I was introduced to bone broth five years ago by my acupuncturist. I was seeing her for fertility and she suggested I eat more beef and drinking/eat bone broth as a way to fortify my blood. A quick google search popped up many online places to purchase it and lots of recipes. I decided to make my own because I was eager to begin consuming it and didn't want to wait for an online order to be delivered. I began making my own bone broth and using it in any meal I could think of and have continued to use it because of the many health benefits. Some even consider this aromatic 1 pot potion a magic elixir.
What Is Bone Broth?
So just what is bone broth? The quick and simple answer is beef or chicken bones along with vegetables simmered low and slow for days until all of the natural minerals and collagen have been infused into a tasty broth. They say a watched pot never boils but it's hard not to peak as you watch the color of the water turn a deep mahogany brown color!
How is bone broth different from stock?
The main difference is the length of time it's cooked. Instead of cooking for a few hours like stock, bone broth is simmered on low heat for days until the bones have almost completely dissolved.
So Why You Should Eat Bone Broth?
There are many health benefits of consuming bone broth. Below find my top 5 benefits for consuming Bone Broth.
1. It is highly nutritious Bone broth is rich in vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, collagen. phosphorous, iron Vitamin A and fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and manganese; all of which are extracted from the bones in the slow and low cooking process.
2. It may protect the joints. The collagen comes from the gelatin in the bones, which breaks down into collagen in the body. This is especially important in joints health. Results show that collagen can improve knee joint symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and poorer physical function, in people with osteoarthritis.
3. It helps reduce inflammation and heal the gut.
People suffering from inflammatory bowel disease or leaky gut syndrome may benefit from consuming amino acids (glutamine) present in bone broth as it helps soothe stomach irritation and aids in digestion. The mineral-rich broth also helps replace any excess loss from purging.
4. It may aid in weight loss
Bone broth is high in protein, which helps the body feel fuller for longer and supports calorie restriction. Drinking bone broth straight or consuming as soup may be a beneficial way to add more protein to the diet. It is a staple in the low carb and Keto diets because it contains natural electrolytes and can help combat "Keto Flu" often experienced in the first fire weeks of a low carbohydrate diet.
5. Bone Broth for Fertility
If you are interested in using food as medicine and creating meals and snacks that will positively impact your fertility, then you’ll definitely be interested in making bone broth. This is obviously not an option for vegetarians, but if you are open to the Traditional Food movement (a la Weston Price), this may be appealing to you, and it will certainly be appealing to your body, bones, brain & reproductive system. Bone broth will bolster your fertility and “Jing”. “Jing” is what practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (doctors that utilize the over 3,000-year-old Asian medical theories and practices of acupuncture, herbalism, nutrition, energy (qi) work and lifestyle balance) know is the kidney root & source energy that is necessary to produce good, high-quality eggs and sperm in order to conceive and give birth to a healthy, happy baby.
When should you eat Bone Broth?
Some believe that depending on the ailment you are treating there are certain times of day you should consume your bone broth. Below I'll list a few guidelines I've found should you want to go this route.
1. Morning: Support Gut Health and Improve Mood
Taking bone broth protein in the morning can help kick-start your day. The gelatin and amino acids work together to combat inflammation of the gut, which can help relieve symptoms of leaky gut and IBS, while soothing and protecting the stomach lining for the day.
2. Evening: Strengthen the Immune System and Support Detoxification
Drinking bone broth in the afternoon/evening can help ward off any environmental germs and toxins the body may have been exposed to during the day. The amino acids and minerals extracted from the bones provide healing and recovery for the body.
3. During the Day: To Combat Fatigue & Keto Flu
Bone broth is full of electrolytes and sodium need to help with the fatigue and mineral imbalance often experienced while on a low carb or ketogenic diet.
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