1. Important nutrients found in bone broth
Bone broth or bone broth is the way our ancestors take advantage of all parts of animals such as bones and marrow, skin, feet, tendons, ligaments that we cannot eat directly, boil them and then simmer them thoroughly to get water. . This boiling process causes bones and ligaments to release compounds such as collagen, proline, glycine and glutamine, nutrients that have health benefits.
Bone broth can be compared to "nature's multivitamin". According to BS. 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 if stewed with animal skin, there will be a lot of keratin, collagen and GAGs (a complex carbohydrate that can participate in many body processes).
Important nutrients found in bone broth include:
Glycosaminoglycan (GAG)
Glycosaminoglycans' main role is to maintain and support collagen and elasticity, occupying the space between bones and various fibers. Research shows that GAGs also support digestive health because they help restore the intestinal lining.
Some important GAGs found in bone broth include glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.
Glucosamine
There are two main types of natural glucosamine hydrochloride and sulfate. Both help maintain the integrity of cartilage, the rubbery substance in joints that acts like a natural cushion.
Glucosamine can become depleted as we age, so to support joint health an easy and relatively inexpensive way to get natural glucosamine 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 different functions throughout the body. It also helps promote healthy aging, cell rejuvenation and skin tightening.
Chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a beneficial glycosaminoglycan found in the joint cartilage of all animals. It is commonly used to support joint health and flexibility, especially when combined with glucosamine.
Studies have found that chondroitin supplements support the inflammatory response as well as heart health, bones, skin and healthy cholesterol levels.
Minerals and electrolytes
Bone broth provides essential minerals, including electrolytes, in an easily absorbable 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 cellular 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 covers and holds the bones together, allowing us to move flexibly.
Amino acids
Gelatin in bone broth contains the “conditional” amino acids arginine, glycine, glutamine and proline. Conditional amino acids are those classified as non-essential amino acids but are required 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 wear out and become less flexible. Bone broth is one of the best natural sources of collagen. When the bone broth boils, collagen from the animal parts will secrete into the broth and be easily absorbed to help restore cartilage.
One of the most valuable ingredients of bone broth is gelatin. Gelatin acts as a soft cushion between the bones, helping them 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 (e.g. wheat or milk). It also helps grow good bacteria in the intestines. Unlike many other foods that are difficult to completely decompose, eating bone broth is easy to digest and soothes the digestive system.
Maintain healthy skin
Collagen helps form elastin and other compounds in the skin that are responsible for maintaining skin tone, texture, and youthful appearance. The integrity of collagen is recognized to help reduce visible signs of wrinkles, reduce eye puffiness, and fight many other signs of aging.
Supports immune function
One of the most notable things about bone broth is its gut health benefits. And when the intestines are healthy, the function of the immune system is also enhanced.
Leaky gut syndrome occurs when undigested particles from food seep through tiny pores 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 thereby 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 improve the body's use of antioxidants.