BONE BROTH
Bone broth is a trendy food that is being touted for it’s amazing health benefits. Chicken soup has been the “go to” meal when your feeling under the weather for ages. Since sipping broth is nothing new, why all the hype?
HOW IS IT MADE?
Animal parts (bones, ligaments, and tendons) that can’t be eaten are boiled and simmered over several days causing the bones and ligaments to release health compounds such as collagen and glutamine.
WHY BONE BROTH?
Bone broth contains minerals in forms that the body can easily absorb: calcium, magnesium, silicon, sulfur and others. Bone broths also contain chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, which are sold as expensive supplements to decrease inflammation and joint pain. This mixture of nutrients can’t be found in other commonly eaten foods.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Reduce leaky gut syndrome. Bone broth is a source of collagen, gelatin, glutamine, arginine and proline. These amino acids and minerals help seal openings in the gut lining, which, in turn, reduce leaky gut syndrome.
- Improve allergies. Allergies can be a byproduct of leaky gut syndrome. When the gut is sealed allergies improve.
- Enhance immune system. Gelatin enhances probiotic balance and growth. Healing amino acids such as arginine are essential for immune system functioning.
- Boost joint health. Collagen helps to restore cartilage, which diminishes as we age.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
I did several exhaustive searches to find scientific evidence of the benefits of bone broth. Currently, there is limited information to support or refute these health claims. Most of the evidence comes from the studies completed on collagen, gelatin, and the other minerals found in bone broth. Therefore, it is assumed that since bone broth is high in these minerals and amino acids it is an all encompassing healing elixir. Research demonstrates bone broth is full of nutrients that enhance the immune system, which means it is highly likely it does have health benefits. However, these benefits are based on the research for the individual components, which make-up the bone broth, not on the actual bone broth itself.
WHERE CAN I BUY IT?
It is important to buy bone broth from a reputable source. Bone broth should be made from organic grass fed animals. Bone broth that is bought in stores is not the “real thing” and will most likely not have the healing benefits of homemade bone broth. Stephanie McGuirck, doctor of acupuncture, makes delicious bone broth. Visit her website, planetacupuncture.com, to learn more.
