Cube broths: reducing consumption

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Extract from the article: Fast, cheap and inexpensive, stock cubes are an important part of most African cuisines. They have almost become an automatic part of recipes, to season all dishes that come out of the kitchen. But according to Kponou Tobossi, a specialist in food...

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Fast, cheap and inexpensive, stock cubes are an important part of most African cuisines. They have almost become an automatic part of recipes, to season all dishes that come out of the kitchen. But according to Kponou Tobossi, a specialist in food hygiene, these products present a real danger to health, as they contain almost nothing natural.

Broth cubes have become the kings of the kitchen. In Togo, the price of a stock cube, which is often 25 CFA francs, makes it accessible to all. The cubes are used to give dishes more flavour. However, says Kponou Tobossi, a food hygiene specialist. "Bouillon cubes are made from dehydrated products formed into small cubes. They all contain salt, maltodextrin, flavour enhancers, oil and flavourings and colourings. The flavour enhancers they contain such as disodium inosinate, glutamate, maltodextrin and many others are very dangerous and seriously damage our health," explains Kponou Tobossi.

Whether melted, crumbled or used in its liquid form, stock cubes are mainly composed of salt and chemicals. This is why it is important to limit and significantly reduce or even avoid dishes that are prepared with the aromatic cubes, as they already contain a lot of salt, between 40 and 50%. Salt abuse can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and kidney failure.

In addition, some cubes, in very small numbers, may contain meat or vegetable extracts, as well as sugar. These are very rare on the market, but they do exist.

Beware of chronic diseases

"Excessive stock cubes cause Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, these broth cubes are responsible for the destruction of nerve cells and aggravate neurological disorders. In fact, this syndrome would occur after the consumption of any food containing sodium glutamate. Sodium glutamate excites the taste buds. But it acts like a drug on the brain and causes serious consequences,' the food hygiene specialist points out.

It can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, allergic reactions and headaches. In certain doses, it can even be associated with increased insulin levels and high blood pressure. According to Kponou Tobossi, the additives in broth cubes cause serious problems in the body. "Excessive consumption of broth cubes can cause overweight, obesity and diabetes, because the pancreas will be overloaded and therefore the insulin will not be able to work well on glucose, lipids and others," he explains.

Alternatives to broth cubes

Mama Abla, 40, a loincloth seller in Adidogomé and mother of two, told Health-Education that she uses natural spices to enhance the taste of her dishes. "I don't use broths. In the markets, there are natural spices that are much more effective than broths. I always opt for garlic, cumin or bay leaf, and cinnamon for chicken," she says.

Broth cubes can easily be replaced by local mustard, commonly called "affiti", which contains all-natural products. So it is important to consume local ingredients that are neither synthetically processed nor flavoured; and that contribute to good health.

Joseph GANGUI