June 01, 2021 1 Comment
If you’ve got a bone to pick with bone broth, we understand. While we personally love bone broth and believe it's a staple for gut healing, we know to others, it can sound a little, well, gross (just being real here).
If that’s you, we get it, but it's time for us to change your mind.
What is Bone Broth?
Before we start, bone broth is vastly different from the packaged chicken stock you may have used to make soup. Bone broth is made by simmering the bones and connective tissue of animals. It’s a nutrient-dense stock that forms the backbone of many a soup and sauce but can also be drunk on its own. You can make bone broth out of practically any animal – including chicken, beef, fish, buffalo or lamb.
My De-fishious Fish Broth!
What are Ten Reasons to Eat Bone Broth?
If minerals and vitamins were dollars, bone broth would be rich! Bone broth contains protein, collagen, calcium, selenium, fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, iron, and vitamin A and K.
Bone broth has been used for centuries as a digestive tonic, helping heal and seal the digestive tract’s lining while reducing inflammation in the gut. An amino acid called glutamine found in bone broth helps maintain the intestinal wall's function and prevents a leaky gut. Emerging research suggests that glutamine, along with other amino acids found in bone broth, may benefit people with irritable bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
If you’re looking for further gut support, I recommend Love Your Gut Powder. It helps remove the build-up of mucus, acid, plaque and bacteria in the gut to improve nutrient absorption and reduce digestive symptoms. If you’re looking to support your gut while on the move, why not try them in capsule form here?
Bone broth contains the anti-inflammatory amino acids glycine and arginine. Why does this matter? Well, chronic inflammation can lead to a whole host of diseases, including arthritis and cardiovascular disease; this is why it’s crucial to eat a highly anti-inflammatory diet and why I’m team bone broth. If you want to learn more about inflammation, click here.
Cartilage in the joints shrink and wear down with overuse, which can cause damage, pain and atrophy. Luckily, research indicates that collagen consumption can improve joint health and decrease knee pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis.
Bone broth also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which support cartilage production.
Bone broth can be extremely beneficial for our nervous system. The healthy fats within bone broth provide a source of fuel for the brain. Plus, bone broth is rich in calcium which is crucial for nerve health.
Collagen is blowing up in the beauty industry, and with good reason. Collagen is a significant component of the skin, helping keep skin wrinkle-free, plump and glowing. Unfortunately, as we age, our collagen production rate declines, so it’s crucial to replenish it through the diet to help slow skin aging and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The small intestine acts as the first line of defence for our immune system. If the gut barrier becomes leaky, this can disrupt immune system function. We know that bone broth is protective for our gut, so it’s also a massive supporter of the immune system.
I know it’s not all about ‘calories in’ and ‘calories out’, but if you are looking for low-calorie options to support a healthy weight, bone broth is an excellent option. Bone broth is full of protein which can increase satiation while being low-calorie which is ideal for the waistline.
Glycine, naturally found in bone broth, may increase relaxation and promote sleep. Studies have shown that those who took glycine before bed fell asleep faster, maintained a deeper sleep and woke fewer times throughout the night. Glycine reduces daytime sleepiness, improves mental function and memory. Sign me up.
Our bones are made mostly of collagen, which supports their structure and keeps them strong. Collagen consumption can increase bone mineral density and stimulate bone growth. Bone broth is also rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which creates and maintains healthy bones.
And that’s it! Bone broth is here to heal your gut, support your brain health and warm up your insides. What more could you want?
Beef Pho Bone Broth
S E R V E S 4
Bone broth is all the rage at the moment, but you can enjoy the gelatinous benefits of this age-old tonic in a variety of delicious ways. This particular twist will whisk you away to the streets of northern Vietnam, where pho originated in the early 20th century. It was initially sold at dawn and dusk by roaming street vendors shouldering mobile kitchens. The garnish of lime and bean sprouts is a modern variation on this traditional healing broth.
Ingredients
To serve
Method:
SUPERCHARGED TIP
If you have a slow cooker, it’s perfect for this pho. If you prefer your noodles crunchier and your beef rare, you can put the noodles and beef into the bowls then pour over the hot broth.
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Lorraine
February 27, 2022
Sorry if I’ve missed it, but when do you add the beef, or do you eat it raw?