While this was a scientific study, it appears the authors had their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks when they weren't slurping soup. It was found that chicken soup lessened the amount of white blood cells attracted in test tubes. However, the activity by canned or packaged soups ranged from almost none to extremely effective. Grandma's homemade soup was in the middle of the pack. The effectiveness of chicken soup is rediscovered every so often by scientists.
Any warm liquid is good for a cold and soothes the throat.
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