7 Benefits of Bone Broth

Bone broth has been used for centuries for it's amazing health benefits.  But, for some reason, we tend to shy away from ancient traditions and go the commercial route.... buying our chicken stock and bouillon from the grocery store and calling it good.  But, if you're doing that, you have no idea what you're missing out on!!  Bone broth is an amazing liquid gold, wonderland of health goodness.  Read on to learn more.

What are the benefits of bone broth?

1. Supports hair, skin and nails - bone broth contains collagen which is the main protein in structural and connective tissues like skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  Adding bone broth to your regular diet can offer improvement in the firmness, elasticity, texture, and hydration of the skin.  It also may be particularly beneficial for pregnant people, as it can help preserve skin elasticity during pregnancy, while your skin stretches and grows.
2. Helps with digestive issues - bone broth is rich in glutamine which is an amino acid that improves digestion and gut health. Once in the digestive tract, the gelatin in bone broth also binds with water to support the healthy movement of food through the intestines.
3. Supports immune function - bone broth contains amino acids that may be protective to the small intestine.  Not only is the small intestine the primary site for nutrient absorption, it is also the first line of defense in our immune system. Immune function can be disrupted if the gut barrier becomes damaged or leaky.
4. High in protein - bone broth is high in amino acids which are the building blocks of protein.  Just one cup of chicken broth gives you 9 grams of protein.
5. Aids in weight loss - the protein in bone broth along with the liquid itself taking up space in your stomach can keep you fuller longer and avoiding reaching for those unhealthy snacks.
6. Promotes joint health -  bone broth contains collagen which is effective at improving pain, stiffness and joint function.  The gelatin in bone broth may also be beneficial for injury prevention and tissue repair.
7. May help you sleep better - bone broth contains an amino acid called glycine that has multiple functions in the body including supporting healthy sleep patterns. It is thought that glycine exerts its effect by regulating our internal body clock and lowering our body temperature to prepare us for sleep.

 
So, what is bone broth?
 
Bone broth is a clear soup made from bones (from any animal) with connective tissue and some meat. The longer bones are simmered, the greater the concentration of collagen in the broth. 
 
I save bones, carcasses and leftover raw veggie scraps like carrots, celery and onions when we prepare meals and just toss them in the freezer.  Once I have enough to fill my stock pot about ½ full, it’s time to make broth.  Dump it all in the pot, add any seasoning and herbs you want, fill with water, and set the burner to the lowest setting.  Let it simmer 24-36 hours to get as much of the beneficial collagen and amino acids from the bones.  Once it’s done, let it cool and transfer to quart jars or freezer bags for storage.  You can warm it over the stovetop and drink plain or use it in place of water when making rice, pasta or soups.
 
Simple goodness from scraps you would’ve just thrown in the trash.  So, it’s basically FREE.  You can’t beat that for all the amazing health benefits.