Bone broth is one of the oldest healing foods and for good reason. Bone broth has many proven benefits for our immune system, skin, gut and overall health. It is nutrient-dense, inexpensive and very easy to make.
What is bone broth?
Bone broth (or stock) is a nutrient-packed infusion made by boiling the bones of animals with vegetables, herbs and spices. The cooking process extracts the minerals, collagen and amino acids from the bones so that you end up with a concentrated liquid of vital nutrients. Homemade bone broth has many great culinary uses and can be made from the bones of poultry, beef, lamb, or fish. Bone broth can be used to make soups, stews, and sauces, and can even be used to sauté vegetables for additional flavor. Store bought broths often contain MSG and other chemicals and are usually high in sodium, so stick to homemade versions.
Benefits of Bone Broth
It heals your joints
- Bone broth is rich in amino acids (particularly proline and glycine) that are essential for healthy connective tissue including ligaments, joints, and tendons. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin, the compounds used to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis. Bone broth also gives you a generous supply of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, all of which are great for our bones and teeth.
It heals your gut
- Bone broth is great to drink when you’re sick with the flu or a stomach bug since it is easy to digest and calms the stomach. Broth also contains gelatin from the breakdown of collagen in the bones. This gelatin can help heal a leaky gut, by protecting the mucosal lining of the GI tract. This may benefit those with digestive concerns, inflammation or autoimmune conditions.
It’s anti-aging
- Bone broth is packed with collagen and gelatin and therefore supports healthy hair, skin and nails. The collagen in bone broth can help reduce wrinkles, cellulite, and sagging skin (who doesn’t want that?). Furthermore, the glycine in bone broth also helps fight inflammation that leads to aging.
It boosts your immune system
- Traditionally we were told to drink chicken soup when we got sick. Well it turns out there’s a reason why! Not only is bone broth very warming and soothing, but it also contains many immune-boosting compounds that help shorten the duration of illness. When you don’t feel like eating, bone broth can provide you with the energy your body needs to recover.
It helps with weight loss
- Bone broth has very little carbohydrates and very few calories. It’s nourishing, and full of amino acids and minerals that are easy for our bodies to absorb. The gelatin in bone broth absorbs water and helps fill you up so that you’re not tempted to overeat.
Given the numerous benefits of homemade bone broth, it is easy to understand why this healing food has transcended many generations and cultures around the world. Watch out for this new food trend and give it a try. Add this powerful health tonic to your diet!