Types of broths and their benefits

Broths are a very common dish in Mexican kitchens, regardless of whether it's cold or hot, a warm broth not only nourishes us and comforts our soul, but it also provides incredible benefits to our body.Despite their popularity, the benefits of consuming broths are not widely known, so we will explain them to you:It's no coincidence that our grandmothers and mothers prepared broth when we were having a bad day or were sick, as drinking it hot provides well-being and comfort, warming our body and also our mind, giving us an immense restorative feeling.Broths generally have very few calories and are rich in proteins; additionally, because they have a water base, they help maintain hydration in the body for the proper functioning of all your organs.Moreover, depending on the ingredients used to prepare them, they provide different nutrients. Here are some of the most popular broths:Vegetable: This broth, in addition to being healthy and delicious, is a very practical way to make use of the vegetable scraps you normally use in your kitchen, thus avoiding waste. You can prepare vegetable broth with any peels and scraps of vegetables you have; usually, carrot peels, potato peels, chayote peels, the ends of zucchini, broccoli stems, and even the outer layers of onions are used. Those that are not so recommended are those that may change the color of the broth, like beets or those that may ferment it, like tomatoes.The ingredients of vegetable broth are rich in fiber and water; they provide vitamin A, in the case of carrots, and according to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, carotenoids that help with vision and skin care. If you add potatoes and broccoli to the broth, it can strengthen the nervous and muscular systems since it provides potassium to the body.Chicken: This type of broth is one of the most common and delicious. You can serve it alone with a piece of chicken or you can also add vegetables, rice, or even chickpeas.With chicken, the broth acquires vitamin B, which helps the nervous system. It also provides phosphorus, which helps in the formation of bones and teeth.Beef: Red meats are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Eating meat provides iron, zinc, and selenium, as well as B vitamins, which combined with other vegetables will increase the nutritional value of the broth, as it will add fiber that helps improve digestion.Fish: Fish is one of the foods that provides the most nutrients; according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, this food contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the vitamins it contains are A and D, along with minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and iodine.Some regions of Mexico have their own characteristic broths.Potato and cheese broth: This dish is a traditional recipe made with Chiapas Cheese, which gives it a tangy touch and the spicy flavor of chilaca pepper.Bean broth: Its thick texture and particular flavor make it a delicious and nutrient-rich dish.Mushroom broth with epazote: A very traditional Mexican dish made with mushrooms and fungi, flavored with fresh epazote. It's ideal to start a good meal, served with panela cheese and avocado cubes.Other uses of brothNot only as a dish are broths our salvation, but they are also a great aid in the kitchen. You can use them as a base for rice to enhance its flavor; you can also use them to cook meat or dilute a sauce that has become too thick.As you can see, broths are anything but basic; they are full of benefits, practical, always welcome, and your allies in the kitchen. Prepare the one that best suits your needs and enjoy.