1. Important nutrients found in bone broth
Bone broth or bone broth is how our ancestors took advantage of every part of the animal such as bones and marrow, skin, feet, tendons, ligaments that we cannot eat directly by boiling and simmering to get the water. This boiling process causes the bones and ligaments to release compounds such as collagen, proline, glycine and glutamine, nutrients that are beneficial to health.
Bone broth can be considered as "nature's multivitamin". According to Dr. Lien Huong, Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, animal bones contain a large amount of minerals as well as 17 different amino acids, collagen and gelatin. In bone broth, especially when stewed with animal skin, there will be a lot of keratin, collagen and GAGs (a complex carbohydrate that can participate in many processes of the body).
Bone broth contains many nutrients that are beneficial to health.
Important nutrients found in bone broth include:
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
Glycosaminoglycans play a major role in maintaining and supporting collagen and elastin, which occupy the spaces between bones and other fibers. Research shows that GAGs also support digestive health because they help restore the lining of the gut.
Some important GAGs found in bone broth include glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate.
Glucosamine
There are two main natural forms of glucosamine, hydrochloride and sulfate. Both help maintain the integrity of cartilage, the rubbery substance in joints that acts like a natural cushion.
Glucosamine can be depleted as we age, so an easy and relatively inexpensive way to support joint health is to drink plenty of bone broth. Bone broth helps support cartilage loss, acting as an alternative to expensive glucosamine supplements.
Hyaluronic acid
Found throughout connective, epithelial (skin) and nervous tissues, hyaluronic acid contributes to cell proliferation, differentiation and mitosis. This allows our cells to perform various functions throughout the body. It also helps promote healthy aging, cell rejuvenation and skin firmness.
Chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a beneficial glycosaminoglycan found in the joint cartilage of all animals. It is often used to support joint health and flexibility, especially when combined with glucosamine.
Studies have found that chondroitin supplementation supports inflammatory response as well as heart health, bone health, skin health, and healthy cholesterol levels.
Minerals and Electrolytes
Bone broth provides essential minerals, including electrolytes, in an easily absorbed form. Electrolytes found in bone broth include calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
These are important for supporting healthy circulation, bone density, nerve signaling function, cardiovascular health and digestive health.
Bone broth also contains the ideal balance of sodium and potassium to support cell health and efficiency as well as prevent electrolyte imbalances.
Collagen
Collagen is the main structural protein found in the human body, helping to form connective tissue and “seal” the protective lining of the digestive tract. It has a smooth, gel-like structure that coats and holds bones together, allowing us to move flexibly.
Amino acids
The gelatin in bone broth contains the “conditional” amino acids arginine, glycine, glutamine, and proline. Conditional amino acids are those that are classified as non-essential amino acids but are needed under certain conditions. The body does not produce them well if we are sick or stressed.
2. What are the health benefits of using bone broth?
Joint protection
As we age, our joints become worn down and less flexible. Bone broth is one of the best natural sources of collagen. As the broth boils, collagen from the animal parts is released into the broth and is easily absorbed to help rebuild cartilage.
One of the most valuable components of bone broth is gelatin. Gelatin acts as a soft cushion between bones, allowing them to move without friction. This helps reduce pressure on aging joints and supports healthy bone mineral density.
Boost gut health
Studies show that gelatin is beneficial for restoring the strength of the intestinal lining and combating food sensitivities (such as wheat or dairy). It also helps to grow good bacteria in the gut. Unlike many other foods that are difficult to completely break down, eating bone broth is easy to digest and soothes the digestive system.
Drinking bone broth helps support healthy digestion.
Maintain healthy skin
Collagen helps form elastin and other compounds in the skin that are responsible for maintaining the skin’s tone, texture, and youthful appearance. Collagen integrity is recognized for helping to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, reduce puffiness, and combat many other signs of aging.
Supports immune function
One of the most notable things about bone broth is its benefits for supporting gut health. And when your gut is healthy, your immune system function is also enhanced.
Leaky gut syndrome occurs when undigested particles from food seep through tiny holes in the weakened intestinal lining and into the bloodstream, where the immune system detects them and overreacts. This increases inflammation and leads to dysfunction throughout the body.
Bone broth is one of the most beneficial foods to consume to restore gut health and thus support immune system function and a healthy inflammatory response.
Detoxify the body
Bone broth is considered a good detoxifier because it helps the digestive system eliminate waste and boosts the liver's ability to eliminate toxins. It also helps maintain tissue integrity and improves the body's use of antioxidants.
Source
Comment (0)