You may have heard some buzz about bone broth recently, or at least come across the term. Today, we’re diving into the many benefits of bone broth because there are plenty! It’s too tasty, affordable, nutritious, and simple to make to not include it in your diet right away! We’ve started enjoying it every day! Our crockpot is nearly always on, filling our home with rich, savory aromas!
It might sound like something out of a witch’s cauldron or a recipe from Little House on the Prairie (they probably had something similar). Bone broth is a powerful, healing elixir that’s gaining popularity rapidly. Essentially, it’s a stock made from animal bones. While it may seem basic, this straightforward soup is packed with health benefits, from reducing wrinkles to improving sleep quality. Discover how bone broth can enhance your health today!
This post may contain affiliate links, which help keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more information. Bone broth is rich in glycine and glucosamine. According to the Mayo Clinic, glucosamine is a natural substance found in both humans and animals, aiding in the creation of cartilage in the body. It has been studied for its effectiveness in treating inflammatory conditions like arthritis and has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Glycine, a non-essential amino acid, offers numerous protective benefits. Research indicates it holds promise for treating inflammatory conditions. Why is managing inflammation important? Inflammation affects nearly every aspect of your health. Studies are revealing that issues like pain, obesity, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and even dental problems can stem from inflammation. Many foods and medications can worsen inflammation, but bone broth addresses it at the source, promoting better health and reducing triggers for various diseases.
Bone broth also aids in waste elimination, helping your body expel harmful toxins. The potassium and glycine in bone broth support liver detoxification. Additionally, consuming bone broth enhances your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, potentially preventing heavy metal accumulation in your body. It also contains glutathione, which researchers at Stanford have found acts as an antioxidant and strengthens cells. Glutathione protects the body from oxidative stress, offering powerful detoxifying benefits.
Drinking bone broth provides some protein, which can help you feel full and curb cravings. Researcher Ray Peat explains that the type of protein in bone broth differs from that found in steak. This protein can help balance hormones and regulate blood sugar, often contributing to weight loss challenges. An article from WebMD highlights gelatin, present in bone broth, as a compound that may assist in weight loss.
It’s no surprise that bone broth can benefit your bones. It contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all essential for bone health. However, there’s more calcium in a glass of milk! The Healthy Home Economist notes that calcium isn’t the only beneficial compound in bone broth. Collagen hydrolysate has been shown to prevent bone mass loss, serving as a framework for bones. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that consuming collagen hydrolysate can help prevent collagen breakdown in bones.
Research indicates that chondroitin and glucosamine, found in bone broth, may be as effective as Celecoxib, a medication for osteoarthritis, in alleviating pain and symptoms associated with the condition. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the joints deteriorates, often due to aging, but it can also affect individuals in their 30s and 40s.
Getting enough sleep is vital for optimal health, as your body uses sleep to repair and heal itself. Quality sleep can reduce the frequency of illness and help overcome weight loss plateaus. Bone broth contains glycine, which has been shown to promote better sleep. Taking glycine before bed can also enhance alertness and focus during the day, even if you didn’t sleep well the night before. This is a better option than medications that may cause side effects like grogginess or dependence!
The glycine in bone broth can also boost memory, which is especially beneficial if you enjoy wine or other alcoholic beverages. The gelatin in bone broth strengthens connective tissue in the body, which is the same tissue that contributes to cellulite. Studies suggest that consuming gelatin can help build up connective tissue, reducing the space for fat to accumulate, thus potentially decreasing cellulite.
Collagen in bone broth can help maintain skin elasticity as you age. As you get older, your body loses collagen, which is essential for keeping skin firm and plump. While some argue that dietary collagen is processed like any other protein, studies show that those who consume collagen experience improvements in wrinkles, pores, and dark spots.
A study from 2000 found that chicken bone soup helped reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of respiratory infections. I love making soup from chicken bones because buying a whole chicken is much cheaper than purchasing individual pieces, especially breasts. Remember, you’re paying for convenience! If organic meat isn’t in your budget yet, buying whole organic chickens is a great starting point! You can justify any extra cost (which isn’t much due to the rising demand for quality meats) by using the entire chicken, giblets included, in a delicious bone broth recipe!
Gelatin has been used for centuries to soothe the gut and enhance digestion. In the past, people made concentrated broth from animal parts like cow hooves to extract gelatin. When experiencing digestive issues, consuming too many high-carbohydrate foods can lead to fermentation in the gut, resulting in gas. The nutrients in bone broth provide energy that your body can use without worsening intestinal problems.
In the book Eat Right 4 Your Type by Peter J. D’Adamo, the author explains that adding gelatin to meals containing foods your body is sensitive to can aid digestion. Consuming gelatin with meals can also help digest raw foods. A bone broth fast can offer significant health benefits. A good probiotic supplement can also greatly aid in healing your gut, improving your skin, and helping you shed excess weight.
In a recent study, women taking probiotics lost 50% more weight than those who did not. Your gut health and nutrient absorption are crucial. Don’t miss out on incorporating a daily probiotic into your routine. When we mention bone broth, we’re not referring to powdered bouillon or boxed chicken broth from the store. True healing bone broth must be made from the bones and connective tissue of healthy animals. While some store-bought organic options exist and offer some health benefits, they don’t compare to the advantages of making it yourself at home with organic bones.
We’re working on an article featuring various healthy bone broth recipes, but for now, you can try the two simple recipes below!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Place the whole chicken carcass and the other ingredients in a large crockpot. Next, add water. I have a 7-quart crockpot, and I fill it to about an inch and a half from the top. If you have a larger crockpot, adjust the water accordingly. If you have a 10 to 14-quart crockpot, you can even use two carcasses at once! Turn it on high until it boils, then immediately reduce to low. Cook on low for 12-48 hours (I usually do 24-48 for chicken).
You may need to add water every few hours, as some will likely evaporate, depending on your preference. You can add some salt before starting, but it’s rich enough that it may not need it (and that’s coming from a Cajun girl who loves her sodium!). When finished, a layer of fat will form at the top after it cools completely in the fridge. If you didn’t buy organic chicken, be sure to scoop this layer out before consuming the broth, as artificial hormones and toxins are stored in animal fat. If you bought organic chicken, you can leave the fat in or scoop it out for cooking! If you’re trying to lose weight, you might want to remove it to lower calorie intake. It makes a lot, so freeze leftovers if you can’t consume it all within 3-4 days!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Health food stores like Whole Foods often sell bones specifically for this purpose, but you can also buy bone-in steaks and use the bones for broth after cooking the meat. Place the beef bones and the other ingredients in a large crockpot. Next, add water. I have a 7-quart crockpot, and I fill it to about an inch and a half from the top. If you have a larger crockpot, adjust the water accordingly. If you have a 10 to 14-quart crockpot, you can even use two carcasses at once! Turn it on high until it boils, then immediately reduce to low. Cook on low for 24-48 hours (I usually do 48 for beef bones, as they are typically larger).
You may need to add water every few hours, as some will likely evaporate, depending on your preference. You can add some salt before starting, but it’s rich enough that it may not need it (and that’s coming from a Cajun girl who loves her sodium!). When finished, a layer of fat will form at the top after it cools completely in the fridge. If you didn’t buy organic, be sure to scoop this layer out before consuming the broth, as artificial hormones and toxins are stored in animal fat. If you bought organic, you can leave the fat in or scoop it out for cooking! If you’re trying to lose weight, you might want to remove it to lower calorie intake. It makes a lot, so freeze leftovers if you can’t consume it all within 3-4 days!
The longer you cook the bones, the more nutrients are extracted! Bone broth can work wonders, but healing your gut is a gradual process. Adding a good probiotic will help speed up your gut healing! Regardless of the supplement you choose, aim for at least 50 billion units of probiotics daily from a minimum of 10 different sources for optimal results. While you don’t need to purchase only refrigerated probiotics, ensure the packaging is well sealed and dark (or opaque, not transparent) to protect against light damage.
We have our own brand of probiotics at Avocadu called Gut-13. In a recent study, women taking probiotics lost 50% more weight than those who did not. Your gut health and nutrient absorption are essential. Don’t miss out on incorporating a daily probiotic into your routine. Our specially formulated probiotic supplement contains: You can read more about it and its importance for gut health and overall well-being on our probiotics page. Probiotics are one of the best solutions for healing your gut, aiding in faster weight loss, and providing a healthy source of gut flora daily!
Next, focus on eating a healthy diet rich in whole, natural foods! Probiotics will help get your gut back on track, but they won’t have a significant impact if you continue eating the wrong foods that harm your gut in the first place. This is a key focus of our 21-Day Fat Loss Challenge, which emphasizes changing eating habits and learning what to eat for long-term success. Participants typically lose an average of 10-21 pounds in 21 days and love the program! Even better than the weight loss is the feedback we receive about how the program has taught people to change their eating habits and find a diet that truly works for them in the long run.
Please leave a comment below if you enjoyed this article on the benefits of bone broth or if you have any questions!
