Healing Benefits of Bone Broth

When I was growing up the only think I knew of broth was that it came in a can you bought at the grocery store or in little bullion cubes that you mixed in water. I thought it was just a flavorful way to add liquid into a recipe. Let me tell you, I have learned a thing or two since that age of thinking. Bone broth is both full of wonderful benefits, nutrients and is is much cheaper than what you can buy at the store. It is budget friendly too.

 I know what your next question is going to be. Why? Because I had the same question as you. You’re wondering how complicated bone broth is because it sounds hard and complex. It’s really easy and anyone can make bone broth. All you need is a

Crockpot

Soup bones

Vinegar

Salt and pepper

Vegetables 

And a little time to let it cook. 

Want a recipe for bone broth? Click here

 

Benefits of Bone Broth: 

1. Nutrient Dense

The bone broth is full of nutrients and contains a lot of minerals. The apple cider vinegar added to the pot increases the extraction of minerals from the bones. Just make sure you use grass-fed beef soup bones or a healthy, free-range organic chicken. You don’t want to be taking any nutrients or toxins out from a conventionally raised bones. By using the organic ones you will also create a much more nutrient dense broth. 

2. Aids Digestion

Bone broth contains glycine. It allows the stomach to secrete more gastric acid and aids the parietal cells in doing that natural process. With our world so full of processed foods, we all tend to be a little sluggish with our stomach acid production. Anything we can do to assist in that is key so that we can start breaking down our food properly. If you think you need more help with gastric acid, take 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal.

3. Helps Healing

The broth contains collagen and gelatin which helps in tissue healing and can speed up connective tissue healing. It is also a huge benefit in gastrointestional health. It is amazing for healing a leaky gut. Bone broth is actually hydrophilic means water loving. It can add more water to the gut which aids in the whole digestive process. 

4. Very Versatile

You can use the stock in so many things. The first thing that comes to mind is soup or stew. You can also use it to cook beans, potatoes, rice, or quinoa in. You can also use it mixed with mashed vegetables, like cauliflower or squash. You can also enjoy the benefits with a big serving in a mug. What’s easier than just drinking the broth straight? Use your imagination with what you can use with broth. Broth isn’t only made from chickens. You can also use beef soup bones. You make it the same way, but you don’t need to pre-cook the soup bones. Just throw them in and you now have beef broth.

5. Cost Effective

The broth that you buy at the store can be pretty expensive for only a quart. I think you can make a gallon or so of broth for less than $1.00. You are using leftover chicken and just a few veggies in your fridge. It also cuts out a bunch of potential preservatives and “extra” ingredients that don’t support your health.

6. Better taste

Let’s just face it, a homemade chicken broth just tastes better. If you want further benefits and healing to the digestive system, you can just drink warmed broth by itself. It seems a little different at first, but it is an easy way to reap the health benefits.

How do you use bone broth?

• You can drink it warm in a big mug. Drink it like you would coffee and tea. You can also “doctor-it-up” a bit by adding butter or coconut oil to the broth. It’s another way you can increase the amount of healthy fat you eat per day. You can also add some fresh garlic cloves that can help support a healthy immune system. You can also add some high quality salt (Himalayan pink salt is my favorite).
• You can make beef broth soup. This is my favorite way to use broth and there is something so healing and comforting with a big bowl of soup. I try to eat soup at least once a week. It’s easier in the winter and a little harder in the summertime. I believe broth soup should be a staple in all our diets because it helps support a healthy digestive system. Did you know that it’s much easier for our digestive systems to digest cooked veggies vs raw? This is a way you can get a lot of different vegetables in your diet all while supporting healthy digestion.
• Add a bit to the dishes you are already making. Instead of water in a recipe when you’re cooking you can add a few splashes of bone broth. I add some broth to stir-fry’s, crockpot dishes, skillet dishes and so much more. All you need is a little splash and it actually enhances the flavor of whatever you are cooking.