Bone broth is one of the world’s most ancient healing foods.
Scientists believe it dates back to prehistoric times when food was scarce. Hunter-gatherers would make use of every part of the animal by cooking inedible pieces like bones, hooves, and knuckles into a nourishing broth.
Later, bone broth was used by ancient healing traditions and cultures worldwide to heal and strengthen bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. While it has been around for centuries, it only recently gained popularity as a superfood due to its ability to improve gut health and relieve joint pain. Some say that the benefits of bone broth go even further. From skin health to mental health, bone broth has been touted as a nourishing culinary elixir.
In this article, we will learn more about what bone broth has to offer, dive deeper into the health claims, and share a simple recipe so you can make your own at home!
8 Reasons to Try Bone Broth
Bone broth is a nutrient-dense food that has many health benefits. It’s rich in collagen, minerals, and amino acids which can help heal the gut lining, boost immunity, and keep your bones and joints strong. While there are many reasons to give bone broth a try, here are some of the top reasons the AlignLife team loves this nutritious tonic.
1) Bone is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Bone broth is a nutrient-dense food that has many health benefits. It’s rich in collagen, minerals, and amino acids which can help heal the gut lining, boost immunity, and keep your bones and joints strong. While there are many reasons to give bone broth a try, here are some of the top reasons the AlignLife team loves this nutritious tonic.
Bone broth is incredibly nutritious. It contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, iron, and other trace minerals. You’ll also reap the benefits of vitamin A, vitamin K2, and omega-3 fatty acids. Bone broth is also rich in collagen, gelatine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other natural compounds that support joint health.
2) Bone broth may reduce inflammation.
3) Bone broth helps heal the digestive tract.
4) Bone broth could help you lose weight.
5) Bone broth boosts your brain.
6) Bone broth may encourage healthy skin.
7) Bone broth may improve joint health.
8) Bone broth adds delicious flavor to your meals.
If you’ve ever tried making your soup at home only to find yourself adding all sorts of spices to give it flavor, then bone broth is an excellent alternative for you. Bones naturally pack in plenty of natural flavors so you can reduce excess salt when flavoring your dish. If you add herbs and spices to your bone broth, even better!
Simple Bone Broth Recipe
Bone broth is pretty much what it sounds like – a stock made from beef, pork, lamb, or chicken bones (and sometimes meat). Sometimes it includes vegetables, herbs, and spices. Then, it is simmered for an extended period of time (up to 24 hours). Here is a simple recipe that makes getting all these health benefits easy!
Bone Broth
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs of bones (beef, chicken, or turkey—ideally with some joints and marrow)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic (optional)
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to cover (about 10–12 cups)
- Optional: bay leaf, fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley)
Instructions
- Roast the bones (optional but adds flavor): Preheat oven to 400°F. Place bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
- Combine ingredients in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add bones, veggies, vinegar, and any seasonings.
- Add water to fully cover the contents by a couple of inches.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer:
- Stovetop: 12–24 hours (keep it low and slow)
- Slow cooker: Set to low for 24–48 hours
- Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the top during the first hour of simmering.
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer and discard solids.
- Cool and store in the fridge (up to 5 days) or freezer (up to 3 months).
FAQs on Making Bone Broth
Here are some of common FAQs on how to make bone broth from scratch.
Can You Use a Crockpot or Slow Cooker?
Instead of cooking your broth on the stove, cook in a crockpot for 18 hours on low.
What Bones Should You Use?
For best results, use bones from organically raised beef, chicken, pork, or lamb. You can save the bones from your other meals and freeze until you have enough for a pot of broth. You can also ask your local butcher for bones.
How to Flavor Your Broth?
There’s no limit to how you can flavor your broth, so feel free to get creative! Experiment with herbs and spices like bay leaves, turmeric, ginger, garlic, basil, and more.
How Do You Eat Bone Broth?
When the bone broth is ready, you can eat it like soup or use it in other recipes like rice, sauces, gravies, and stews. You can also drink bone broth, plain and simple.
How Long Does Bone Broth Last?
Bone broth will last up to one week in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Want More Joint Health Tips?
With all the many health benefits of bone broth, it’s no wonder that more and more people are making this delicious healing drink! At AlignLife, we know you’re looking for ways to make simple changes that have a significant impact on your health. Bone broth is one of those simple habits that can give your body the nutrients it needs to heal itself. We love to recommend bone broth to our patients who need a little extra joint support, or those who want to prevent joint issues in the future.
Want to learn more natural tips for managing your joint health, gut health, or other health conditions? Reach out to your local AlignLife Chiropractor today for a customized wellness plan built to help you live healthier.
