What was once known as your grandparents cure for a cold or flu has now become the next big thing in the health industry… enter stage left – bone broth! Ever wonder why chicken soup was always top of the list to cure the sniffles and to boost your immune system? Well here I explain why this miracle food has become high on the priority list for so many health gurus!
Bone broth has been a staple to many cuisines throughout history but in recent months it has been at the forefront of the health industry. Is this just another fad or is this the real deal you may ask? Well, I can assure you the reason bone broth has been around so long is because of its economic value (using the entire animal) and of course, nutritional value. The benefits truly are endless!
So lets get things straight, bone broth is made by boiling the carcass and bones of an animal (beef, chicken, turkey etc) for a long period of time with lots of healing herbs, vegetable and a dash of apple cider vinegar. Once all the goodness has been cooked out of the bones and vegetables you will be left with a rich nutritious broth which you can then add to soups, stews, sauces and curries! I even like to consume bone broth heated up in a mug, almost like a warm cuppa tea!
Bone broth is packed full or vitamins, minerals and proteins such as collagen and gelatine. It also contains various amino acids and antioxidants which all serve the body with different health benefits. Some of these benefits include;
Heals the digestive tract – Bone broth is one of the easiest foods to digest – in fact it has always traditionally been used to help those struggling with digestive issues. The gelatine and glycine levels in bone broth help seal up holes in the intestines which in turn can help cure constipation, diarrhoea and even food intolerances.
Higher energy – Not only does this elixir contain countless nutrients, minerals, protein, and vitamins that can replenish your system but also, drinking bone broth can replace some of the drinks that make us lethargic.
Recovery from injury – Bone broth contains many important amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein that perform many critical functions to our bodies every day. When our bodies are under stress from injury or demand they require more amino acids than the body can produce to help repair the damaged muscle tissues, joint, bones or even just the daily wear and tear.
Weight loss and detoxification – Bone broth is full of glycine which is not only great for digestion but it also helps in detoxification. Glycine basically gives the liver a hand in getting rid of anything dangerous in the body. Consuming bone broth a few times a week can help maintain a healthy liver and provide your body with the daily minerals and vitamins it needs. Flushing out these toxins and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can in turn lead to weight loss.
Boost the immune system – Bone broth is great if you are battling a cold as it boosts antioxidant activity in the body therefore decreasing oxidative damage. Yes, grandma was in-fact right! Chicken soup has been a home remedy for many years as it provides an array of nutrients, especially gelatine which helps support your immune system. Cysteine, an amino acid found in chicken helps to thin mucus so it can be expelled easily!
Better sleep – The gelatine content in bone broth helps induce sleep because of the amino acid glycine. Glycine can be very calming for the body therefore improving sleep quality.
Improves hair, skin and nails – Bone broth is a rich source of collagen, the proteins found in our connective tissues which help maintain healthy skin and nails. Our bodies produce collagen naturally but as we age these levels decrease at a rapid rate. Incorporating collagen into your diet can help reduce the aging effects and leave your skin feeling supple and smooth!
Affordability – People pay ridiculous amounts of money for the latest superfood products and a fortune on the latest fad diets and trends which really isn’t necessary. You can reap all the health benefits you need from simply leading a healthy lifestyle and eating mainstream foods like broccoli, spinach, beetroots and mushrooms to name a few. Bone broth is really quite cheap to make and you can use it in various dishes. It lasts for ages too, you can even freeze it in ice blocks and take them out as and when you need to maximise the use of it. I don’t believe you can’t be healthy on a budget and bone broth is certainly one of the reasons why!
So why not make a big pot of bone broth the next time you make a Sunday roast. Save yourself the money and maximise the flavour and nutrient density in your diet by including broth. The perks are endless!
