If you are looking for something warm and nourishing, you can’t go wrong with a bowl (or two) of homemade bone broth (and if possible, try to cut down on store-bought stock and broth found in the supermarket since they are no match for the real ones).
Bone broth, of course, refers to the clear liquid made with a combination of water as well as animal bones and its connective tissue. Among the popular ones typically used to make bone broth includes chicken, beef and pork. The broth normally takes long hours to cook (including boiling and simmering). You can also choose to enhance the flavour of your broth by adding herbs, spices, meats and/or vegetables.
Bone broth happens to contain lots of protein and minerals, which is good for your health. It is typically best to enjoy the broth with food during lunch or dinner. That being said, here are the 6 Health Benefits You Can Get From Bone Broth.
1) Promote Good Digestive Health
One of the good things about sipping bone broth? It’s easy to digest. Then, there’s the gelatin and as per WordWeb, is “a colourless water-soluble glutinous protein obtained from animal tissues such as bone and skin”. It binds with water as it enters the digestive tract. This, in turn, helps to promote better food transition through your gut.
If that’s not enough, some of the amino acids a.k.a. glutamine found in bone broth preserve the inner workings of your intestinal walls. It may also help to avoid and heal leaky gut. The condition in question refers to the affected digestive system, where bacteria and other toxins end up passing into the bloodstream due to the gaps in the intestinal walls.
Those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation may find benefits from sipping bone broth as well.
2) Support Joint Health
Did you know that sipping bone broth may improve your joint health? The answer lies in the collagen found in the likes of animal bones and tendons. For example, boiling a pot of chicken broth using chicken cartilage may benefit you from easing joint and tendon pain.
3) May Help You Sleep Better
Having trouble falling asleep? Or perhaps, you find it difficult to stay asleep throughout the night? You may want to add bone broth to your daily diet. Bone broth contains glycine, a type of amino acid found in proteins responsible for improving sleep efficiency and quality. It may even ward off fatigue the next day (read: daytime sleepiness). If you are wondering how glycine works, it actually increases the blood flow to the body’s extremities, followed by the reduction of your core body temperatures. This, in turn, helps you to fall asleep.
4) May Promote Weight Loss
Since bone broth combines water and animal bones and other connective tissues, it can be filling and typically low in calories too. The latter may benefit those who are looking to lose some weight. Not to mention bone broth is packed with lots of protein, which may help to suppress your appetite from overeating or binge-eating.
5) Good For The Skin
One word: collagen. Plus, it contains several essential amino acids responsible for promoting healthy skin. This includes glycine that helps to minimise inflammation while proline repairs skin damage. Collagen in the bone broth may also improve skin elasticity, which in turn, reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
6) It’s An Immune-Boosting Powerhouse
Sipping bone broth on a regular basis is good for your immune system. The reasons? Essential amino acids, namely arginine helps to regulate normal liver functions as well as the immune system. Glutamine, in the meantime, speed up your metabolism efficiently. Finally, it reduces inflammation in the body.
