In recent years, bone broth has gained quite a bit of attention, not just as a savory broth or soup base, but as a powerhouse of health benefits. The art of making bone broth is rooted in traditional cooking practices when people had to cook their foods from scratch and use as much of the animal as possible. Waste was not part of the equation, so simmering bones and leftover meat scraps would create a flavorful base for soups, stews, and other foods.
Now we know that bone broth is more than just a comforting soup base; it’s a nourishing elixir that supports overall well-being.
Beyond Broth:
At its core, bone broth is a rich source of essential nutrients that contribute to a nutrient dense diet. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including collagen, glycine, proline, and glutamine. These elements play a crucial role in supporting the health of our bones, joints, skin, and digestive system.
Gut Health and Healing:
Gut health is definitely a cornerstone of overall health and well-being. Bone broth’s high collagen content supports the integrity of the gut lining, promoting a healthy digestive system. Additionally, amino acids like glycine aid in reducing inflammation, contributing to a balanced and thriving gut environment.
Joint Support and Mobility:
Bone broth is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, compounds known for their role in maintaining joint health and mobility. For individuals seeking solutions to joint discomfort, incorporating bone broth into their diet may offer a natural and nourishing approach.
Immune System Boost:
The amino acids found in bone broth, such as arginine and glutamine, contribute to a healthy immune response. Regular consumption can help support the body’s ability to fend off illnesses and maintain optimal immune function.
Collagen for Radiant Skin:
Collagen, a key component of bone broth, is renowned for its role in promoting skin elasticity and hydration. From my perspective, supporting skin health is not merely a cosmetic concern but an indicator of overall vitality. Including bone broth can contribute to a radiant and healthy complexion.
Stress Reduction and Sleep Support:
Bone broth contains the amino acid glycine, abundant in bone broth. Glycine has calming effects that may help reduce stress and improve sleep. Incorporating bone broth into evening rituals could be a soothing and nourishing way to support relaxation.
How to make your own nutrient-rich bone broth:
Curious about crafting your own bone broth? Creating a nourishing stock involves a few key things… While it’s possible to create bone broth solely from animal components, incorporating both animal products and organic vegetables (and even some herbs) yields synergistic effects, enhancing the overall benefits. Throw in some organic onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs to the pot to add flavor and nutrients to your broth.
An important note: Always use grass-fed animal products without antibiotics and synthetic hormones in order to take advantage of the full spectrum of benefits.
For a classic recipe, essentials include: grass-fed bones, fat, meat, vegetables, and water. You can also add a dash of apple cider vinegar too. This helps pull the nutrients from the bones into your broth.
Simmering your broth in the crock pot is the easiest option as the broth can simmer for hours without tying up your stove. Some recipes even call for 48 hours of simmering, while some just call for 24 (more poultry based). The key is to simmer long enough to remove the gelatin from the bones and release the nutritious minerals.
When the broth has almost completed simmering time, you can add your garlic and fresh herbs. I usually like to do this within the last 30 mins or so.
Allow the broth to cool and store in glass jars in your fridge for up to one week. If you don’t plan on using it in time, make sure to freeze the rest!
Embracing traditional practices like bone broth becomes a step toward nourishing our bodies from the inside out. When it’s cold outside, there is nothing better than a warm, nourishing soup. Try this easy recipe to make your own and start reaping the benefits!
If making broth broth just isn’t for you, I suggest trying Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth products.
Ancient Nutrition products can be found under ‘community plans’ on my FullScript. Creating an account is easy and free, and you’ll have access to thousands of high quality supplements, as well as our favorites here at F8.
Their Bone Broth is amazing quality and you can receive the same benefits with an added layer of convenience. Plus, it tastes pretty great too!