Consuming broth made from animal bones has become a trend, but this practice has been around for a long time. Bone broth contains collagen which supports heathy skin hair and nails. Also, in the broth is the amino acid proline, which aids the body’s ability to make collagen. Collagen is not only needed for healthy joints and skin, but also helps keep arteries flexible and strong.

Bone broth can be made from beef, chicken, fish, lamb or many other varieties of bones. Preferably, the animals should be pasture-raised. The best form of bone broth is making it at home by boiling, and then simmering, the bones along with some vegetables for many hours or days. This slow cooking process allows all the beneficial nutrients like collagen, amino acids and minerals to be released. Using a crockpot can make the process easier.

Bone broth is easy for the body to digest and makes the amino acids and minerals available for easy assimilation. This benefits the digestive tract and the immune system. Bone broth can reduce inflammation and the gelatin/collagen help to seal the gut lining. This can be helpful in cases with food sensitivities/intolerances.

Most of our immune system is in the gut. By making the lining of the gut stronger, this strengthens the immune system, as well. The easily absorbed minerals like calcium are very beneficial to immune health. When the body fevers, it’s attempting to pull calcium from the bones for the immune system. Bone broth is a great way to get the absorbable calcium into the system.

A study of chicken soup (broth) done by the University of Nebraska Medical Center stated that it can reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract may contain many substances with beneficial medicinal activity. Bone broth can be easily enjoyed as a hot beverage on its own or as a base for soups.

 

Jessica Bonesteel, NTP, is a Nutrition Response Testing practitioner at Thrive Wellness Center, located at 6901 State Rd., Ste. D, in Saline. For more information, call 734-470-6766, email [email protected] or visit Thrive-Wellness-Center.com.