I love the way a cup of bone broth tastes on a cool fall day. To be honest, I love the way it tastes anytime. However, it is not just how it tastes that brings a smile to my face but how it works in my body and builds my immunity and just gives me pure, natural energy. Bone broth is a staple in my home and I consume at least 4 cups a week, often more.

It’s traditional

Bone broth is as traditional as it gets, no matter what your heritage, our ancestors all consumed bone broth and one point or another. Broth or stock is still made today using every part of the animal including bones and marrow, skin and feet, tendons and ligaments. Since bone broth is simmered for a very long period, the bones and ligaments release healing properties including collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine. All of these properties have the ability to transform your health.

According to nutrition researchers Sally Fallon and Kaayla Daniel, of the Weston A. Price Foundation, bone broths contain minerals that are easily absorbed by the body including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur, and others. In addition, broths contain chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, both compounds that are used in expensive supplements that reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Bone broth can chase away a cold

I am sure that you have consumed chicken soup when you were under the weather. According to University of Nebraska Medical Center, soup made from chicken is highly beneficial for colds and flu. Researchers found that the amino acids, that are produced when making chicken stock, reduce inflammation in the respiratory system and also help improve digestion. In addition, scientists have concluded that bone broth also boosts immune system function and can also remedy allergies, asthma, and arthritis.

Bone broth can reduce joint pain

I have quite a bit more joint pain then I had when I was younger. This is because as we age cartilage is reduced and is attacked by antibodies. Bone broth contains readily absorbable collagen

Why does that matter? As we age, cartilage diminishes as it gets attacked by antibodies (age-related degradation of joint cartilage). As bone broth simmers, collagen from the animal parts leaches into the broth and becomes readily absorbable to help restore cartilage.

Bone broth also contains gelatin, which cushions the bones and helps them “glide” without any friction. Gelatin also provides building blocks that are necessary to help form and maintain strong bones and helps take pressure off of aging joints.

Bone broth is good for the gut

Gelatin is helpful to restore the integrity of the gut lining and for reducing food sensitivities (such as wheat or dairy). Gelatin can also help with the growth of healthy bacteria and keep inflammation in the gut down. A report published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that gelatin is very gut friendly and supports intestinal health and integrity.

If you want beautiful skin you should drink bone broth

Collagen is necessary to form elastin and other skin compounds that help keep your skin looking and feeling young. Collagen reduces the signs of wrinkles, decreases puffiness and can also help fight off other signs f aging. In addition, many people report that they have a reduction in cellulite when they consume food with collagen because cellulite forms due to a lack of connective tissue.

Bone broth helps with detoxification

Each day we are exposed to a wide variety of dangerous environmental toxins, pesticides, artificial ingredients, and chemicals. Although the human body can detox on its own, it often has a hard time keeping up with the daily insult. Bone broth is a powerful detoxification agent that helps the digestive system expel waste and helps the liver’s ability t remove toxins, improves the body’s use of antioxidants and helps maintain tissue integrity. Bone broth also contains potassium and glycine, both of which support cellular and liver detoxification.

Make your own

You can choose to make your own broth or get it at your local health food store or online. Just be sure it is the real deal before spending the money!

-Susan Patterson