Do you know that good old bone broth has been used medicinally for millennia? That’s right, it has been used in China for over 2500 years for digestive health, as a blood builder and to help strengthen the kidneys. In 12th century Egypt, it was used to help colds and asthma. It’s been consumed throughout history for a variety of reasons including plain ol’ comfort food to warm us up on these chilly winter days.
What’s the difference between bone broth, stock and regular broth?
Come to find out, there is no significant difference between a good bone broth and a good stock. Both are water and bones cooked for a long time to get the gelatin, collagen and other nutrients out of the bones. It’s just recently the term bone broth became popular in association with high quality stock. They are generally much thicker than regular broth, which contains no bones, usually only meat and water. The keys to really nutritious bone broth are cooking it for a very long time, and starting with bones from animals fed a clean diet.
What are the potential health benefits of Bone Broth?
As stated, bone broth has been used medicinally for millennia for a variety of reasons and is very nutritious. Plain bone broth is carb-free, has few calories, and contains healthy fats and protein, making it great for people on specific diets like Paleo Diet, Ketogenic Diet, Whole30, Celiac, and any Gluten-Free diet. So, what are some of the health benefits of bone broth?
Digestive Health – There are a number of digestive issues that seem to respond well to daily consumption of a good bone broth. Irritable bowel, colitis, acid reflux, Crohn’s Disease, and Leaky Gut are just a few. Again, it seems to be the high gelatin content in bone broth that helps sooth and heal many gut problems.
Joint Health – When bone broth is made using the bones as well as the cartilage and joint tissue, you get a lot of healthy collagen and chondroitin sulfate among other building blocks for joints. These are great for healing, building and rebuilding the joints and cartilage in us.
Strengthens Bones – Healthy bones contain lots of minerals that are necessary for bone strength. When those bones are cooked for a long time, the minerals get a chance to leach out into the broth where they get absorbed by us when we consume it. Some of the key minerals include calcium and phosphorous, as well as numerous trace minerals such as magnesium, silicon and sulphur. It can be very helpful for people with osteoporosis or other bone disorders to drink a good bone broth daily.
Boosts Immune System – Immune health is linked to our white blood cells, and white blood cells are made in the deepest part of bones, the marrow. When we consume bone broth, we get the components to build more white blood cells to help fight infections and incoming pathogens. Also, the majority of our immune system is nestled in the intestines. Bone broth helps the immune system by helping to keep our entire digestive tract healthy.
Blood Building – As we just stated, when we consume a good bone broth, we get the components to build blood cells, both red and white. This is probably why gelatin has also been shown to help prevent anemia.
Boosts Brain & Nervous System – A good bone broth is loaded with healthy fats like omegas and other fatty acids. These, along with the minerals from the bones, are key nutrients aiding in brain health and nervous system function.
Boosts Collagen Production – Because bone broth contains gelatin, it contains collagen, which in turn helps us to build collagen in our bodies. People often see strengthened nails and hair, as well as less cellulite and wrinkles. And this collagen is also essential for connective tissues and many feel less joint pain when drinking a good bone broth daily.
Aids Weight Loss – Bone broth has zero carbs and very few calories, but contains healthy fats and protein. The high protein content and healthy fats in bone broth may help people feel full, and for longer. And these fats are excellent fuel for the whole body, making it keto diet friendly.
Other Health Issues Potentially Helped by Bone Broth:
Autoimmune Issues – Helps many with inflammation, arthritis, and joint pain- Better Memory and Sleep
- Adrenal Function
- Fatigue
- Muscle and Nerve Function
- Ease Post Partum & Post Menopause
- Recovery from Surgery, Long-term Illness, & Cancer
- Balance Endocrine System
- Contains Anti-aging Properties – helps cleanse our cellular matrix
What Nutrients Are in a Good Bone Broth?
- Lots of Protein
- Types I, II, & III Collagen
- Fatty Acids & Omegas
- Glucosamine
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Chondroitin
- All 9 Essential Amino Acids
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Copper
- Boron
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Multiple B Vitamins
How do you make a good Bone Broth?
First, you have to start with good bones from animals that were fed a clean diet. This means grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, or wild-caught fish and game. Add the bones to a pot and add enough water to just cover them. Add a pinch of salt and one to two Tbs of vinegar. The vinegar helps break down the bones to get the nutrients out better. Let sit 1/2 hour then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 6 hours, but preferably 24 hours. The longer the better. Check periodically and skim off any scum that rises to the top. Pretty easy, right?
If you want a bone broth that is a soup starter, you can also add one onion, 2 carrots and three celery sticks. This is the recipe I’ve used for years. It comes from Nourishing Traditions, the Westin Price Foundation cookbook. I strain the vegetables and bones out after cooking, and then remove the veggies and any remaining meat to feed to the dogs in their food over the next few days worth of meals. Dogs and cats love it and it is so good for them.
Which Pre-made Bone Broth Does Nourishing World Recommend?
Sometimes you just don’t have time to make bone broth so it is good to have a high quality bone broth on hand.
We love Perfect Bone Broth. Why? Because it is Organic, Free-Range Chicken Bone Broth and, what’s more, it is the least expensive per serving that we could find for that high level of quality.
What’s so good about Perfect Bone Broth?
- 96% Protein
- Contains 19 Amino Acids – All 9 Essential Amino Acids
- Only One Ingredient – Free-range Organic Chicken Bone Broth
- USDA Organic
- Non-GMO
- USA Sourced
- No Pesticides or Herbicides
- Glyphosate free
- MSG free
- Zero Sugar & Carbs
- Dairy free
- Soy free
Want some great recipes using Perfect Bone Broth? Check these out courtesy of Perfect Supplements.
Take the Two Week Bone Broth Challenge!
So, whether you drink your own, homemade bone broth or Perfect Bone Broth daily you are bound to experience some of the health benefits listed. Give it a try for two weeks and pay close attention. Let us know what you find!
