Bone Broth…Why it’s Good For You

What is bone broth? 

• A liquid broth made from roasted animal bones and connective tissue made by boiling them for a long time Typically 8-12 hours for traditional stove top, longer for a slow cooker, or 2 hours for a high-pressure cooker. 
•  It contains collagen, a protein, as well as gelatin, amino acids (such as glutamine, glycine, and proline), glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and minerals (Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus).  
• Bone broth is reported to support a number of protective functions. 

Why drink bone broth? 

• It’s easy on the gut and to digest and absorb nutrients 
• It’s a natural form of collagen and cheaper than expensive collagen supplements  
• We lose collagen significantly as we age 
• Supplies collagen and other ingredients to: 

• Support healthy bones-contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other nutrients in addition to proteins  

• Reduce skin aging through helping like a “glue” to keep the skin cells together and adhere the skin to connective tissue to avoid sagging and wrinkling. In fact, collagen protein is 70% of your skin’s protein. 
• Support wound healing 
• Boost immune function 
• Fight food sensitivities 
• Supports health inflammation processes and reduces chronic inflammation to relieve joint pain and osteoarthritis, autoimmune disease, and even obesity 

• Repair a leaky gut as it contains glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to restore the gut lining and support digestive and gut health 
• Build muscle 
• May decrease cellulite formation, as cellulite is related to a lack of connective tissue which helps keep skin firm 
• Promote sleep quality as it contains an amino acid protein, glycine. 
• Potentially detoxify the liver 

What are recommendations for how to use bone broth? 

• Use as part of an intermittent fasting plan to improve health 
• Refer to resources such as Dr. Kellyann, Dr. Mercola, Dr. Axe, Dr. Isabella Wentz 

Where do you get bone broth? 

• Home made 

• Store bought-buy organic and from grass-fed animals. Beware of bouillion cubes and boxed broths which can contain additional unhealthy ingredients such as MSG, corn starch, artificial flavors, and preservatives. 
• Many supplements on the market, eg. collagen with bone broth that can be added to smoothies, coffee, etc. 

How can you enhance the nutritional value of bone broth? 

• Add spices like turmeric which can decrease inflammation 
• Add fresh vegetables 

What’s the downside of having bone broth? 

• While reported to be support a number of body’s functions due to the collagen content, it may not contain as much collagen or nutrients as some leafy green vegetables. 
• Some animal bones may contain lead and the boiling process of making bone broth can result in this leaching into the broth even in organic, free range chickens. 

Other broth alternatives to support healthy bones and body: 

• Plant-based broths made with high protein and high nutrient vegetables 
• Refer to Ocean Robbins as a resource support to why vegetables and vegetable broths may be healthy alternatives to bone broth.