Health Benefits of Bone Broth

There’s a reason that they say “chicken soup is good for your soul.” Dating back centuries, homemade broths have been a part of cultures all around the world. From fish and beef to chicken, lamb and turkey, any bone can make a delicious broth that not only tastes amazing but also has tons of health benefits. Because the bones and meat are cooked down for hours and sometimes days, certain nutrients and minerals that are crucial to good health are able to be extracted. Protein, glycine, magnesium, calcium and more are broken down in a form that also makes it easy for the body to absorb. However, the store bought stuff that they sell as stock is often just flavored water lacking all of those nutritional benefits, making it even more important to make it homemade. But perhaps the most important part of enjoying bone broths is also enjoying the benefits to human health which is why we’re breaking down some of the ailments they help to improve. You’re not going to believe all of the ways it can help everyday body struggles.

Digestive Health

Perhaps the greatest nutrients that come out of slowly cooking bones is the collagen and gelatin that gets extracted from the marrow. We know it all sounds totally technical and kind of gross at times, but seriously, this is the good stuff. Digestive problems are a common problem among people of all ages-from children to adults. But did you know that the collagen helps to line and soothe the intestines? Research has found that it can help with everything from acid reflux and heartburn to more serious digestive intestinal issues like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. On the other hand, the gelatin that the collagen breaks down into has also been linked to having benefits-especially when it comes to food allergies and sensitivities. Certain research shows that it can help those who are lactose and gluten intolerant better process their food and decrease the inflammation that can occur. Gelatin is also known for promoting growth and balance of good bacteria in the intestines, a necessary component for proper immune health. And did you know that 80% of the immune system lives in your gut? We guess that’s why they tell you to eat chicken soup when you’re sick!

Skin Health

Again, we have to give some props to collagen. If you’ve ever seen a skincare commercial for anything involving “wrinkles” or “aging” then you’ve probably heard the word collagen used. But even better than putting collagen on your skin, try putting it “in” your skin! Collagen is actually the protein that helps bind skin, keeping to strong and tight, but we gradually lose it as we get older which is why our skin begins to wrinkle and sag. Ingesting collagen as opposed to spending a small fortune on putting it on your skin actually lets it immediately incorporate right into the cell. Consuming collagen also helps to reduce and prevent cellulite!

Liver Health

The amino acids that are released in bone broths are often times lacking in many American diets. But certain ones like arginine are extremely important for good liver function. As we know, the liver is the main source for filtering out toxins from the body so, it’s pretty important that it’s working well in the body. But arginine can be all but non-existent in diets heavy in processed foods and lacking in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. You can make that up with a big batch of a broth of your choosing that you can sip on all year long. And be sure to look into online cooking school so you can learn how to better cook food!

Joint Health

A number of amino acids play an important role in maintaining joint health in the body. One of the worst parts of getting older can be the everyday pain our joints begin to feel. But glycine, one of the essential broth aminos, helps to prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue. And then there’s proline, another amino, that aids in the regeneration of cartilage and helps to heal joints. Last but not least, there’s glutamine that helps build muscle mass, helping to keep bodies strong and healthy no matter the age or activity level.

All in all, bone broths can be your best friend during brutal winter months when the flu lingers on every door handle and immune systems are down due to a lack of proper vitamin D. Don’t let the winter months get you down! Broths can be your best weapon against many different aspects of health, no matter the time of year. Make a big batch, freeze it and have some to enjoy all year long. Not sure how to actually make a stock? Take our online cooking class and master stocks and mother sauces!