Is Beef Soup Good for a Cold? The Surprising Benefits of This Warming Soup

When you’re feeling under the weather with a cold there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. Chicken noodle soup is a classic choice, but beef soup can also be an excellent option when you’re sick. Beef provides protein, vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen the immune system and fight off illness. Here’s a look at why beef soup may be good for colds, along with some delicious recipes to try.

Why Beef Soup is Good When You Have a Cold

There are a few key reasons why beef soup can be a smart choice when you’re battling a cold:

1. Beef Provides Protein

Protein is important when you’re sick because it provides the building blocks your body needs to produce antibodies and other infection-fighting compounds Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, Just one cup of beef soup made with 2 ounces of cooked beef provides around 25 grams of protein,

Consuming adequate protein when you have a cold can help strengthen your immune response, Some studies show that protein malnutrition impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to infection Eating protein-rich foods like beef while sick can help boost your body’s ability to fight off the cold virus

2. Beef Provides Zinc

Beef is one of the best dietary sources of the mineral zinc. A 2 ounce serving of beef provides around 5 milligrams of zinc, which is close to half of the recommended daily amount for adult men and over 60% for adult women.

Zinc plays a critical role in the normal functioning of the immune system. Even mild zinc deficiency can negatively impact your immune response. Research shows that zinc supplements can shorten the duration of colds by up to 33% when taken within 24 hours of symptom onset. Consuming zinc-rich foods like beef when you have a cold can help strengthen your immune function during illness.

3. The Broth Provides Fluids and Electrolytes

When you have a cold, your body needs extra fluids to thin out mucus and prevent dehydration from fever, sweat, and runny noses.

Drinking broth from beef soup can help you stay hydrated. Broth also contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium that are lost through sweat and mucus. Consuming broth helps replenish these important minerals.

4. Warmth Soothes Cold Symptoms

Warm fluids can provide relief from congestion when you’re sick. The steam from hot soup helps loosen mucus, allowing it to drain more easily. This can temporarily relieve nasal congestion and coughing.

Drinking warm fluids also helps soothe a sore throat. While any warm liquid can have this effect, soup tends to be more comforting and appetizing than plain water.

5. Nutrients Aid Healing

In addition to protein and zinc, beef provides a variety of other nutrients that can support healing when you’re sick. This includes:

• Iron: Helps improve low energy levels by delivering oxygen throughout the body. Beef contains highly absorbable heme iron.

• Vitamin A: Supports immune function and helps maintain the mucus membranes lining the respiratory tract.

• Vitamin C: Aids wound healing and metabolizing proteins for antibody production. Pair beef soup with vitamin C-rich veggies.

• Vitamin D: Helps regulate immune responses. Look for beef soup made with vitamin D-fortified broth.

• Selenium: Works with vitamin E to protect cells from damage. Beef is one of the richest dietary sources.

Overall, the combination of protein, vitamins, minerals, fluids, and warmth makes beef soup a smart choice when you’re feeling under the weather with a cold.

Tasty Beef Soup Recipes to Try

If you’re convinced that beef soup may help you get over your cold faster, here are some delicious recipes to whip up:

Classic Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is chock-full of beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions simmered in a savory broth. It’s like a beef soup and stew combo that provides warmth, comfort, and nutrients. The simple seasonings allow the flavor of the beef to shine.

Vietnamese Pho with Beef

This popular Vietnamese noodle soup is made with a beef bone broth that simmers for hours to develop a rich, full flavor. It’s served with thin slices of cooked beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs like basil, lime, bean sprouts, and chili peppers. The spicy, tangy flavors will help clear your sinuses.

Mexican Beef and Vegetable Soup

This quick and easy soup is made with ground beef, tomatoes, corn, beans, and zesty Tex-Mex spices. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips, cheese, and avocado, it provides a nutritious meal in one bowl. The spice blend gives a great flavor boost when taste buds are dulled.

Beef Barley Soup

Beef and vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms are simmered in broth with barley in this comforting classic. Whole grains like barley can help boost immunity thanks to compounds like beta-glucan fiber. The beef and barley combination makes this soup extra hearty.

Beef Minestrone Soup

In this Italian-style soup, beef is paired with a hearty mix of beans, pasta, and vegetables. A parmesan rind adds a depth of flavor as the soup simmers. This thick, hearty soup is almost like a meal in itself, providing a boost of nutrients.

Thai Beef Noodle Soup

Fragrant spices like lemongrass, ginger, and chili peppers add tons of flavor to this Thai-inspired beef noodle soup. It’s made with brisket and garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts for a light, refreshing feel. The heat helps clear congestion.

Beef Vegetable Soup with Herbs

This soup is chock-full of immunity-boosting vegetables like carrots, potatoes, spinach, peas, and tomatoes. Tender chunks of beef and fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano add flavor. Make a big batch to have on hand when cold symptoms strike.

Tips for Making Beef Soup When You’re Sick

When you’re under the weather, you likely don’t feel like spending a lot of time cooking elaborate recipes. Here are some tips for easily whipping up beef soup when you have a cold:

• Use canned or pre-cooked beef. Canned beef or thawed frozen cooked beef can help cut down on prep time.

• Make it in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Dump in ingredients and let it cook hands-free to make the process easier.

• Purchase pre-cut vegetables. Buy frozen diced veggies or pre-cut fresh vegetables like carrots and celery to save chopping.

• Use quick-cooking cuts of beef. Opt for diced stew meat, thinly sliced steak, or ground beef that cooks faster than large chunks.

• Season simply. When your tastebuds are dulled, opt for basic seasonings like garlic, onion, salt, and pepper to let the flavor of the beef broth shine.

• Make a big batch. Having leftovers handy means quick reheats throughout the week when you need comfort.

The Bottom Line

When you’re sick with a cold, a warm bowl of beef soup could be just what the doctor ordered. The protein, nutrients, and fluids provided by beef soup can help strengthen your immune system and speed up recovery time.

Beef soup offers a tasty, comforting alternative to chicken soup when you’re feeling under the weather. Experiment with different global flavors and spice levels to find a version that provides the soothing relief you crave. Your cold won’t stand a chance against a steamy bowl of beef soup.