Benefits of Bone Broth

I’m sure you’ve heard about bone broth and how good it is for you by now. As a dietitian, I love reading up on the latest research and diet trends to see what holds up against science and what is just a bunch of bologna.  

And let me tell you, most of the time, it’s a bunch of bologna. BUT, bone broth is truly a nutritious power food and can be a warm, comforting way to get tons of vitamins, minerals, proteins and other health-promoting compounds.  

Here are some of the health benefits of bone broth. There are many many more, but I thought I'd focus on these three because they are where I have seen the most benefits personally. 

1. Bone broth can boost the immune system. The amino acids in bone broth such as arginine and glutamine have been seen to boost the immune system. And we could all use that this time of year, no? With the flu going around and everyone getting sick, this boost to our immune system may help protect us from the common cold, bronchitis, or even pneumonia. I even added some of this broth to Emma's baby food the other day (she has been getting so sick from day care germs!) and she absolutely loved it! I have also been drinking it because of COURSE I don't want to get sick and bring some germs home to the family! Needless to say, bone broth is becoming a necessity in our home to help ward off sicknesses. 

2. Bone broth contains collagen and gelatin, which are great for your hair, skin, and nails! My skin has been clearer and my hair has been thicker and shiner since drinking bone broth, as well as adding these collagen peptides to my morning smoothies. Post-partum hairloss hit me HARD, but between the collagen peptides and the collagen and gelatin found in bone broth, I think I've found the perfect protector against further hair loss! These compounds are also good for joint health and can slow down general joint degradation, which is vital to keeping our bodies agile and healthy as we age!

3. Bone broth can promote gut health because of the glutamine, which protects the intestinal barrier and can prevent leaky gut. I've talked about leaky gut a bit on this site, but it happens when there are "holes" in your intestinal lining, and food particles and compounds can leak out into your body, where they don't belong. Food should very much STAY in the digestive tract, and whatever we need is absorbed, while whatever we don't need is excreted out. The digestive system must be protected against food particles so that inflammation doesn't occur from the compounds that leak out, and bone broth can do just that! 

I made this broth from the bones of a whole chicken in the instant pot! I added onions, carrots, garlic, rosemary, and some apple cider vinegar to leach out all the minerals from the bones. I cooked it on manual for 2 hours, and viola! Lovely, giggly bone broth! I've been enjoying a few frozen pucks (reheated on the stove) after work, and even made rice and soup with it! 

I'll definitely be making this over and over again, and one batch has lasted us SO long so far (we still have a huge container in the freezer along with the frozen pucks)! I hope this helps you decide if you want to start making bone broth for you and your family. I have personally found a huge health benefit in it, and I hope you do the same!

Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday! Stay healthy and happy! :)