Bone broth is an extremely nutrient dense concoction that has a slew of health benefits! From gut health to joints to hair, skin and nails bone broth does it all! While the body loves it, your taste buds may not (at least not everyone). It can at times feel like a chore to drink it on the regular so I also wanted to provide some ways to consume bone broth aside from just drinking it straight. Keep reading to find out the top ten health benefits of bone broth along with 5 ways to consume it.
Top Ten Bone Broth Benefits
1. Immune System Support
Bone broth contains many nutrients that help to balance bacteria in your gut which impacts your overall immune system. The calcium in bone broth stimulates the body to release white blood cells that help with the healing process and fighting off bacteria and viruses. The last time I was sick my body wouldn’t let me eat anything but it would let me drink bone broth! The body always knows.
2. Joint Pain/Arthritis Relief
There are components of bone broth that support joints, cartilage and connective tissue such as gelatin, collagen, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. Supporting your connective tissues can in turn relief arthritis and joint pain.
3. Hair, Skin & Nails
The collagen in bone broth enhances the skin’s elasticity and moisture and supports hair and nail health. Think less cellulite, longer hair and stronger nails. Especially great for postpartum mama’s who are in need of an extra boost in these areas. When I was experiencing postpartum hair loss 4 months after my second child I started incorporating more bone broth into my diet and noticed a big difference!
4. Oral Health
Along with supporting bone health, the glycosaminoglycans in bone broth can repair gum damage and improve overall oral health. If your having issues with your teeth or if your last dental visit didn’t go as well as you had hoped just start adding bone broth into your diet! it makes a great addition to a protocol for reversing cavities, tooth decay and gingivitis. Mamas especially can benefit in this area as many women experience issues with their teeth after depletion of minerals from pregnancy.
5. Bone Support
Bone Broth supplies the body with nutrients that promote strong healthy bones such as phosphorus and calcium.
6. Anti-inflammatory
Bone broth contains glycine and proline that are known to reduce inflammation.
7. Aids digestion/gut health
Bone Broth contains both collagen and gelatin, proteins that help with digestion, help to repair the stomach lining and can heal leaky gut and can even reduce food sensitivities. The gelatin also attracts and holds digestive liquids.
8. Detox Support
Bone broth is a source of glutathione which is our most potent detoxifier and helps detox the liver and digestive system of toxins which is crucial in the toxic society we live in today. Glycine, a compound found in collagen helps the liver detox as well.
9. Mood Support
By promoting gut health bone broth helps our digestive system and brain communicate better which therefore leads to improved mood and clear thinking.
10. Energy
Bone broth contains amino acids that help to convert glucose into useable energy.
Ways to consume bone broth (other than drinking it straight)
1. Saute vegetables with bone broth
2. Use bone broth instead of water when cooking rice
3. Add bone broth to hot chocolate
4. Heat up leftovers with bone broth
5. Add bone broth to a smoothie (veggie smoothie, not fruit smoothie)
Now that you know WHY you should be consuming bone broth and HOW to do so in addition to just drinking it, let’s talk about WHERE to get bone broth. The best way is to make it yourself at home (I will be making a post on how to do that soon) The next best option would be to support local friends or vendors who make good quality bone broth. And if you need to buy it from a store I would reccomend the brand Kettle and Fire. They have high quality bone broth and they have not sold out to any of the big companies.
So now that you have a glimpse into all that bone broth has to offer you go grab a cup or a bowl and enjoy! Cheers!