Health Benefits of Bone Broth + Bone Broth Recipe

With the emergence of Allergen-Free, Paleo, and Primal diets, we are once again discovering that what we eat can affect our health. Bone broth, or stock, has been a kitchen staple around the world, probably since the discovery of fire.

It’s been used as a base for soups and stews and added to food as a flavoring and cooking liquid, mostly without us even realizing its numerous beneficial properties.

Many health benefits come from simple bone broth or stock that you can easily discover by using it in more places than usual. You can find quality pre-made bone broth and supplements that contain bone broth properties, or you could make your own.

Cook with it, sip bone broth for added protein, freeze it, and keep it on hand.  You may even like to add bone broth protein powder to your shakes.  Bone broth stock is truly a healthy staple that needs to be in your diet for so many reasons.

If you still need convincing, here are three good reasons you need bone broth in your kitchen, along with a straightforward and time-saving recipe for your Crock Pot or Instant Pot.

Health Benefits of Bone Broth + Bone Broth Recipe

You have undoubtedly heard of chicken soup as a cure for what ails you. Bone broth, slowly simmered with vegetables and spices, is the reason! During cold and flu season, I like to keep extra stock in my freezer in various-sized containers.

I can grab one, heat and use it as a sipping broth or add to vegetables and rice or noodles for a quick soup. Nothing is more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken soup when you are under the weather. I even deliver stock in care packages to sick friends.

What exactly is healing about stock, you ask? In a word, Collagen! The process of cooking bones, combined with certain vegetables, releases collagen and its many healthy and healing properties like the amino acids Glycine and Proline, which help to reduce inflammation and ease tension.

Arginine aids the immune system and liver function, and glutamine helps with metabolism and digestion. All of these amino acids, as well as hydrating electrolytes, are present in Collagen.

In bone broth, they are easily digestible, which is just what you need when you are not feeling well.

Find Relief From Digestion and GI Issues with Bone Broth

If you experience the occasional digestive issues, or even if you suffer from more chronic problems like IBS, “Leaky Gut,” Colitis, or Crohn’s disease, stock can help you find relief.

Gelatin, the cooked form of bone collagen, soothes the GI tract and helps repair the intestinal lining. Your body can then break down foods, making them easier to digest.

It also hydrates and seals the intestinal lining, which prevents undigested food particles and bacteria from leaking into your body and causing an immune response, inflammation, and disease.

Glutamine, a component of Gelatin, encourages good bacteria and reduces inflammation, which is essential for a healthy digestive system. So much of our overall health directly reflects the health of our digestive system!

If our bellies are not healthy, we are more prone to food reactions, autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, and general fatigue. Quality, homemade bone broth can be a preventive measure, a natural and effective form of relief, and an alternative to supplements for some.

Fight Aging Aches and Pains with Bone Broth

No, sipping stock will not make you younger, but it can help you feel younger and alleviate some of those aches and pains that come with age. It makes sense that the properties of bones could help maintain and restore bones.

Collagen is the main component of connective tissue, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It also contains Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), essential for skin health, cell turnover, maintaining connective tissues, and restoring the lubricating fluid around your joints.

Many people take Glucosamine supplements to maintain joint health and alleviate pain associated with arthritis. This, too, is present in stock in a more natural form. As we age, bone density becomes an issue.

Bone broth provides an easily absorbed source of Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium! Be sure to add apple cider vinegar when making your bone broth to draw these minerals out and reap the benefits.

Bone Broth Recipe | How to Make Bone Broth at Home

With various ways to flavor your bone broth to your liking, there is no reason not to keep stock on hand and incorporate it into your diet. Whether you use it daily or have it on hand to make flavorful and healthful homemade soup and stews, it is low-calorie, easily digestible, and liquid-gold.

Now go for it! You can easily make your bone broth home with this easy broth recipe converted for the Crock-Pot and Instant Pot.

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