As the weather turns, our bodies start to crave more warming foods. Sometimes it’s harder to reach for that cold green juice, which is why we recommend drinking warm bone broth with some blended leafy greens for a boost in nutrients.
Many people drink bone broth as a replacement to help kick caffeine habits since it provides a boost in energy, but what many don’t know is that bone broth contains a wide range of other health benefits too.
1. CONTAINS ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Animal bones contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals. Fish bones contain iodine, which is essential for healthy thyroid function and metabolism. All animal parts found in bone broth contain protein collagen, which becomes gelatin when cooked and then creates amino acids to replenish the body.
2. BENEFITS THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND PROMOTES GUT HEALTH
A main ingredient in bone broth is gelatin- known to repair intestinal lining and reduce inflammation in our digestive system. Studies show gelatin alone improves intestinal health and further research shows the nutrients in bone broth: collagen, gelatin, glycine and glutamine, have all been shown to sooth gut irritation and inflammation, strengthen the gut barrier and lowers the presence of bacteria in the blood.
3. HELPS FIGHT INFLAMMATION
The amino acids found in bone broth such as glycine and arginine have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Specifically arginine has shown to provide benefits in battling chronic inflammation and reduce oxidative stress. Having these amino acids present in bone broth make it an excellent source for reducing inflammation.
4. IMPROVES JOINT HEALTH
Combining the two ingredients noted above- collagen and gelatin gives our bones the boost it needs in supporting our joints. As bone broth simmers, collagen from the animal parts extract into the broth and becomes absorbable to help restore cartilage. The gelatin acts as a cushion between bones that helps them move smoothly. These elements provide us the support needed to form and maintain strong bones. It also helps take pressure off of aging joints and supports healthy bone mineral density.
5. PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS
Studies show that bone broth can assist with weight loss. It is low in calories, but packed with high amounts of protein to avoid hunger pains and cravings. It also assists in increasing lean muscle mass.
6. IMPROVES SLEEP AND BRAIN FUNCTION
As mentioned above, glycine is an element found in bone broth and it helps increase blood flow and reduce the body's core temperature that is related to the sleep-wake cycles. Glycine also plays a role in increasing serotonin levels that is used for the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. The essential fatty acids found in bone broth have been proven to increase brain function. In addition, glycine is known to promote mental clarity, improve memory, and reduce stress.
7. GOOD SOURCE OF COLLAGEN
Bone broth is made from animal bones, some joint tissue and cartilage . Collagen peptides are made from animal hides or skins, which results in a different collagen profile as well as overall nutrient content compared to bone broth. Collagen peptides contain only the supplement- collagen. Bone broth contains multiple nutrients, amino acids and minerals. While we do recommend collagen peptides as a supplement to improve your joints and skin, bone broth includes type I, II and many more essential nutrients when comparing the two.
8. SUPPORTS IMMUNE FUNCTION
When we’re sick or stressed, our bodies don’t produce those non-essential amino acids. Bone broth is rich in amino acids- specifically arginine, glutamate, hydroxyproline, proline, alanine, and glycine. These amino acids help reduce the risk of viruses in the respiratory tract and boost our immunity to shorten and prevent colds and other illnesses.
9. BETTER HYDRATION
The high mineral content in bone broth helps you stay hydrated.
Studies have shown that drinking broth can rehydrate better than water alone due to the electrolytes. Slow simmered bone broth contains a great source of potassium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium and sodium to cover your daily electrolyte needs.
10. REGULATES HORMONAL IMBALANCES
When we improve the condition of our gut health and boost our amino acid and collagen intake- all through consuming bone broth we then achieve hormone balancing. This is essential for hormone production and for the hormone detoxification process that allows your body to get rid of the excess, rather than having them stagnate and cause imbalance issues like estrogen dominance.
If your body is craving more warmth this time of year and you want a mineral-rich beverage, we highly recommend drinking bone broth for better wellness and longevity. Checkout our easy bone broth recipe with a few additional ingredients to give your warming drink that extra boost in nutrition.
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