“Good broth will resurrect the dead”, is an old South American proverb. While this may not be true, it speaks volumes about the healing and medicinal properties of bone broth. But, what is bone broth exactly? Bone broth isn’t the most palatable of all chicken based foods, but it surely is the healthiest. And would you like to know how?
This post talks of the amazing health benefits of bone broth! Read ahead to know them!
Bone broth is rich in gelatin. Gelatin holds liquids, including digestive juices and bile. This property helps ease stomach disorders like cramps, bloating, gas and indigestion. Bone broth is thus quite helpful in promoting healthy and proper digestion (1).
Bone broth is the main ingredient used in the popular dish of chicken soup for curing cold and flu. Scientists performed a study on chicken soup and found that it exhibited medicinal qualities, considerably reducing inflammation and infection in the respiratory tract (2).
Bone broth effectively exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. This property is due to the presence of amino acids like proline, L-arginine and glycine, which are known anti-inflammatory agents. Arginine exhibits sepsis (body inflammation) fighting properties (3).
Bone broth has many benefits. One of them is helping relieve joint pain and inflammation. Bone broth is high in Chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine compounds. Chondroitin sulphate has many uses, including the treatment of arthritic pains (4).
Bone broth is rich in minerals, especially calcium. Calcium is essential for strong bones and it helps prevent many diseases as well. Along with calcium, other nutrients like magnesium also promote bone development and increase bone strength.
Both bone broth and meat contain an essential amino acid called cysteine. Cysteine is a curious little compound, which helps clear nasal congestion by thinning the mucus in the lungs and making it stickier, thus facilitating its removal from the body. Bone broth chicken soup is the best homemade recipe to clear a blocked nose. You could consider getting some canned chicken stock, but making bone broth soup at home ensures that you don’t add dangerous preservatives to the food (6).
Bone broth is not only good for clearing congestion and improving digestion, but it also helps promote better looking hair, nails and skin. Bone broth is rich in collagen and gelatin that stimulate hair growth and keep your nails strong. Collagen is especially effective in helping reduce wrinkles and fine lines (7).
Bone broth helps calm the mind and helps you relax. It contains Glycine, the chief ingredient that gives bone broth its calming effects, helps you get over insomnia and promotes sleep (8).
Bone broth is a cheaper alternative to any kinds of medicines. The most economical way is to boil your own pot of bone broth instead of getting canned versions, which contain harmful added preservatives.
The best part about bone broth is the ease of preparation. All you need to do is mix all the ingredients and let it simmer. It will be done by the time you take a 30-minute power nap.
So, the next time you are down with cold or are suffering from indigestion, or you simply wish to get better looking skin and hair, you may want to consider adding bone broth to your diet. If you do eat bone broth regularly, share your best recipes with us and the fellow readers here. Leave a comment below.