood.
The soup contains essential nutrients for blood health like:
- Iron – for proper red blood cell formation
- Protein – provides amino acids to build new blood cells
- Zinc – aids in blood cell growth and function
- B vitamins – vital for red blood cell metabolism
- Collagen – promotes circulation and blood flow
Consuming black chicken soup helps increase blood cell counts for those with anemia and provides blood-building nutrients if you are recovering from surgery, pregnancy, or illness.
Boosts Immunity and Energy
Black chicken soup acts as a natural immunity booster, thanks to certain herbs and compounds in the broth.
Ingredients like astragalus root, codonopsis root, and goji berries contain polysaccharides and antioxidants that stimulate the immune system. This helps guard against pathogens and prevents colds, flus, and infections.
The amino acids and minerals in black chicken also enhance energy levels and stamina. The carnosine in particular helps reduce inflammation and fatigue. This makes the soup excellent for convalescence and anyone in need of an energy lift.
Promotes Postpartum Health
In Chinese culture, black chicken soup is traditionally given to women after childbirth. The soup contains key nutrients and herbs that help the mother recover and regain strength after the strenuous process of labor and delivery.
Compounds in the soup promote milk production and improve appetite – both important factors for postpartum health. The digestibility of the soup also makes it ideal after giving birth.
As a blood tonic, black chicken soup replenishes lost nutrients and supports the body’s recovery from pregnancy and birth. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties also help accelerate healing.
Overall, this soup provides medicinal nourishment for postpartum women needing to regain optimal wellness.
Benefits Skin, Hair, Bones, and Joints
In addition to internal health benefits, black chicken soup also promotes outward beauty and resilience.
Collagen from the chicken gives skin and hair a healthy glow while reducing wrinkles and dryness. The nutrients in the soup support production of collagen in the body as well.
For skeletal health, compounds like chondroitin and glucosamine in the chicken bones and joints provide the building blocks for strong bones and cartilage. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron also bolster bone density.
The anti-inflammatory activity helps ease joint swelling and discomfort from arthritis or injury. Enjoying this soup regularly can keep bones, joints, skin, and hair looking their best.
How to Make Healing Black Chicken Soup at Home
Now that you know the many health perks of black chicken soup, you may be eager to make it yourself. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole black chicken (2 lbs)
- 10 cups water
- 5 slices ginger
- 5 red dates
- 1 tbsp goji berries
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Clean and rinse the chicken thoroughly under water. Place in a soup pot with water. Bring to a boil and remove any scum that rises to the surface.
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Add ginger, red dates, goji berries, mushrooms, and Shaoxing wine. Return to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 2 hours.
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Remove chicken and strain the broth into another pot. Discard solids. Season broth with salt to taste.
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Add chicken back to broth. Serve piping hot and enjoy this nourishing soup!
The longer you simmer the bones, the more collagen and nutrients will be extracted into the broth. For the most healing benefits, try cooking this soup for at least 3-4 hours.
A Traditional Remedy Made Modern
While black chicken soup has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine, its health benefits have been validated by modern science. Consuming this soup provides the body with an array of antioxidants, nutrients, and anti-inflammatory compounds that fend off disease and optimize wellness.
Beyond physical health, this soup also symbolizes comfort and nourishment in Chinese culture. Serving black chicken soup shows love, care, and well-wishes for the recipient.
So next time you need healing from within or want to share health and happiness with others, consider making this time-honored Chinese soup. Your mind, body, and spirit are sure to thank you.
Superior Bioavailability in the Soup
This silkie chicken recipe is very popular because it makes it easier for the body to absorb important nutrients.
The main ingredients are put in a pot and slowly cooked over low heat. This is called water extraction. The process of extracting water from the soup makes the active ingredients more concentrated, which makes it easier for the body to use them. This ensures that individuals receive a potent dose of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, which makes this the most nourishing of confinement herbal recipes!.
Those with compromised digestive systems or absorption issues will benefit the most from drinking this soup extracted from silkie chicken. But all new mothers and their family should consume this soup as she is recovering after delivery.
Stress Reduction and Sleep Improvement
Several studies have explored the potential anxiolytic and sedative effects of Black Chicken Soup. The presence of carnosine and tryptophan are the likely contributors to resilience and calm.
Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. Increased serotonin levels are associated with improved mood and a reduction in stress and anxiety. Serotonin helps modulate the stress response by regulating the release of stress neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and cortisol.
High levels of oxidative stress have been associated with anxiety and sleep disorders. By reducing oxidative stress, carnosine protects the body from the harmful effects of chronic stress.
New mothers may sleep better when consuming this silkie herbal recipe. When they sleep better, their mood is better regulated, which prevents a possible dip into postpartum depression.
Black Chicken Soup?! Mom’s Chinese Herbal Recipe – (5 Ingredients!)
FAQ
What are the benefits of black chicken soup?
… double the amount of carnosine—a natural antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, improve muscle endurance, support brain health, and combat ageing.
What are the benefits of eating black chicken?
Black chicken meat has all the irons, minerals, and vitamins your body needs, including vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12. These nutrients help your body’s metabolism and make cellular energy. They also promote heart health, thereby reducing the chances of heart attacks or strokes.
What do you use black chicken for?
Introduction: Black chicken also known as Silkie chickens are prized for their medicinal value since the seventh century. These black chicken are Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, neither warming nor cooling. The black chicken soup tonify and nourishes the Yin of kidney and liver. I take this soup alternate days durin.
What does black chicken soup taste like?
Difference in taste Black chicken soup has a distinct flavour that sets it apart from regular chicken soup. The meat of black chicken is tender and has a unique richness that adds depth to the soup. The flavours are more intense and satisfying, making black chicken soup a delightful culinary experience.