Although our grandmas were not aware of the nutritional data of the foods they prepared, they knew what was healthy. This NutriNeat article reveals the amazing health benefits of one such food, bone broth, which used to be a part of every meal, till just a few decades ago.
Did You Know?
Any part of the animal that you can’t eat directly, for example, bones, skin, feet, tendons, ligaments, etc., can be used to make soup-like bone broth.
Continuing the above thought, maybe this is the reason we don’t “drink” a soup, we always “eat” it. We consume it with a spoon just like we eat other solid foods. We don’t sip it from a bowl or glass as we drink liquids. So, according to etiquette experts, we “eat” bone broth, the delicious superfood. As mentioned earlier, bone broth is made from animal bones such as fish heads, fish carcasses, parts of lamb, pig, turkey, chicken, venison, or any other animal. You can add vegetables and herbs to increase its nutritional value. Roasted bones can improve the flavor of the broth. Although they say that “too many cooks spoil the broth”, nothing in fact can spoil the broth. It is easy to prepare and is always tasty.
The bones and other ingredients are placed in water and are simmered for a very long time or even for a couple of days. The longer the cooking time, the more nutritious is the broth. The long cooking time ensures removal of all nutrients from the bones. It promotes extraction of flavor too.
Health Benefits
Supplies Nutrients
Bone broth is rich in protein and various minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, etc. It also contains various B vitamins. Thus, it is a good source of powerful nutrients that are essential for the metabolic processes that take place in the body. Many of these health-boosting nutrients are absent in ready-to-cook food.
Keeps You Fit
Most doctors ask their patients to consume bone broth as it helps enhance the function of the bodily systems. It can be a soothing, satiating, and an energy-boosting drink during illness. As it boosts the immune system, it promotes fast recovery.
Ensures Healthy Joints
The stock is packed with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like glucosamine and chondroitin, which help strengthen bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, and can keep your joints healthy. It is very high in the amino acids proline and glycine that are essential for healthy connective tissue. Those suffering from osteoarthritis often take chondroitin sulfate supplements as they help slow the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. Natural foods are always healthier than dietary supplements. Glycine, proline, and arginine all help reduce inflammation and joint pain.
Replenishes Nutrients in Women
Pregnant women and breastfeeding moms should especially eat broth every day, as their bodies are likely to be depleted of important minerals. It helps build blood too. Glycine promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin, bile salts, and various other chemicals in the body.
Maintains Digestive Health
Gelatin, derived from the collagen in bones, promotes easy digestion of broth. It helps restore the health of the small intestine. Broth increases the strength of the digestive juices. It encourages protein metabolism too. The body can digest and use protein efficiently. So people with food sensitivities, food intolerance, and gastrointestinal disorders should incorporate broth in their diets. The amino acid glycine from the food also supports digestion and secretion of gastric juices.
Improves Brain Function
Vitamins and minerals from this superfood help build blood, improve the quality of blood, and also improve the blood flow. This eventually results in improved brain function. The wonderful amino acid glycine plays an important role in the functioning of the central nervous system. It regulates your mood, improves memory, and ensures mental alertness. It has a calming effect on the brain, which ensures sound sleep. The amino acid proline releases the plaque (cholesterol) attached to the blood vessel walls. Thus, it reduces the chances of having blockages in the heart and blood vessels, and promotes easy blood flow.
Slows Down the Process of Aging
Aging results in decreased production of collagen―the main constituent of hair, skin, and nails. The nutrients from broth can improve the quality of your hair, skin, and nails significantly. Proline reduces cellulite and makes your skin soft and smooth. For wrinkle-free skin and strong hair, you should consume it regularly.
Boosts the Immune System
It helps overcome food intolerance and allergies. It helps cure leaky gut as the gelatin in the broth fills the cracks and holes in the gut lining. This eventually helps prevent autoimmune diseases. The amino acid arginine enhances the function of the immune system and promotes wound healing. It helps regenerate damaged liver cells too.
Enhances the Function of Kidneys and Adrenal Glands
According to Chinese medicine, this nutrient-dense food helps enhance the function of kidneys and adrenal glands. The hormones released by these glands help maintain our health (physical and mental) in several ways. As you know, kidneys help get rid of the toxins that accumulate in our bodies. The amino acid glycine supports the detoxification process that takes place in your body.
Remineralizes Teeth
Being rich in calcium, broth strengthens your teeth and prevents tooth decay. It even remineralizes teeth.
Strengthens Bones
Minerals like calcium and magnesium promote healthy bone formation. They play an important role in the healing of broken bones and can make your bones strong.
Encourages Production of Important Elements
Arginine promotes production of sperms and growth hormone.
Strengthens Muscles
Glutamine improves metabolism and promotes muscle building, while glycine prevents breakdown of muscle issues.
You may refrigerate and use the broth for up to a week. You can use it to flavor soups and risotto, or you can use it as a cooking liquid for grains. It can be used to make gravy or sauce too. As a tasty treat and health-promoting superfood, bone broth is hard to beat.
