THE BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH
(borrowed from Nourishing Kitchens) Bone broths are extraordinarily rich in protein, and can be a source of minerals as well. Glycine supports the bodies detoxification process and is used in the synthesis of hemoglobin, bile salts and other naturally-occurring chemicals within the body. Glycine also supports digestion and the secretion of gastric acids. Proline, especially when paired with vitamin C, is said to support good skin health. Gelatin also supports digestive health which is why it plays a critical role in the GAPS diet. And, lastly, if you’ve ever wondering why chicken soup is good for a cold, there’s science behind that, too. Chicken broth inhibits neutrophil migration; that is, it helps mitigate the side effects of colds, flus and upper respiratory infections
Stocks and bone broth are similar, but simmered in different ways and often used in different ways. This is my understanding of the differences:.
- Stock is simmered a shorter amount of time with bones, vegetables, aromatics and meats and used to flavor other foods like sauces, stews and soups.
- Bone broth is typically simmered for longer periods of time, like 24 to 72 hours depending on the bones and meats used. Typically these broths are used to support health and digestion, but also used to cook with.
Some of the benefits you may gain from sipping bone broths can include:
1. Sleep better, and feel better. The glycine in bone broth has been shown in several studies to help people sleep better and improve memory.
- Immune boosts and support. Mark Sisson, author of The Primal Blueprint, actually calls bone broth a “superfood” thanks to the high concentration of minerals. He says that the bone marrow can help strengthen your immune system. (Something that won’t surprise your grandma who always made you her famous chicken soup when you got sick!) A Harvard study even showed that some people with auto-immune disorders experienced a relief of symptoms when drinking bone broth, with some achieving a complete remission.
3. Build stronger bones. The phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium in the bones seeps out into the broth leaving you with the essential building blocks for healthy bones.
4. Gain more energy and reserves. I’m not sure what the mechanism is for this, but if you read accounts of bone broth, you’ll notice everyone swears by the energy boost. I’d prefer to see science backing this up, but the research on bone broth is still emerging.
5. Heal and seal your gut. According to Jill Grunewald, a holistic nutrition coach and founder of Healthful Elements, a cup a day works miracles for leaky gut syndrome but it’s also good for protecting non-leaky guts. The gelatin in the bone broth (found in the knuckles, feet, and other joints) helps seal up holes in intestines. This helps cure chronic diarrhea, constipation, and even some food intolerances.
6. Protect your joints. Taking glucosamine supplements to help with joint pain has been common knowledge for years, but it turns out that bone broth has glucosamine too. But unlike pills, the broth also includes a host of other goodies that help keep your joints happy, healthy, and pain-free. The chondroitin sulfate in bone broth has been shown to help prevent osteoarthritis.
- Maybe look a little younger. Bone broth is a rich source of collagen. You can find collagen in all kinds of “plumping” products these days, but why stick it on the outside when you can drink it? Not only is drinking it cheaper, but it can make your skin, hair, and nails look just as radiant.
If you’re interested in trying bone broths, we offer a variety every week. We call ours Sipping Broths ~ our beneficial beverages. Please look at our Weekly Menu for the offerings and our Sipping Broths tab for more information about our bone broths. https://pepperandsaltkitchen.com/our-sipping-broths/