Is Bone Broth a Magic Elixir?

A number of celebrities are praising the benefits of bone broth, including basketball star Kobe Bryant,as well as actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Selma Hayak.

Bone broth is often referred to as “nature’s multi-vitamin”, since it contains minerals and nutrients that many are deficient in. Bone broth contains over 19 easy-to-absorb, essential and non-essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, collagen/gelatin which helps form connective tissue and promotes strong hair and nails and nutrients that support your immune system, digestion and brain function.

How to Make Bone Broth:

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones for at least several hours to release the nutrients found in the bones, cartilage and marrow. Vegetables, herbs and spices are often added for flavor, along with a some vinegar to help draw the nutrients from the bones. Bone broth can be consumed alone, used as a soup base, or added to sauces and other dishes.

Bone broth can be made from any type of animal bones, either cooked or raw. These include chicken and other types of poultry, beef, lamb, wild game and fish. The only real difference in preparing different types of bone broth is the amount of time that the bones need to be simmered. A broth made with fish bones, for example, only needs to simmer for a few hours, while beef bones need to simmer for 48 hours or more to draw the maximum nutrients from the bones.

It is important when making bone broth to get organic bones or bones from wild caught animals. Avoid the bones from factory farmed animals that have been given hormones and antibiotics.

Six Beneficial Nutrients Found in Bone Broth From The Truth About Cancer:

1. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) – support collagen and elastin production which is good for the structure of the body, skin, hair and nails. GAGs also aid in digestive health by helping to restore the intestinal lining. Important GAGs found in bone broth include glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.

2. Glucosamine (hydrochloride and sulfate) – Supports joint strength and mobility by helping to maintain the integrity of cartilage (the rubbery substance within joints that acts as a natural cushion to keep bones from rubbing together). Bone broth can be a delicious and easy alternative to expensive glucosamine supplements for supporting joint health.

3. Hyaluronic Acid – supports healthy tissues, including cell rejuvenation and skin firmness. Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in anti-aging skin care products. Bone broth provides the benefits from the inside out!

4. Chondroitin Sulfate – Often used along with glucosamine to support joint health. Studies have shown that supplementing with chondroitin supports healthy inflammation response as well as cardiovascular health, bone health, skin health and healthy cholesterol levels

5. Minerals and Electrolytes – Essential minerals, including electrolytes, found in bone broth include calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as many other minerals such as phosphorus. These minerals are important for supporting healthy circulation, bone density, nerve signaling functions, heart health and digestive health.

6. Collagen – Quality bone broth is a good source of collagen which has a number of important functions in the body. These include helping to form connective tissue (allowing for easier movement) and protecting the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Collagen is a complex protein that is a rich source of 19 amino acids, many of which must be obtained from diet.

Bone Broth Supports a Healthy Immune System:

One of the most remarkable benefits of bone broth is its gut supportive benefits. This provides a holistic effect on the body which even supports healthy immune system function. The collagen/gelatin and the amino acids proline, glutamine,and arginine in traditionally-made bone broths help heal leaky gut syndrome.

By restoring gut health, bone broth aids in supporting immune system function and healthy responses to inflammation.

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