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Soups

Chayote, Shiitake, Cashew, and Fig Chicken Breast Soup

traditionally associated with supporting bone density and joint health

In short: Chayote, Shiitake, Cashew, and Fig Chicken Breast Soup is a soup that traditionally associated with supporting bone density and joint health. It is most often made for bone & joint wellness. Total time about 1 hr 15 min. Key ingredients: shiitake mushrooms, cashews, figs, chayote.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
15 min
Cook
1 hr
Total
1 hr 15 min
Makes
0.9–1.2 L
Bone & Joint Wellness
Chayote, Shiitake, Cashew, and Fig Chicken Breast Soup

Why people make this soup

When Nourilo came home with a bag full of resilient vegetables during a difficult time when going out was limited, chayote was one of the first things he reached for. Paired with shiitake mushrooms, cashews, and dried figs, the result is a soup that is not only fresh-tasting and satisfying but also brings together a group of ingredients that traditional food therapy has long associated with supporting the bones. Cashews are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and copper; dried figs rank among the highest-calcium fruits available; shiitakes are a source of vitamin D, which plays a role in how the body uses calcium; and chayote is considered one of the most nutritionally complete of the gourd family. Together, they make a soup that is especially beneficial for growing children, pregnant women, and anyone looking to support their skeletal health as they age.

Method

  1. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in water until soft; rinse and remove the stems.
  2. Split the dried figs in half.
  3. Peel the chayote and cut into chunks.
  4. Blanch the chicken breast in boiling water briefly, then drain.
  5. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.1 L of water.
  6. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium simmer.
  7. Cook for about 1 hour until the liquid reduces to approximately 0.9–1.2 L.
  8. Serve warm, eating the soup together with the mushrooms, cashews, figs, and chayote.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is particularly beneficial for pregnant women and growing children. Those with gout should be aware that shiitake mushrooms contain roughly ten times more purines than button mushrooms — this same compound, however, is associated with supporting immune function and antioxidant activity, and cardiovascular health in those without gout. Gout sufferers can substitute 10 green olives for the mushrooms. Pork shank works well as an alternative to chicken breast.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Shiitake mushrooms · Randomized controlled trial · 2015
    Daily shiitake intake was associated with increased ex vivo proliferation of γδ-T and NK-T cells, higher salivary sIgA and lower serum CRP, along with changes in cytokine patterns. The comparison was before versus after intake in two dose groups.Limitation: Parallel 5 g and 10 g dose groups with no placebo or non-mushroom control. Short 4-week study in healthy young adults, with mostly ex vivo immune markers.PubMed 25866155 · 2 more shiitake mushrooms studies
  • Ginger · Meta-analysis, 23 studies · 2022
    Overall, acute and delayed nausea and vomiting did not differ significantly between ginger and control groups. A subgroup taking 1 g/day or less for over four days had less acute vomiting (OR 0.30).Limitation: Clinical heterogeneity between trials required subgroup analyses, and the authors state that sufficiently large, high-quality RCTs are still needed.PubMed 36501010 · 3 more ginger studies

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

Spot an error? Report a correction

Frequently asked questions

Who is this soup particularly suited for?

This soup is particularly beneficial for pregnant women and growing children, and is also well-suited for anyone looking to support their skeletal health as they age.

What role do the key ingredients traditionally play in this recipe?

Cashews are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and copper; dried figs rank among the highest-calcium fruits available; shiitake mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, which plays a role in how the body uses calcium; and chayote is considered one of the most nutritionally complete of the gourd family. Together, these ingredients are traditionally associated with supporting bone mineral density and overall skeletal health.

Is this soup suitable for people with gout?

Those with gout should be aware that shiitake mushrooms contain roughly ten times more purines than button mushrooms. Gout sufferers can substitute 10 green olives for the mushrooms.

How long does this soup take to prepare and cook, and how much does it yield?

The soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to cook, for a total time of around 1 hour 15 minutes. It yields approximately 0.9 to 1.2 litres of soup.

How should this soup be served?

The soup is best served warm, eating it together with the mushrooms, cashews, figs, and chayote rather than the broth alone.

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