Dish guides · Cantonese

Is chicken soup healthy?

Chicken soup costs about $7.09 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, weight loss and more protein.
We've cooked it 20 times in our own kitchen this year.

By health goal

Lower LDL cholesterol
Good fit
For lower LDL cholesterol, carrots in chicken soup help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Steadier blood sugar
Neutral
It's neutral for steadier blood sugar: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.
Lower blood pressure
Watch the sauce
Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.
Weight loss
Good fit
For weight loss, carrots in chicken soup help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
More protein
Good fit
For more protein, chicken in chicken soup helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

For LDL cholesterol, with sources

2 of 5
LDL habits in this dish
✓
Soluble fiber (oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, fruit)
Fish, ideally oily (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Soy or beans in place of some meat
Nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocado
✓
Little fatty meat, cream, butter or cheese
Helps your LDL
carrots
Fruit and vegetable fiber.
Mayo Clinic

What goes in (per portion)

chicken
½ whole
carrots
1
corn
½
potato
1
yellow onion
½
ginger
¼ knob
We usually serve it with spinach, green beans, mushroom.

Questions

Is chicken soup healthy?

Chicken soup costs about $7.09 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, weight loss and more protein.

Is chicken soup good for high cholesterol?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For lower LDL cholesterol, carrots in chicken soup help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is chicken soup OK for blood sugar or diabetes?

It's neutral for steadier blood sugar: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

Is chicken soup OK for high blood pressure?

Mostly, depending on the sauce. Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.

Is chicken soup good for weight loss?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For weight loss, carrots in chicken soup help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is chicken soup high in protein?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For more protein, chicken in chicken soup helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

How much does chicken soup cost to make at home?

About $7.09 a serving, or $28.35 for four servings, at typical US grocery prices, with pantry staples like soy sauce and oil counted at $0.40 a serving.

How can I make chicken soup healthier?

It's already in good shape. Serve it with a vegetable side, like spinach or broccoli, and brown rice if you want more fiber.

Plan a week of dishes like this

Eat Healthy AF plans your week of Asian home cooking around your health goal, with one shopping list and the cost of each meal. Free for 7 days.
General nutrition information, not medical advice, based on each dish's main ingredients as we cook it; sauces and salt vary by recipe. Prices are typical US grocery prices and vary by store.
Eat Healthy AF (AF as in Asian Food) is general nutrition information, not medical advice. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything. Keep your doctor in the loop, and don't change any medication without them.