Is chicken noodle soup good for your heart? Separating fact from fiction

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., making dietary choices crucial for cardiovascular health. So, is chicken noodle soup good for your heart, or is it merely comfort food? The answer depends heavily on how it is prepared, especially its sodium content and ingredients.

Quick Summary

The heart-healthy potential of chicken noodle soup depends on preparation, primarily due to sodium. A homemade version with low-sodium broth, lean chicken, and whole-grain noodles can be beneficial, while store-bought cans often contain excessive sodium and saturated fat that are detrimental to cardiovascular health.

Key Points

Sodium is Key: Homemade chicken noodle soup is heart-healthy; canned versions are typically high in sodium, which is detrimental to cardiovascular health.
Choose Lean Protein: Using skinless chicken breast provides lean protein without the saturated fat that negatively impacts heart health.
Maximize Vegetables: Filling your soup with a variety of vegetables increases fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which support a healthy heart.
Opt for Whole Grains: Incorporating whole-grain noodles or adding ingredients like quinoa boosts fiber content, which helps manage cholesterol.
Flavor Naturally: Use herbs, spices, and low-sodium broths to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt.
Hydration Matters: The warm broth promotes hydration, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Homemade vs. Canned: The Sodium Problem

One of the most significant factors determining if chicken noodle soup is good for your heart is the sodium level. Traditional store-bought, canned chicken noodle soups are notoriously high in sodium, with some containing a substantial portion of the recommended daily limit in a single serving. High sodium intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, a primary risk factor for heart disease. By contrast, preparing the soup from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients, especially the amount of salt used. You can opt for a low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken broth, herbs, and spices to flavor your soup without compromising your heart health.

Nutrient-Rich Ingredients for Heart Health

Beyond just managing sodium, a homemade chicken noodle soup can be a powerful vessel for heart-healthy nutrients. The individual ingredients offer distinct benefits when chosen wisely. For example, using lean, skinless chicken breast provides a source of high-quality protein without the excess saturated fat found in other meat cuts. The addition of a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions, boosts the fiber, vitamin, and antioxidant content, all of which are crucial for cardiovascular function. Whole-grain noodles or pasta can be incorporated to add more dietary fiber, which has been shown to help manage cholesterol levels.

The Importance of Hydration and Comfort

In addition to its nutritional components, the warm, hydrating nature of soup is beneficial for overall wellness. Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and ensuring all bodily systems function correctly. The comforting aspect of a warm bowl of soup can also have a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress and boosting mood through the release of endorphins. While not a direct mechanism for heart health, mental and emotional well-being are contributing factors to a healthier lifestyle overall.

The Role of Chicken Peptides

Some research has explored the more direct cardiovascular benefits of chicken soup, focusing on specific compounds found in the broth. A 2002 study suggested that a concentrated chicken extract could help keep the heart healthy by reducing heart swelling and blood-vessel thickening in hypertensive rats. This effect was attributed to a naturally occurring peptide. While more research is needed on human subjects, it provides an interesting look into the potential pharmacological benefits of traditional remedies. The presence of these components in homemade, slow-simmered broth, when combined with a balanced approach, offers a promising layer to the health benefits.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Canned Chicken Noodle Soup


Feature	Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup	Canned Chicken Noodle Soup
Sodium Content	Fully controllable; can be very low.	Typically very high due to preservatives.
Ingredient Quality	High-quality, fresh vegetables, lean chicken.	Often contains processed chicken and dehydrated vegetables.
Saturated Fat	Low, especially when using lean, skinless chicken breast.	Can be higher depending on the brand and cut of meat.
Nutrient Density	High, packed with fresh vitamins and minerals.	Lower, with many vitamins lost in processing.
Fiber	High, if whole-grain noodles and plenty of vegetables are used.	Generally low.
Cost	Can be cheaper or comparable, depending on ingredients.	Often inexpensive, but can be less cost-effective for heart health.

Tips for a Truly Heart-Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s how to maximize the heart-boosting potential of your next bowl:

Use low-sodium broth: Choose a low-sodium or no-salt-added version from the store, or make your own by simmering chicken bones and vegetables.
Load up on veggies: Add extra servings of carrots, celery, spinach, kale, and onions for a major antioxidant and fiber boost.
Choose lean protein: Opt for skinless chicken breast to keep the saturated fat content low.
Integrate whole grains: Use whole-wheat egg noodles or add quinoa or wild rice to increase heart-healthy fiber.
Flavor with herbs and spices: Use fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and spices like black pepper or turmeric, instead of excess salt.
Watch portion sizes: Even a healthy soup can contribute to excess calorie intake if portions are too large.

Conclusion: A Conditional Yes for Heart Health

In conclusion, whether chicken noodle soup is good for your heart is not a simple yes or no. The soup’s impact is contingent upon its preparation. When made at home with a low-sodium broth, lean protein, and plenty of vegetables, it can be a highly nutritious, heart-healthy meal. However, the high sodium content of many canned and pre-packaged versions can counteract any potential health benefits and pose a significant risk to cardiovascular health. By taking control of the ingredients, you can transform this classic comfort food into a genuinely beneficial meal for your heart. For more insights on heart-healthy recipes, see this resource from the American Heart Association Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canned chicken noodle soup is often high in sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure. Many commercial versions also contain less nutritious ingredients and higher saturated fat than homemade alternatives.

Yes, but you should make it yourself using low-sodium or no-salt-added broth. This allows you to control the sodium content and fill the soup with fresh, heart-healthy ingredients.

To reduce sodium, you can mix a small amount of canned soup with a much larger quantity of low-sodium broth. You can also rinse the canned noodles and vegetables before adding them, though it won't eliminate all the sodium.

Opt for whole-grain egg noodles or use whole-wheat pasta. These provide more dietary fiber than white pasta, which is beneficial for managing cholesterol.

While the traditional remedy is anecdotal, some studies on concentrated chicken extract have suggested potential benefits, though more research is needed. The main benefits come from its hydrating properties and the nutrients from a balanced homemade recipe.

Yes, a fat-free or low-fat chicken broth is preferable for a heart-healthy diet, as it reduces overall saturated fat intake. However, focusing on low sodium is the most critical factor.

Carrots, celery, onions, spinach, and kale are excellent choices. They are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that support cardiovascular function.