Bone broth seems to be the new kid on the wellness block and is getting talked about a lot. Well, it turns out it’s not without good reason. There is so much about keeping well that simply involves eating well and really, we’re just turning back the clock to things that have always worked.
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid that is made by simmering bones, cartilage, and other connective tissues in water for an extended period of time. It is a traditional food that has been consumed for centuries for its health benefits. You can buy a bag of bones from Claire at A Complete Cow and get started today.
What’s The Fuss About Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a good source of collagen, which is a type of protein that gives your skin, bones, and joints their strength and elasticity. In fact, our bodies are built from amino acid protein chains and 30% of that protein is collagen! It has an extraordinarily long list of benefits for human health. Apologies if this is a bit too sciency but it is worth understanding if you care about your health. Firstly, bone broth is a great source of nutrients:
Amino acids: Bone broth contains a variety of amino acids, which are the building blocks of all life on earth, including glycine, proline, and glutamine. These amino acids are essential for many bodily functions, including the production of collagen, the repair of tissues, and the maintenance of a healthy gut.
Minerals: Bone broth is a good source of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These minerals are important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve conduction.
Antioxidants: Bone broth contains antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and DNA.
There are a number of potential health benefits of bone broth, including:
Improved gut health: The collagen and amino acids in bone broth can help to improve the health of your gut lining. This can help to reduce inflammation and improve the absorption of nutrients.
Joint health: The collagen and gelatin in bone broth can help to lubricate your joints and reduce pain.
Skin health: The collagen in bone broth can help to improve the appearance of your skin by making it plumper and more elastic.
Immune health: The antioxidants in bone broth can help to boost your immune system and protect you from infection.
Weight loss: Bone broth is a low-calorie, high-protein food that can help you to feel full and satisfied. This can make it easier to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
How to make bone broth
Here are some tips for making a great bone broth:
Use a variety of bones: You can use bones from any animal, but beef, chicken, and pork bones are the most common. That said, today we’re using beef bones because they come from a cow!
Add vegetables: Adding vegetables to your bone broth can add flavor and nutrients. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.
Simmer for a long time: The longer you simmer your bone broth, the more nutrients it will release. Aim to simmer your bone broth for at least 24 hours and top up the liquid as you go.
Strain the broth: Once your bone broth is finished simmering, you will need to strain it to remove the bones and other solids.
Store the broth: Store your bone broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Here is the bone broth recipe I used. it has some fancy stuff in it like cinammon and star anise to give depth to the flavour to the bone broth – these are nice to have but not essential.
I made 16 cups of broth from an $18 bag of bones which, with the extra bits I threw in made it about $1.35 per cup of goodness. Much cheaper than a trip to the doctor!
bone broth ingredients
bone broth roasted bones and veges
bone broth – simmering
bone broth final
