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 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.
Bone broth is rich in certain amino acids that help to cool and calm inflammation. One acid, arginine, is beneficial for reducing chronic inflammation. Bone broth also contains chondroitin sulfate – an anti-inflammatory compound naturally found in cartilage that may reduce joint pain or inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of bone broth could help you manage conditions like pain, arthritis, and chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
3) Bone broth helps heal the digestive tract.
Many people have found that bone broth helps them manage digestive issues like leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. Bone broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, both of which help to form a healthy gut. Gelatin contains an amino acid called glutamine, which has been shown to improve the integrity of the intestinal walls and helps reduce leaky gut syndrome. As the gut lining heals over time, you’ll experience less inflammation, pain, and digestive upset.
4) Bone broth could help you lose weight.
Need a satisfying mid-day snack? Try bone broth. Bone broth is low in calories and helps you feel satisfied. Because it is high in protein, it also helps manage your appetite and protect your lean muscle mass. Sip on bone broth throughout the day to stay energized and keep cravings away. Or, add it to “beef” up vegetable soups for a hearty diet-friendly meal.
5) Bone broth boosts your brain.
Bone broth is good for body and mind. Studies show that the broth’s amino acid glycine could help you relax and even sleep better. In fact, glycine before bed can improve your quality of sleep – or help you get to sleep in the first place if you struggle with insomnia.
6) Bone broth may encourage healthy skin.
The same collagen that helps to support your joints also supports your skin’s natural elasticity. It is collagen that keeps your skin youthful and resilient. But as we age, our collagen stores become depleted, and the skin starts to show signs of aging like wrinkles and lines. Because bone broth is so high in collagen, drinking it regularly could help you slow down your skin’s aging process.
7) Bone broth may improve joint health.
Our joints rely on adequate stores of collagen to stay flexible and strong. Because bone broth uses the bones, marrow, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues of animals, it contains a high amount of this healing collagen. The gelatin in bone broth can also support your joints. Gelatin contains certain amino acids, like proline and glycine, which the body can rebuild muscle, tendon, bone, and ligament tissue. Lastly, bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, two critical compounds needed for healthy cartilage. Studies show that glucosamine and chondroitin can reduce symptoms of arthritis and relieve joint pain.
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!
Making Bone Broth FAQs
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.
Visit AlignLife For 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.
