The amazing benefits of bone broth

One of the biggest food trends to come out of the Paleo diet movement is the sipping of broth, specifically bone broth.  For centuries, cultures across the globe have made a version of bone broth, recognizing its healing properties.  The warm protein rich liquid, considered a magic elixir in foodie circles, improves your health and protects your immune system. 

Bone broth is a “super food” with its concentrated levels of minerals extracted from the bone marrow.   Nutritionists recommend it for a variety of ailments and preventive measures.  Bone broth, in addition to being rich in protein, it also contains key minerals that the body needs.  Most of them are available as OTC supplements with hefty price tags or added to skin care creams. 

Drinking bone broth is a less expensive way of giving your body exactly what it needs. Gelatin helps cure leaky gut and repairs the holes in the intestine. It also helps combat intestinal inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate helps your joints and prevents osteoarthritis. Collagen makes you hair skin and nails look fabulous while keeping you looking younger too. Glycine helps improve your memory and quality of sleep. Phosphorus, magnesium and calcium help keep your bones strong.

It seems my grandmother was on to something when she would whip up a pot of chicken soup when anyone was coming down with a cold. It turns out, chicken broth inhibits neutrophil migration, which mitigates the side effects of colds, upper respiratory infections and the flu.  Bone broth made from chicken bones is a richer version of broth, making it an ideal cure for the common cold during the fall and winter months.

Bone broth is easy to make and economical too. You will need to visit your local butcher to buy several pounds of bones. It’s best to use chicken bones, all of the bones even the ones you may frown upon like knuckles or feet. They are just as beneficial as a wing, or breastbone. 

In a six-quart stockpot or slow cooker, you will want to fill it with bones, veggies and water. Let it boil and then simmer for twenty four to seventy two hours. The longer you let it cook, the more nutrients you will extract.  When it’s done, strain it using a fine sieve or a reusable coffee filter. If you use both, the broth will be clearer. 

Store the broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  It will keep for up to a week.  Another option is to pour it into ice cube trays and freeze for up to six months. 

Once you have it made, you can sip it instead of coffee, or use to make my grandmother’s chicken soup recipe.  Any way you eat it will do your body good.