What Is Bone Broth?
The Gut-Healing, Digestion-Aiding Elixir You Need to Add to Your Diet
Chances are, if you're into healthy eating and wellness, then you've heard of, seen, or tried bone broth. Do you know what it is? Why it works? Let's break down this powerful health elixir and find out what makes it so special.
What Is It?
Soup! Bone broth is chicken (or beef . . . or even fish!) soup, made old-school style, by simmering all the extra pieces of an animal into the soup (i.e., the bones) for hours before straining and serving. This allows the heat and time to break down things like cartilage for the benefits of gelatin and collagen, two things we don't often get in our diet. Hence, one of the reasons why it's good for you — and your gut!
What Are The Benefits?
- Digestion Aiding: Like collagen supplements, bone broth can aid in digestion and gut health thanks to collagen content and nourishing glutamine and glycine (two amino acids that "help repair cells and heal gut inflammation," according to clinical and holistic dietitian Esther Blum).
- Protein Packed: It's rich in protein and can help build healthy muscles and keep you full for a long period of time.
- Stress Relieving: It's consumed hot, and hot beverages are known to be soothing and may even relieve anxiety.
- Immune Boosting: Some sites claim bone broth can boost your immune system, citing research from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Where Can You Get It?
If a café near you isn't serving up a hot cup of broth, you can make your own or get some instant broth mix from Dr. Amy's or Vital Proteins. You can also pick up readymade broth from companies like Bru Broth, Kettle and Fire, and Bonafide Provisions in health-food grocery stores.
