Content
Khash or khashi is the first dish widespread in the Caucasus and Transcaucasia. The cooking technology resembles Russian jellied meat, but has its own differences. It is believed that the Armenians were the first to cook it, and then the neighboring peoples appreciated the amazingly tasty and healthy dish. The benefits of khash have been known since ancient times. The first mentions of it are found in sources dating back to the 11th century. Armenian healers considered this rich meat soup to be the first remedy for fevers and colds. Today, this national product enjoys well-deserved popularity all over the world. The rich broth is especially useful in the winter and in the autumn-spring off-season, with piercing winds, slush and vitamin deficiency.
Chemical composition of khash
Hash acquires useful and harmful properties due to its rich composition. It contains the following components:
- gelatin, ash, chondroitin;
- minerals - iron, phosphorus, sodium, selenium, copper, manganese, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium;
- vitamins of group B, PP, A, E.
Why hash is useful for the body
The main benefit of beef leg khash is determined by the presence of gelatin in its composition. It is this gelling substance that has a beneficial effect on the human body. The dish has the following medicinal properties:
- Khash is useful for joints: it restores worn out cartilage tissue, reduces inflammation, improves the condition of patients with rheumatism, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis.
- Gelatin strengthens nails and hair, improves their structure.
- Possesses antiviral properties, which is especially valuable in the season of massive colds. A cup of healthy khash in the morning helps to strengthen the immune system, increase the body's resistance to cold. If it was not possible to avoid a cold, you can eat rich hot khash on the same day, which effectively helps the body to cope with malaise.
- It is believed that khash is useful for frequent fractures, as it strengthens bone tissue, promotes their regeneration and growth. During cooking, minerals partially pass into the broth, which explains its beneficial properties.
- Meat broth provides energy for the whole day, nourishes with nutrients and promotes fruitful work.
- Improves metabolism, promotes brain activity.
- Increases muscle tone, normalizes the functioning of all body systems.
- For men who love to drink strong drinks, the benefits of khash are undeniable: it is an excellent anti-hangover remedy that relieves headaches, removes nausea and restores strength. Moreover, it is recommended to use meat broth with good vodka - it completely neutralizes the harm caused to the body by strong alcoholic beverages.
The national beef product is also distinguished by the fact that it has a low fat content.For people who are prone to being overweight or having digestive problems, it is especially useful, as it is well absorbed without harming health.
Khash is traditionally consumed with herbs, chopped garlic and grated radish. These foods greatly enhance the benefits of rich meat broth. Garlic and radish are effective immunostimulating, antiviral and antimicrobial agents. In addition, they reduce the risk of developing cancer and improve the body's resistance to negative factors. And greens contain useful vitamins, fiber and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
Khash harm
For all its benefits, khash can be a source of health problems. Since the dish is rich, it takes a long time to digest. That is why broth was eaten early in the morning according to custom, after which they went to work all day. Abuse and overeating can lead to excess weight and gastrointestinal problems.
As with any fatty animal product, this dish contains cholesterol. It is especially abundant in pork broth. With a tendency to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, it is better to refuse from frequent use of khash. And choose lean meats for cooking.
Calorie khash
A national Caucasian dish without additives, it is a low-calorie food with a lot of protein and fat. 100 g of the product contains:
- proteins - 12.02 g;
- fat - 7.78 g;
- carbohydrates - 0.83 g.
Caloric content - 142.8 kcal.
Contraindications to khash
Khash has practically no contraindications, but in some cases, its use should be abandoned:
- possible individual intolerance to animal protein, allergic reactions to the components of the broth;
- obesity, chronic pancreatitis;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- excess of the norm of cholesterol in the blood.
Be careful when experimenting with different spices and herbs. Unfamiliar spices can exacerbate chronic diseases.
Rules for using khash
The beneficial properties of khash are best revealed when it is prepared and consumed correctly. The ancient traditions of the peoples of the Caucasus recommend adhering to the following rules:
- for cooking, it is better to take lean meat - beef, veal, lamb;
- khash is boiled for a very long time, over low heat - it does not boil, but rather languishes, as in a Russian oven;
- they eat it early in the morning, from five o'clock, but by no means during the day, only hot;
- the broth is cooked without salt and spices - just legs, tripe and water; salt, spices, herbs, garlic and radish are served separately and added to taste;
- thin, dried to a crunch, lavash can be crumbled into broth;
- according to custom, fruit vodka is served with khash;
- bread with bran can be added to khash, this will increase the benefits of the dish.
Is it possible to have khash for nursing mothers
Khash is beneficial for women who are breastfeeding babies. It saturates the body with calcium and other useful substances, promotes the separation of breast milk. Helps recover from pregnancy and childbirth and supplies nutrients essential for the growth and development of the baby. When cooking, you should follow a few simple rules:
- choose low-fat meat products - beef, veal, goat meat;
- spices or remove, or use in small quantities, carefully monitoring the baby's reaction - they can change the taste of breast milk, cause diathesis, colic;
- it is important to completely eliminate any herbs and spices that could cause allergies in the infant.
Fresh herbs, radishes and garlic can cause a negative reaction in babies, so they should be added very carefully. You can eat broth from the first month after childbirth, starting from 50 g and monitoring the baby's reaction.
Conclusion
The benefits of khash were known to the ancient Armenians a thousand years ago. It was used to treat fevers and colds, and it was recommended for fractures and sprains, which are common among ordinary shepherds. Khash is also irreplaceable in case of joint diseases, especially frequent in women with many children. It is also recommended to eat rich meat broth in moderation for nursing mothers, if there are no contraindications for the baby - it will help to restore the body faster. There is a rich healthy broth best in the morning, before a busy day, especially in the cold season.
