Harmful effects of ready-made chicken broth cubes for pregnant women
Nutrition for pregnant women is very important during pregnancy, as it ensures that the fetus gets all the nutrients necessary for its healthy growth and avoids any health problems that may result from a deficiency of these elements. Among the foods recommended for pregnant women, chicken broth stands out in its various types, which mothers are keen to eat. Therefore, "Dalili Medical" shed light on the benefits and harms of chicken broth during pregnancy for the mother and the fetus.
Do vegetable broth cubes lead to weight gain?
These cubes contain a high percentage of sodium, but this does not directly affect weight gain or loss.
Does chicken broth cause cancer?
After rumors spread about the association of chicken broth cubes with cancer, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority clarified this matter. It confirmed in a tweet on its Twitter account a few days ago that there is no evidence that chicken broth cubes cause cancer, but it advised reducing its consumption due to its high salt content.
**Nutritional value of chicken broth**
Chicken broth is a low-calorie option, but it contains a high percentage of sodium. It also provides small amounts of a range of other nutrients, such as copper and selenium. One cup (240 ml) of chicken broth prepared with water contains the following nutritional values:
- Calories: 10
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Sodium: 42% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Copper: 3% of the Daily Value
- Selenium: 2% of the Daily Value
- Riboflavin: 1% of the Daily Value
- Magnesium: 1% of the Daily Value
- Calcium: 1% of the Daily Value
**What are the ingredients of chicken broth?**
Liquid and natural chicken broth is made up of rich ingredients, as one cup of it contains about 12.2 calories. During the cooking process, a lot of protein leaks into the broth, making it a rich source of protein.
Chicken broth contains a range of important nutrients, including essential fatty acids that contribute to the healthy building and repair of cells. Among these cells that need continuous repair are: bones, blood cells, skin, and hair.
The broth also contains selenium, which plays an important role in regulating cholesterol levels in the blood, and helps reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.
Chicken broth also contains an abundant group of vitamins, such as vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
In addition, one cup of chicken broth contains about 12 milligrams of calcium, which is beneficial for bone and teeth health, as well as about 1 milligram of iron, which helps prevent anemia.
The broth also contains other nutrients in smaller proportions, but they contribute to strengthening the body's immunity and protecting it from colds and flu.
**Types of Chicken Broth**
Although the term "broth" is commonly used, there are several types of chicken broth, including:
1. **Bone Broth**
Bone broth (Stock) is typically made by simmering the bones and meat of animals for a long time, producing a rich, flavorful liquid. Bone broth has a thicker consistency and a stronger flavor, making it an ideal ingredient in soup recipes.
2. **Beef Broth**
Beef broth (Broth) is made from cooked meat or vegetables, and is much lighter than bone broth. It can be made using chicken, beef, or fish. Beef broth is light and less concentrated, making it a good choice for dishes that contain other strong flavors, such as creamy sauces.
3. **Chicken Bouillon Cubes**
Chicken bouillon cubes are a dried form of broth, and are ideal for enhancing the flavor of dishes. These cubes are highly concentrated and are practical in terms of storage, as they can last for several months in the refrigerator, unlike bone broth and meat broth, which should be consumed within 3-4 days after opening.
**Benefits of chicken broth for pregnant women**
Chicken broth is rich in gelatin, which makes it beneficial for enhancing the health of pregnant women's hair and skin, especially in light of the changes they undergo during pregnancy. Chicken broth also helps reduce the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion for pregnant women, thanks to its calories that provide them with energy.
Chicken broth is a filling meal rich in nutrients, making it a suitable choice without causing weight gain. In addition, chicken broth helps relieve digestive disorders that many pregnant women suffer from, such as constipation, gas, and bloating.
Chicken broth also helps reduce the risk of pregnant women developing osteoporosis, due to its high calcium content. It also protects the pregnant woman's body from dehydration and helps lower blood pressure, which helps protect her from the symptoms of preeclampsia.
**Are chicken bouillon cubes good for pregnant women?**
It is best for pregnant women to avoid using chicken bouillon cubes in their diet, as they contain ingredients that may be harmful to them and the fetus in general.
These cubes contain a high percentage of sodium, and studies have shown that they may negatively affect the fetus's brain, increasing the risk of damage. The materials used in the manufacture of chicken bouillon cubes may also hinder the flow of oxygen to the fetus's brain, which may lead to premature births and miscarriages.
In addition, these cubes can contribute to significant weight gain in pregnant women, due to their high fat and calorie content. Chicken bouillon cubes, whether in the form of cubes or powder, are one of the main factors that may lead to high blood pressure in pregnant women, which may cause symptoms such as preeclampsia.
Other risks associated with using chicken bouillon cubes during pregnancy include:
- Excessive weight gain due toB. Its high fat content.
- Risk of food poisoning due to its preservatives.
- Fluid retention in the body and high blood pressure due to the high salt content.
- Reducing the amount of oxygen available to the fetus.
- Possibility of damage to the fetus's brain cells.
- Risk of severe vaginal bleeding.
- Increased likelihood of miscarriage and premature birth.
**How to prepare chicken stock cubes**
**1- Ingredients:**
- Half a kilo of chicken bones.
- 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh coriander.
- 3 carrots.
- Medium-sized onion.
- A small sprinkle of black pepper and salt.
- 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
- 3 leeks.
- 6 cloves of garlic.
**2- Preparation method:**
- Chop the onion, carrots and leeks into small pieces randomly.
- Bring a deep pot and add an appropriate amount of water until the middle of the pot, then add the carrots, onions and leeks, and put the pot on medium to high heat for half an hour.
- After that, remove the chicken bones and add the leeks, parsley, coriander, cloves and garlic, then season the mixture with salt and black pepper, and return the pot to the heat for five minutes.
- Leave the pot to cool completely, then mix the broth with the vegetables well, then strain it well to get rid of any uncooked bones.
- Pour the chicken broth into a bowl with ice cubes, then put it in the freezer for a whole night. After it freezes well, transfer the broth cubes to a tightly sealed container and keep them in the refrigerator.
**How to prepare chicken broth cubes**
**1- Ingredients:**
- 500 grams of chicken bones.
- 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh coriander.
- 3 carrots.
- Medium-sized onion.
- A pinch of black pepper and salt.
- 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
- 3 leeks.
- 6 cloves of garlic.
**2- Preparation method:**
- Chop the onion, carrot and leeks into small pieces randomly.
- Bring a deep pot and add enough water to the middle of the pot, then add the carrots, onion and leeks, and place the pot on medium to high heat for half an hour.
- After that, remove the chicken bones and add the leeks, parsley, coriander and garlic, then season the mixture with salt and black pepper, and return the pot to the heat for five minutes.
- Leave the pot to cool completely, then mix the broth with the vegetables well, then strain it to get rid of any uncooked bones.
- Pour the chicken broth into a bowl with ice cubes, then put it in the freezer for a whole night. After it freezes well, transfer the stock cubes to a sealed container and keep them in the refrigerator.
**How to prepare chicken stock cubes**
**1- Ingredients:**
- 500 grams of chicken bones.
- 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh coriander.
- 3 carrots.
- A medium-sized onion.
- A small sprinkle of black pepper and salt.
- 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
- 3 leeks.
- 6 cloves of garlic.
**2- Preparation method:**
- Start by chopping the onions, carrots and leeks into small pieces randomly.
- Bring a deep pot and fill it with water until halfway, then add the carrots, onions and leeks, and place the pot on medium to high heat for half an hour.
- Next, remove the chicken bones and add the leeks, parsley, coriander and garlic, then season the mixture with salt and black pepper, and return the pot to the heat for five minutes.
- Leave the pot to cool completely, then mix the broth with the vegetables well, and strain it to get rid of any uncooked bones.
- Pour the chicken broth into a bowl with ice cubes, then put it in the freezer for a whole night. Once it is well frozen, transfer the broth cubes to a tightly sealed container and keep it in the refrigerator.
**Chicken Stock Substitute Using Spices**
**Ingredients:**
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mixed spices
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- ½ tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoon salt
**How to prepare:**
Mix all ingredients together using an electric spice grinder. Then, store the mixture in a clean, sterilized jar, and use it as a substitute for stock cubes.
**Chicken Stock Substitute Using Chicken Soup**
Clean the chicken well and then boil it in the usual way. While boiling, add a large onion, black pepper, bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon stick, chopped carrot, and sliced green bell pepper. After boiling the chicken, strain the stock from the spices, keeping the onions and vegetables. Then add the chopped celery and parsley, and let the mixture boil for a quarter of an hour until it becomes more concentrated and thicker. After that, let it cool slightly, then mix the ingredients in an electric blender. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer, and use them when needed.
**Chicken broth substitute using chicken bones**
**Ingredients:**
- 2 kilos of chicken bones (preferably using back, neck and wing bones)
- 3 celery sticks
- 2 carrots
- 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of basil
- bay leaf
- 4 cups of cold water
- 1 medium onion
- (salt to taste)
**How to prepare:**
In a deep bowl, add the water with the chicken bones, celery, carrots, onions, parsley, salt, pepper, thyme, and basil. Place the mixture over low heat, cover and bring to a boil (about 2 hours). Then, strain the broth through a strainer or sieve lined with cheesecloth or cheesecloth, and allow the broth to cool. If you want a fat-free broth, you can skim off any fat that has accumulated on the surface. Then, pour the broth into ice cube trays and store in the freezer for up to three days, or you can store it in the refrigerator Need for up to six months.