Vegetable broth, a new eating trend for health and beauty

AN NHIEN (According to SCMP)

Bone broth has long been considered a key ingredient in a number of health-enhancing dishes. Recently, health experts have said that vegetable broth also helps improve health, while also providing many beauty and anti-aging benefits.

Avni Kaul, a Delhi-based nutritionist, says there have been many articles written about the health benefits and gut-healing properties of bone broth. However, she notes that the most beneficial nutrients and electrolytes in bone broth can also be found in vegan-friendly food sources. Kavita Devgan, another Indian nutritionist, says that vegetable broth is a healing food that increases the alkalinity of the dish, which helps protect healthy cells and balances essential mineral levels, while also adding more nutrients to the body.

Although the collagen in bone broth is said to be a nutrient that vegetarians do not get when consuming vegetable broth, the Cleveland Clinic (USA) says that consuming foods rich in collagen does not directly increase collagen levels in the body, because our bodies cannot fully digest collagen, but instead, it is broken down into amino acids. Kaul says the best way to absorb minerals, amino acids and increase collagen levels in the body is to eat plenty of green leafy vegetables.

Experts say a typical vegetable stock recipe might include carrots, celery, onions, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, coriander seeds and garlic. All of these ingredients have good nutritional value, for example, onions are rich in antioxidants. You can also adjust the flavor of your vegetable stock and increase its nutritional value by adding any vegetables and spices you like or have on hand. For example, garlic helps promote heart health, beets and a little lemon juice add iron, and mushrooms boost vitamin D and add umami – the essence of deliciousness – to the stock.

Shiitake mushrooms are known to contain antifungal and antioxidant properties that help detoxify the liver, while parsley contains the antioxidant luteolin, which helps remove toxins from the body. It is also a natural diuretic, helping to flush salt and water from the body, thereby cleansing the kidneys. Some starchy vegetables (such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams) can make the broth cloudy, but this does not affect the flavor or nutritional value of the dish.

Additionally, adding coconut or olive oil to vegetable broth can aid in nutrient absorption and help kill harmful bacteria and yeast. Adding turmeric is also beneficial, as its active ingredient curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory. Seaweeds like kombu or wakame, which are packed with nutrients and minerals, are great additions to your vegetable broth recipe.

Special benefits of vegetable broth

With the advantage of being rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, vegetable broth is found to bring specific benefits such as:

+ Good for the intestines. Vegetable broth helps reduce the harmful effects of dehydration caused by diarrhea or food poisoning, thanks to its ability to restore electrolyte balance caused by the loss of large amounts of fluid in the body. Electrolytes are naturally occurring chemicals in body fluids including chloride, phosphate, potassium, sodium and calcium.

+ Supports weight loss. Vegetable broth contains few calories but is rich in fiber and water, so it will help with weight loss.

+ Beautiful skin, bright eyes. Carrot and celery stew provides a lot of vitamin A, helps beautify the skin and improve eyesight, especially can prevent eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts.

+ Supports detoxification. Soluble fiber in vegetables helps remove toxins from the digestive system.

+ Anti-aging. Vegetable broth contains antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, which can delay the aging process. Vitamin C also stimulates the body to produce natural collagen, which can slow the appearance of wrinkles.

+ Good for bone and joint health. Minerals and calcium from vegetables help strengthen bones and can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

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