Grandmothers around the world have extolled the benefits of homemade stock in chicken soup. Stock made from real bones was an ancient cold remedy, and even modern studies have found benefits in chicken soup. If it is so healthful, why not use it to make an easy dinner tonight?

Homemade stock is not the same as canned or boxed broth, which tends to be higher in sodium and lower in important minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Stock made from real bones has been known to support bone growth, and it also contains material from cartilage and tendons, such as glucosamine, which many people now purchase as a supplement to help with arthritis. The gelatin that is produced from these bones has been shown to aid in digestion, and the fatty acids help to break down the fat-soluble vitamins, making them more easily absorbed.

Soup works as a dinner because you can repurpose the previous night's meal: Using leftovers is so satisfying. It allows children to take charge of their dinner, and kids are more likely to eat healthful foods when they are offered some choice. It's also quick and has many health benefits, so really the only thing missing is the assembly line of children doing dishes.