Have you ever had chicken soup when you’re sick? Chicken soup is a common remedy used in folk wisdom, and among grandmothers, as a soothing tonic when you’re under the weather. Now, let’s take it even further…bone broth and why you need it.
Bone broth has been trending for years. People are doing bone broth fasts, swapping bone broth lattes for their morning coffee, and you can even find bone broth touted in restaurants around the country.
What exactly is bone broth?
Bone broth is a broth made from simmering animal bones, vegetables, and herbs for a minimum of 12 hours, generally 24-48 hours. Bone broth supports “nose to tail” sustainable eating because you utilize parts of the animal that are usually discarded, such as knuckles and feet.
What’s the difference between bone broth and stock?
The simmering time. The magic of bone broth happens during the extended simmering period when the nutrients, minerals, and healing properties are drawn out of the bones, creating a nourishing anti-inflammatory, gut healing, and immune-supportive broth.
Bone broth’s history
For centuries broth has been a staple in traditional cultures and has been revered for its healing powers. For example, dating back over 2,500 years in Chinese culture and medicine, bone broth has been used to support digestive health, nourish and strengthen the kidneys, as a blood builder, and to support your vital energy or "Qi."
In the 12th century, Jewish philosopher physician Moses Maimonides termed chicken soup, “Jewish penicillin” for its anti-inflammatory benefits as well as a homemade remedy to prevent illness and to treat asthma, cold, and flu symptoms. It’s no wonder chicken soup has been a part of traditional Jewish kitchens for generations!
5 benefits to consuming bone broth:
1. Bone Broth is anti-inflammatory
The amino acids found in bone broth including glutamine, glycine, and arginine, have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Bone broth also contains a substance, chondroitin sulfate, which plays a major role in the growth and repair of cartilage and has been found to have both anti-inflammatory as well as immune-regulatory effects.
2. Bone broth is good for digestion & gut health
Bone broth is a rich source of gelatin, the cooked form of collagen, which helps repair leaky gut. Healing leaky gut lowers inflammation, improves nutrient absorption, and helps ease digestive issues. Gelatin also fosters probiotic growth, which supports a healthy digestive tract.
3. Bone broth protects joint & bone health
In addition to providing the calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium needed for strong, healthy bones, bone broth is a rich source of collagen and glucosamine, which protects joints, and improves skin elasticity, hair and nails. Both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine found in bone broth aid in reducing inflammation and joint pain.
4. Bone broth for detoxification
Bone broth contains potassium and glycine, which support cellular and liver detox, helping the digestive system expel waste and stimulating the liver’s ability to remove toxins. Bonus: glycine may help improve sleep and ward off fatigue.
5. Bone broth supports your immune system
The gelatin, proline, glutamine, and arginine in bone broth help alleviate leaky gut issues and support immune function. 70-80% of your immune system is housed in your gut. So, consuming foods that help repair and strengthen your gut lining, like bone broth, will help support immune system function and reduce inflammation.
The healthier your gut, the healthier your immune system, the healthier YOU!
Simply put, bone broth is a fantastic anti-inflammatory food, it's soothing to the digestive system and nourishes your entire body, including your skin, hair, nails, and joints.
How to use bone broth
Bone broth is a great base for soups, stews, grains, gravy, and sauces. Use it to cook or sauté vegetables, and my fave -- drink straight from a mug. Whenever a recipe calls for stock or broth, you can use bone broth.
How to make bone broth
Bone broth is easier to make than you might think. All you need is a crock or stock pot, filtered water, animal bones, vegetables, herbs, spices and apple cider vinegar. Chicken Bone Broth Recipe.
Bone Broth Latte
Try swapping your morning coffee for a yummy bone broth latte made with chicken bone broth, coconut milk, turmeric, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Recipe below.
Don’t feel like putting in the effort to make homemade bone broth? I hear you. But keep in mind that making your own bone broth is more economical, and delicious than buying store bought. If you’re not ready to make it (yet), but eager to reap the benefits, I recommend Bonafide Provisions or Kettle and Fire.
Now is the perfect time to bring the anti-inflammatory, gut healing, and immune-supportive benefits of bone broth into your life. Let’s cozy up with some warm, soothing broth. Are you with me?
Love, Your Wellness Coach,
Alyssa
P.S. If you're reading this and thinking, Alyssa, bone broth sounds great and thanks for the info but yeah, never gonna happen. That’s okay.
I meet my clients where they are at. One of the things I help my clients do is learn to prioritize themselves and their health. This means when you work with me you'll discover what’s holding you back from making positive changes, reaching your goals, keeping you stuck in pain and overwhelm, and you learn to turn that shit around. I will show you how to understand yourself better and how to take care of yourself and your needs like you never have before so you feel amazing and f'ing proud of yourself…..
No more self-sabotage or letting life overwhelm you and “take over.” You’re done with that crap.
……So if you’re reading this and you’re feeling disheartened or stuck, you’ve lost direction or connection with your needs, if you’re in pain, you have health concerns that you keep ignoring because you’re not sure where to start or what to do, let’s talk.
Email me and let's set up a call.
P.P.S. Hear my story of freaking out when I first bought chicken feet in this week’s podcast episode 97, Bone Broth: Why You Need It.
Bone Broth Latte recipe.
November 26, 2019