The Benefits of Bone Broth

The Magic of Bone Broth:

Cultures all over the world have been consuming bone broth for centuries. It’s the magic tonic that has been responsible for reviving the innate healing ability of the human body even touted as bringing people back from the brink of death and healing all types of ailments. The Jewish community hails it as the Jewish Penicillin! So, why is bone broth so amazing and healing for the body?

Below are 7 amazing reasons why.

Heals leaky gut

The gelatin found in bone broth protects and heals the mucosal lining of the digestive tract, which aids in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

 

Fights inflammation, gets rid of toxins and can reduce cholesterol buildup in the bloodstream

Bone broth is very high in the anti-inflammatory amino acids glycine and proline. They have been shown to play a role in reversing atherosclerotic deposits. These amino acids enable the blood vessel walls to release cholesterol buildups into your bloodstream, decreasing the size of potential blockages in your heart and the surrounding blood vessels.

 

Helps with bone formation, growth, and repair

Broth is loaded with highly absorbable forms of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are imperative for bone strength and health.

 

Promotes sleep, calms the mind, and balances blood sugar

The amino acid glycine, found in bone broth, is converted in the body into serine, which lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, creating a calming effect.

 

Reduces joint pain and inflammation

The glucosamine in bone broth can actually stimulate the growth of new collagen, repair damaged joints, and reduce pain and inflammation.

 

Reduces the appearance of cellulite and produces gorgeous skin, hair, nails, and teeth. 

Can we say goodbye cellulite? The collagen, minerals, and gelatin in bone broth support hair growth and strong nails, re-mineralize teeth, and reduce the appearance of cellulite by helping increase collagen production. All you need is a crockpot.

 

Super easy to make:

Just throw all of the ingredients into the crockpot for 24-28 hours. All the amazing minerals, nutrients, and gelatin will infuse the broth creating one it one of the most nourishing,  medicinal food on the planet.

Gut Healing Bone Broth Recipe: For a printable version click here>

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of organic or pastured-raised bones (chicken or beef) or just used leftover rotisserie chicken. 
  • (Berkeley Bowl, Marin Sun Farms in Rockridge, and Lunardi’s)
  • Optional: 2 chicken feet for extra gelatin (Berkeley Bowl)
  • 8-10 cups of purified water
  • 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 1 white or yellow onion, peeled, sliced and quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 Bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme 
  • 1/2 a bunch of fresh parsley
  • 1-inch ginger root, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 cup organic apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp peppercorns

 

Directions:

Place all of the above ingredients in a 10-quart capacity crockpot. Heat on low heat – 48 hours for beef or 24 hours for chicken.

During the first few hours of simmering, you’ll need to remove the impurities that float to the surface. A frothy/foamy layer will form, and it can be easily scooped off with a big spoon. Throw this part away. I typically check it every 20 minutes for the first 2 hours to remove this. During the last 30 minutes, add the garlic and parsley, if using. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Strain using a fine metal strainer to remove all the bits of bone and vegetable. When cool enough, store in a gallon-size glass jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for later.

Some of my favorite bone broths to purchase are: 

Fire and Kettle

The Brothery

Local residents: 

My Sustainable Table, Orinda California

Marin Sun Farms at Market Hall in Berkeley

Three Stone Hearth in Berkeley. They deliver too!