Not just your average stock, Bone broth is a mineral rich infusion made by slow cooking the bones of healthy animals. Besides it’s amazing taste and culinary uses, broth is an excellent source of minerals and is known to boost the immune system and improve digestion and has deeply nourishing and healing properties that are missing from modern diets. First up the bones contain protein, in fact they contain close to 50% protein by volume and that number goes up once you factor in all the connective tissue that is attached to them.

Collagen, the protein matrix in bones, tendons, ligaments, and other flexible tissues is broken down during the cooking process into another protein called gelatin which contains very important “non-essential” amino acids, especially proline and glycine. These proteins provide a variety of crucial functions.

According to our friends at The Broth Sisters, the Health Benefits of Bone Broth include:

Joint Health

The proteins in bone broth give your body the raw materials to rebuild your own connective tissue, especially tendons (which connect muscles to bones) and ligaments (which connect bones to each other). This connective tissue is important for overall health and strength.

The proteins in bone broth may also deliver benefits for arthritis sufferers who experience chronic inflammation and help stop the autoimmune response.

The benefits of bone broth for joint health comes from glucosamineglycans (GAGs), a family of carbohydrates found in bones and connective tissue which show interesting effects in reducing joint pain. The two best known GAGs are glucosamine and chrondroitin sulphate, compounds sold as pricey supplements to reduce inflammation and joint pain. These GAGs present in the collagen in well made bone broth are in a form that is easy to absorb and is a valuable supplemental food for any athletes playing sports that put stress on their joints and it is said to hasten the recovery of joint injuries.

Bone Growth And Repair

The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus found in the bones and organic vegetables added when making broth help our bones to grow and repair, however the collagen is the most important bone building component in bone broth.

Gut Health And Digestion

One of the most talked about benefits of bone broth is its purported ability to improve gut health and digestion. Culprits such as gluten, dairy, sugar and products that kill gut flora such as antibiotics poke holes in the gut or small intestine where most vitamins and minerals are absorbed from the food we eat. These holes allow undigested food particles and toxins to make their way into the blood stream and cause our immune system to go into attack mode which can often lead to digestive problems. The gelatin in bone broth helps to seal up the leaky holes by healing and protecting the mucosal lining of the digestive tract. This allows the body to benefit from the foods we eat by absorbing nutrients more efficiently. and can alleviate or banish digestive issues. A healthy gut is the cornerstone of health, and since 70% of our immune system is located in our digestive tract, it affects every single body system. If we sort out our digestive issues this will have a positive impact on our general health.

Infection Fighting And Recuperation From Illness

I’m sure you have heard of the healing benefits of chicken soup or what is commonly known as Jewish penicillin, a traditional remedy for colds and flu. The gelatin in bone broth is known to be immune boosting and the amino acid cysteine helps to thin mucus in the lungs and make it less sticky to expel.

Hair, Skin and Nails

On a more superficial level the collagen and gelatin improves the appearance of skin and hair. The gelatin in the broth helps build connective tissue, which makes skin smoother (less cellulite, fewer wrinkles) and healthier. It also assists in keeping nails strong.

Improves Sleep

The amino acid glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it is very calming and a great relaxant pre-sleep.

Satiety

The healthy fats and abundance of nutrients helps to reduce hunger, keeping you satisfied for longer between meals and alleviating cravings.

You can make homemade bone broth, or you can pick up ready made bone broth and dehydrated bone broth both in store, or online here.