Dhaka, Oct. 13 -- Chicken soup and other traditional broths may help ease cold and flu symptoms and speed recovery, according to a review of scientific studies reported by The Independent.

The review, conducted by Sandra Lucas, a senior lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, and her colleagues, examined more than 10,000 records before identifying four high-quality studies involving 342 participants.

The studies tested different soups, including chicken broth, barley soup and herbal vegetable blends. One found that participants who ate soup recovered up to 2.5 days faster than those who did not, with milder nasal congestion, sore throat and fatigue.

The Independent reports that some participants who consumed soup also had l...