What Are the Benefits of Chicken Broth?
Chicken broth is made from combining chicken bones, scraps of chicken, carrots, celery, onions and other flavorings. These ingredients simmer together for hours until the desired flavor is achieved. The liquid, or broth, is strained to get rid of all of the large particles.
Chicken broth is made from combining chicken bones, scraps of chicken, carrots, celery, onions and other flavorings. These ingredients simmer together for hours until the desired flavor is achieved. The liquid, or broth, is strained to get rid of all of the large particles. Chicken broth can be used in many recipes or enjoyed plain. It also provides several nutrients that are important for your health. To reap maximum benefits from chicken broth, choose low or no-sodium options.
Low in Calories
Plain chicken broth is naturally low in calories. An 8-ounce serving provides around 40 calories, which can be beneficial if you are monitoring your calorie intake. It is also low in fat, providing less than 2 grams per serving. Although chicken broth is a low-calorie food, it does not provide enough nutrients to provide energy for all of your bodily functions. Include chicken broth as a part of your balanced diet.
Easily Digestible
Chicken broth is plain and easy for your body to digest. If you are suffering from some kind of intestinal distress, such as diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome, chicken broth is mild and unlikely to irritate your digestive tract. After surgery, or in preparation for surgery, your doctor may prescribe a clear liquid diet, explains MedlinePlus.com. Chicken broth is considered a "clear liquid," which simply means you can see through it and it won't leave any residue in your digestive tract.
Versatility
Chicken broth is a base ingredient for many recipes. Making chicken broth from scratch can be time consuming. You can purchase chicken broth already made or dried in a bouillon cube, which just requires the addition of boiling water to form a broth. It is a staple ingredient for many soups. Chicken broth can be used to add flavor to sauces, or even to steam vegetables.
Rich in Minerals
Since chicken broth is derived from bones, it is rich in several important minerals. An 8-ounce serving of chicken broth offers more than 200 milligrams of potassium, which is 10 percent of your requirement for the day. Potassium is essential for a healthy heart, as well as muscle and skeletal contractions, explains the University of Maryland. Another high-profile mineral in chicken broth is phosphorous. An 8-ounce serving of broth has about 70 milligrams of phosphorous. Phosphorous aids in metabolism, helps build protein and healthy bones and teeth, according to MedlinePlus.com.