What Are The Health Benefits Of Bone Broth?

Bones contain an abundance of minerals as well as amino acids. Bone broth is the clear, protein-rich liquid created by simmering meaty joints and bones in water. Cooked “low and slow,” for 10-20 hours, the process extracts nutrients from the bone, creating a nutritional powerhouse broth.

Bone broth is associated with collagen, a structural protein found in skin, cartilage and bone. When cooked, the collagen in connective tissue is broken down into gelatin and various other amino acids, such as glycine and glutamine. There are a number of great benefits to enjoying bone broth.

Joint Health

Collagen is effective at improving pain, stiffness, and joint function. Consuming bone broth has been shown to increase levels of glycine and proline, which your body uses to build its own connective tissue.

Sleep

Glycine may also help you relax, which has been shown to significantly improve sleep. Bone broth in the evening may help you fall asleep faster, maintain a deeper sleep, and wake up fewer times throughout the night.

Digestion

When collagen is simmered, it forms gelatin. Once in the digestive tract, gelatin is able to bind with water to support the healthy transit of food through the intestines. Gelatin also absorbs water and helps maintain the protective layer of mucus that keeps gut microbes away from the intestinal barrier.

Immunity

The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption, but it is also the first line of defense in our immune system. If the gut barrier becomes damaged or ‘leaky’ it can disrupt immune function. Because the gelatin exerts a protective effect on the digestive tract, it enhances immune function.

You can make your own bone broth at home by boiling bones & then simmering for many hours with an acidic ingredient such as vinegar to enhance nutrient absorption. You can also buy it in powdered or broth form at grocery or health food stores.

You can find Prairie Naturals Chicken Bone Broth here.