Sure, you’ve heard bone broth is good for you. But why? What exactly does it do for your body?
Bone broth is a traditional use the carcass of protein sources. It’s the liquid that results from a long, slow simmer of animal bones and connective tissue. Chicken, beef, lamb and even fish bones all make delicious and hearty bone broths. (Jump to the end of this post for my favorite homemade bone broth.)
Here are some of the benefits of bone broth:
1. Packed with Nutrition
Bone broth is high in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. It is low calorie yet a good source of protein. While each batch is different, calories range from 35-50 per cup and protein content is in the range of 7-10 grams per cup.
2. Relieves Joint Pain
The gelatin in bone broth can break down into collagen in the body, providing support for joints. It can even ease the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis.
3. Helps Heal Leaky Gut
Bone broth is high in a specific amino acid called glutamine, which is particularly beneficial for the gut. The anti-inflammatory properties of bone broth amplify this gut-healing effect. This is particularly beneficial for anyone with digestive issues or autoimmune conditions like RA, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, celiac disease, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, etc. The list of autoimmune conditions is unfortunately quite long.
4. Maintains Healthy Immune Response
This is an indirect benefit from support for healing leaky gut. Leaky gut compromises the barrier function of the GI tract, allowing undigested food particles to enter the blood stream. It is here that the immune system launches an attack in the food particles that it perceives as invaders. This leads to food reactions and food intolerances
5. Supports Healthy Bones
Due to its bone support minerals mentioned in #1, bone broth can assist the body to regrow bone. In addition, its collagen is a key factor in growing healthy bones. This is great news for anyone diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Adding bone broth to your diet is easy. Sip it warmed first thing in the morning for a gentle way to wake up your digestive tract. Use it as the liquid when making rice or stuffing. Add as the liquid for mashed potatoes or riced cauliflower. And, of course, make it the base of your soups.
Bone broth can be purchased as a liquid in cartons, frozen or in powered form. Making your own bone broth is relatively simple. Just make sure to start with bones from organic grass-fed, grass-finished beef and lamb or organic free-range, pastured chickens. Fish should be wild caught.
Here’s my recipe for homemade bone broth. My favorite way to prepare it is with a leftover chicken carcass and a few extra chicken thigh bones added. It’s so simple and so good!