Bone broth is one of the most nutritious and healing things we can can consume. The nutrients in bone broth are plentiful and readily available in a form easily digested and absorbed by the body.
Bone broth is high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and other trace minerals. Marrow from the bones provides vitamin A, vitamin K2, zinc, iron, boron, manganese, selenium, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, compounds known to support joint health by decreasing inflammation, as well as producing and maintaining healthy articulate cartilage and synovial fluid. These tissues help joints move smoothly and freely across one another without friction or pain.
Bone broth is packed with the following amino acids:
Collagen - The most abundant protein in the body and found in almost every part of us. Collagen is a crucial building block for every structure, including joints, tendons, ligaments, skin, organs, intestines, eyes, teeth, intervertebral discs and more. Collagen serves as the “glue” that holds everything in place, providing stability and support everywhere.
Gelatin - Important for the health of the brain, joints, skin and hair, and also supports the mucosal lining of the intestinal tract. In bone broth, gelatin is collagen that has been extracted by boiling collagen-containing substances in hot water. The gelatin dissolves into the water, and when cooled, results in a thicker, jelly-like substance. Gelatin is the most abundant source of Glycine.
Glycine - Helps promote relaxation and deep sleep, as well as muscle development and energy during exercise. It’s one of three amino acids our body uses to make glutathione, the master antioxidant, as well as creatine, a compound used by our muscles for quick, short bursts of strength and power. Glycine is the main amino acid in collagen.
Arginine - Helps to counter the inflammation associated with obesity and can aid in weight loss. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels to improves circulation in the body. The benefits of arginine include heart and cardiovascular health, immunity and sexual health.
Glutamine - Significantly helps maintain the integrity and function of the intestinal wall. It prevents and heals intestinal permeability aka "leaky gut", as glutamine is the preferred fuel source of enterocytes and colonocytes, the cells of the intestines.
Because of this, glutamine is also highly influential in immune health, as gut health is directly related to immune health. Permeability of the intestinal wall allows food particles and other foreign matter to slip into the blood stream, necessitating constant immune responses and impairing the immune system’s ability to protect and heal the rest of the body. A healthy gut is essential for a healthy body.
Drinking daily bone broth with ample fresh cilantro and parsley added to it will help to gently and naturally chelate heavy metals from the body. Heavy metals accumulate in the tissues of our body from various sources, including sushi and other seafood, dental work, vaccines, rice, tap water, make-up products and so much more.
Adding fresh-grated turmeric root with black pepper to bone broth is another great way to incorporate some of the most healing foods all in one place. Turmeric is by far one of the most beneficial plants we can consume due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The black pepper helps to make turmeric more bioavailable, as does the animal fat in the bone broth.
Bone broth is best taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, so it can do all its healing work before our digestion begins its own important work. There is no wrong time to have bone broth, though, so give it a try if you haven’t already and begin enjoying all its warming and healing benefits