Bone broth… ew, right? Not so fast. To many people’s surprise, it’s more delicious, satisfying, and appealing than one may think. There are countless numbers of “bone broth” recipes swirling around the internet, and a few different brands are distributing pre-packaged bone broth in health food stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts. There are many health advocates promoting bone broth’s healing properties. Brodo Broth opened up in New York City so that health-crazed customers could stop by, grab a cup of broth (just like a cup of coffee!), and incorporate more of this healing food into their everyday lives.
You’re probably wondering, “What’s the deal with bone broth? Is it all that it’s cracked up to be, or is it just a waste of money and time?”
Let’s jump right into it.
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a gelatinous, rather frothy substance that you can use in soups and stews or drink on its own. Bone broth is essentially cooked down bones from, preferably, organic, grass-fed animals. The broth has stellar natural properties that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Who Should Drink Bone Broth?
There are several different specific conditions and symptoms that could be improved from daily or regular bone broth consumption. But to be honest, I think everyone could benefit from consuming this powerhouse! It’s packaged with collagen, protein, essential minerals, and amino acids, all of which are integral to sustaining our gut, joint, and immune health. Patients suffering from chronic food intolerance, food or environmental allergies, leaky gut, digestive issues, joint pain, immune-compromised systems, and/or autoimmune diseases may benefit from consuming bone broth.
“In fact, the evidence goes back more than a century, not only establishing gelatin’s value to cartilage and bones but also to the skin, digestive tract, immune system, heart, and muscles,” says Kaayla Daniel and Sally Hanson from the Weston A. Price Foundation regarding the power of bone broth. (1)
C.A. Herter was quoted in her research on digestion, mentioning bone broth’s healing capabilities:
“The difficulty which most frequently arises is that every attempt to use carbohydrate food is followed by fermentative disturbances of an acute or subacute nature, which delay recovery or even favor an existing infection to the point of threatening life. A great desideratum, therefore, is a food which, while readily undergoing absorption, shall furnish a supply of caloric energy and which at the same time shall be exempt from ordinary fermentative decomposition. Such a food exists in gelatin.” (2)
Studies have shown that high-quality gelatin has been linked to improving hair, skin, and nails, in addition to helping our detox pathways. Gelatin has been long-known to help heal the gut lining of those suffering from leaky gut, food intolerance, acid reflux, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and other digestive disorders. Check out this post on “Why Nearly Everyone Should Consume Bone Broth” by Chris Kresser.
Why Should I Drink Bone Broth?
If you are not suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, yet you are still wondering if bone broth may be helpful in your current diet, then perhaps consider this: 1 cup of bone broth packs a whopping 15 grams of protein!
How Do I Make It?
Here is one of our favorite homemade recipes:
Homemade Healing Bone Broth
Modified by Paleo Leap
Ingredients:
- 1-5 lbs of bones, preferably from organic, grass-fed animals (chicken, turkey, beef)
- 2-3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- Filtered water (enough to cover the bones)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 large, carrots, finely chopped
- 1 whole head of celery, finely chopped
- Few pinches of sea salt
- Fresh herbs and spices of your liking (we love sage, thyme, garlic, onion, turmeric, and black pepper)
- A large crock-pot
Directions:
Add the bones, vegetables, vinegar, and sea salt to a crock-pot. Let roast for 8-12 hours. Continue to add water if water evaporates, so the bones are covered. During the last 20 minutes, add your fresh herbs and spices. We love to add fresh or dried garlic, onion powder, sage, turmeric, thyme, and black pepper.
Note: The broth will get gelatinous – this is where the healing properties are. If you don’t want the “scum” that settles at the top, feel free to skim it off. Otherwise, you can mix it in. (4)
Afterward, make sure you cool the bone broth quickly, yet not rapidly, so bacteria does not grow. It’s best to let it cool down at room temperature, and then store it in the refrigerator freezer. Make sure to freeze whatever you don’t plan on drinking within a few days. Bone broth freezes well, so don’t be afraid to freeze for future soups or your future cups of drinking broth. Enjoy, friends!
If you’d like to learn more about how natural recipes can help with your health, call 480-588-6856 for a free brief meet and greet with one of our naturopathic doctors.
*The naturopathic doctors at Living Wellness cannot diagnose or treat anyone without seeing them in-person as a patient. As always, please be sure to consult with your naturopathic doctor before following any of these recommendations. What’s best for others might not be best for you. Each patient requires their own, individualized treatment plan.