Is Bone Broth Healthy for You?Try it out today!.

Bone broth is made by simmering the bones and tissues of animals, typically cows, chickens, or fish. It’s thought to help with everything from inflammation to joint pain.However, many of these potential benefits are based on its nutrients.

Supplies a Variety of Nutrients
The exact nutrient composition of bone broth varies depending on the type of bones you use and how you cook them.Animal bones are a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals essential to bone health. However, research suggests that broth may not contain significant amounts of these minerals.

Bone broth is a good source of protein, which supports immune health and serves as enzymes.Amino acids found in bone broth are essential, meaning they cannot be made by the body and must come from food.

Benefits Gut Health
Your gut microbiome plays a vital role in your health, including inflammation, metabolism, immunity, and digestion.Bone broth is rich in the amino acid glutamine, which research suggests can improve gut health in the following ways:

Supporting a healthy balance of bacteria in the microbiome
Maintaining intestinal barrier function, which may protect against leaky gut
Reducing gut inflammation

Supports Joint Health
Bone broth contains collagen, a protein that gives structure and support to your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It also helps with cartilage, a tissue that protects your joints.Studies show that collagen supplements may improve joint pain, quality of life, and function in people with osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of collagen may even help treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation plays a role in the development of many diseases, including:
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
Cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease
Digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease
Mood disorders like depression
Certain types of cancer, including colon cancer
Chronic lung diseases like asthma
Metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes
Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease

Improves Sleep and Brain Function
Glycine plays a role in memory and other brain functions. One study on animals noted that it may help treat memory loss and behavioral issues.Glycine can help you sleep better by decreasing core body temperature and influencing circadian rhythms. Taking 3 grams of glycine before bedtime improved sleep quality and daytime fatigue in people with difficulty sleeping.

How to Make Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth is relatively easy and inexpensive to make at home. You can use leftover bones from other meals or buy bones from your local butcher shop or grocery store.

To make your bone broth at home:
•Boil three pounds of bones from chicken, beef, pork, and/or fish in a slow cooker or large pot

•Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (vinegar helps draw out the nutrients from the bones) and cook on low for 12 to 24 hours

•Optional: Add carrots, celery, salt, and spices to add more flavor to the broth

•Allow the broth to cool, and use a cheesecloth to strain out the bones and vegetables

•Transfer the broth into smaller containers for storage

Bone broth generally lasts up to three days in the refrigerator. If you freeze bone broth, it will stay good for two to three months.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.