Have you heard the buzz about the health benefits associated with bone broth and find yourself wondering if it’s true?
There are some claims that bone broth is “better than botox” or that it can “heal leaky gut”.
Those are some big promises!
While I can’t say that every person will have the same experience, I personally know people that swear by the healing that this superfood can bring.
And my own experience has been a positive one as well.
So if you are looking for smoother skin, a healthier gut, beautiful hair, and so much more, read on!
Here’s The Info Covered In This Post:
- What is bone broth?
- Benefits of adding bone broth to your diet
- Where to find the best bones
- How to make this delicious broth
- Store-bought products that are the real deal
If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of bone broth and get an easy recipe, let’s get started!
What Is Broth?
Bone broth, which is also often referred to as bone stock, is made from animal bones that are added to water and simmered, often for long periods of time.
A nice long simmer is how minerals and collagen are pulled from the bones making this an incredibly healthy addition to almost anyone’s diet.
Many people add vegetables and spices to the pot, but you don’t have to, all you really need for a basic broth is bones, water, and a little apple cider vinegar.
Benefits Of Adding Bone Broth To Your Diet
Since many of us don’t get enough minerals and absorbable vitamins in our diet, broth, being mineral-rich and nutrient-dense, is a great addition for overall health and wellbeing.
Health Benefits Of Bone Broth Include:
- Builds and strengthens bones
- Supports healthy digestion
- Helps soothe and heal a leaky & inflamed gut
- Helps to fight overall inflammation
- Supports joint health
- Can help lessens symptoms of arthritis
- Helps to promote sleep
- Can help improve mental function and memory
- Remineralize teeth
- Strengthen hair
- Boost the immune system
- Help regulate blood sugar levels
And so.much.more!
Why is it so nutrient-dense?
Well, here are just a few examples of the vitamins and nutrients that can be found in bone broth.
- Phosphorus
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iodine (if fish bones are used)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K2
- Omega fatty acids
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Amino Acids
As these ingredients simmer, the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients are released from the bones and a broth is formed that is both healing and delicious.
When you drink this soothing stock you are literally ingesting a superfood that is highly absorbable, therefore easily used by the body.
But you don’t have to drink it plain to get all the benefits, you can use bone broth as a soup base, in gravies, sauces, or even smoothies!
Turns out grandma’s chicken soup could have some serious healing power!
Need a delicious recipe that uses bone broth?
Try this easy & healthy Shepherd’s Pie!
Are you ready to give it a try? I promise it’s really easy.
But first, a short tip on where to buy the best ingredients.
Where To Find The Best Bones
The best place to find bones for your broth is in your kitchen.
If you roast a chicken, have fish for dinner, or make a ham, save the bones! You can always freeze them until you have enough and are ready to use them.
The next best place to find bones would be a local farmer. Oftentimes they have bones from having their animals processed or can have them saved if they know you want them.
The next place to find bones would be your local butcher. If they process whole animals chances are that they would sell you bones for your broth.
*A helpful tip– try to find bones from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals (or wild-caught for fish). These will have the highest levels of nutrients because they were fed biologically appropriate food and exposed to fresh air and sunlight. The way the animals were treated will definitely have an effect on the quality of the minerals and vitamins available.
Ok, on to that recipe!
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Easy Bone Broth Recipe
For a basic recipe, you will only need 3 ingredients
- 2 lbs. of bones (more is great too!)
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 gallon of water
Some recipes call for chicken feet to be added. This is totally optional.
Other Optional Ingredients
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onions
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Salt & pepper
You’ll also need a large stockpot, crockpot, or Instantpot, and some kind of strainer.
Instructions
Making bone broth is so easy!
Here’s what to do:
- Place bones, water, vinegar and any other desired ingredients into a stockpot or slow cooker
- Bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer for 18-48 hours (If using fish bones simmer for about 8 hrs.)
- Let the broth cool and then strain
* For the first part of the boiling/simmering be sure to strain the foam off of the top.
After straining you can store the bone broth in a glass jar or freeze for later use.
Store-Bought Products That Are The Real Deal
Not ready to make your own bone broth yet but still want to enjoy the many benefits? No problem!
There are a few store-bought brands that have good quality products.
Here are a few of my favorites:
There are definitely cheaper brands out there but in my opinion, these 3 are my favorites so far because they are all made with bones from grass-fed animals that have been slow simmered and have no questionable ingredients.
Printable Recipe
Ready to try your hand at making this versatile and healing broth?
Here is a printable recipe to help get you started!
Bone Broth
Bone broth is nutrient-dense, healing, delicious and so easy to make! Start your broth today and start enjoying the many health benefits.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. of bones (more is great too!)
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 gallon of water
Instructions
- Place bones, water, vinegar, and any other desired ingredients into a stockpot or slow cooker
- Bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer for 18-48 hours (If using fish bones simmer for about 8 hrs.)
- Let the broth cool and then strain
* For the first part of the boiling/simmering be sure to strain the foam off of the top.
Notes
Optional Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onions
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Salt & pepper
- Chicken feet