Lutgard Musiime

Bone broth has gained popularity in the recent past for its benefits with the latest being added to the breakfast menu. More people are having bone broth first thing in the morning as a health drink. As to whether this is right or wrong, I will say the timing does not necessarily matter but what is important is that it is essential for your health as we shall see later.

Bone broth is a clear, protein-rich liquid obtained by simmering meaty joints and bones in water. It distinguishes itself from stock due to its long cooking time, 12 hours or as long as two days. Dating back to prehistoric times, hunter-gatherers turned otherwise inedible animal parts like bones, hooves, and knuckles into a broth they could drink so it is not something new. Bone broth can be made using bones from just about any animal; pork, beef, veal, turkey, lamb, bison, buffalo, chicken, or fish. Marrow, connective tissues like feet, hooves, beaks, gizzards, or fins can also be used. This simmering causes the bones and ligaments to release healing compounds like collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine that have the power to transform health.

Bone broth contains very useful minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur to mention but a few that the body can easily absorb. Research indicates that it contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, compounds known to reduce inflammation, arthritis, and joint pain. These compounds are sold as pricey supplements so here is a cheat code for you.

 

Benefits of bone broth

• Boosts gut health and aids digestion

Bone broth is very high in protein, in particular gelatine which is one of the most abundant proteins in there. It binds with water to support the healthy movement of food through the intestines once in the digestive tract. Gelatine contains an amino acid called glutamine that helps maintain the function of the intestinal wall and has been known to prevent and heal a condition known as “leaky gut”. A leaky gut is a condition when the barrier between the gut and the bloodstream is impaired and is associated with several chronic diseases.  When this condition occurs, substances that your body doesn’t normally allow through leak into your bloodstream, which leads to inflammation and other problems.

• Vital for improved joint health

Bone broth is an excellent source of collagen, a protein found in vertebrae animals in their bones, skin, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bone marrow. As we get older, our joints naturally experience wear and tear, and we become less flexible. Collagen is essential in wound healing, skin elasticity (think less wrinkles/stretch marks), healthy nails and hair, and improved joint health.

During the cooking process, this collagen is broken down into another protein called gelatine, which have seen previously. Gelatine contains important amino acids that support joint health, and is important for injury prevention and tissue repair. It contains proline and glycine, used by the body to build its own connective tissue including tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and ligaments, which connect bones to each other.

• Boosts the immune system

The small intestines are the primary site for nutrient absorption and the first line of defense in our immune system. If the gut barrier becomes damaged or leaky, this can disrupt immune function. Inflammation is increased and leads to dysfunctions all over. The immune system in response releases high levels of antibodies in turn that cause an autoimmune-like response and attack healthy tissues. Bone broth will be helpful to consume to restore gut health and therefore support immune system function and healthy inflammation response. Collagen/gelatin and the amino acids proline, glutamine and arginine help seal these openings in the gut lining and support gut integrity.

• Important for detoxification

Would you believe me if I told you that bone broth is very beneficial when it come to detoxification? Oh yes! Bone broth contains a powerful detoxification agent that aids the digestive system to expel waste and promote the liver’s ability to remove toxins. It contains glycine and potassium which support liver and cellular detoxification. In addition it maintains tissue integrity and improves the body’s use of antioxidants. As this happens, sleep and brain function is improved.

• Good for your skin and may be anti ageing

Collagen contained in bone broth is a structural protein found in skin, cartilage and bone. It helps form elastin and other compounds within skin that are responsible for maintaining skin’s youthful tone, texture and appearance. Collagen integrity is attributed to helping reduce the visible signs of wrinkles, decreasing puffiness and fighting various other signs of aging. So instead of buying the supplements, how about getting ot from the source?

In summary

If you have never considered consuming bone broth, this could be your sign to try it. Find yourself and simmer your way to better health. You can have it as a base for your sauces, have it alone or even as a drink. (Remember to sieve it, if you plan to have it as a drink please). There is no set time for the frequency as to how often you can have it but one thing for sure is the more you have it the more benefits you will have.

Try it and tell me how it goes in the comment section. I would love to hear from you.

See you next Wednesday