Why Dietitians and Bartenders Are Begging You To Stop Putting Collagen in Your Cocktails

Not everything has to be “functional,” you know.

What’s worse than bland soup? Honestly, pretty much nothing. (That is, unless you’re down bad with a stomach bug and plain rice and tasteless chicken noodle soup is exactly what the doctor ordered. Under those circumstances: Do carry on.)

But at most meals, we prefer a lively, flavor-rich soup situation. The solution to bland soup is simple: spices, herbs, and seasonings. We caught up with Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT, a registered dietitian based in Charleston who shared some of the best dietitian-approved spices for chicken soup loaded with anti-inflammatory perks to season (ha!) the day.

3 dietitian-recommended anti-inflammatory spices for chicken soup 

1. Turmeric

According to Manaker, one of the easiest ways to add a beautiful golden hue, anti-inflammatory benefits, and a whole lot of flavor is by adding a pinch (or two) of turmeric to your chicken soup stock. “It contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body,” Manaker says. Keep in mind that turmeric goes better together when combined with black pepper—and not just from a flavor perspective. In fact, research shows that pairing turmeric with black pepper can help increase the bioavailability of circumin by a whopping 2,000 percent.

2. Ginger

The benefits of ginger are two-fold: it adds delicious flavor to a simple chicken soup recipe, plus it’s a digestion savior. “Ginger is best known for its ability to alleviate gastrointestinal distress and possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can soothe a sore throat or an upset stomach,” Manaker says. In other words, ginger and chicken soup are essentially a match made in heaven, especially when it comes to making the perfect chicken soup for colds.

3. Cinnamon

Looking to add a bit of earthiness and anti-inflammatory benefits to your chicken soup—or any easy soup recipe for that matter—try a pinch of cinnamon. “Aside from its warming flavor, cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation,” Manaker says.

Pro tip: You can doctor up just about any store-bought soup with these spices too. “Try stirring these spices into store-bought soup—start with a small amount like a quarter teaspoon, taste, and add more as needed. Heating the soup will activate the spices’ flavors and properties, transforming a simple meal into a healthful experience,” Manaker says.

What can I add to my chicken soup to give it flavor?

Aside from turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon that have tons of anti-inflammatory properties, there ar