Hello Collagen, my old friend! The Benefits of Bone Broth and the SIMPLE ways to make it at home!

As you know, I’m a half-a-hippie that loves to introduce SIMPLE and BALANCED nutrition into my life and share with all of you what I have found to work best for my busy lifestyle so I would be remiss to not share the beautiful benefits of Bone Broth with all you fellow Half-A-Hippies. Now, before you start to think, “does she really think it’s SIMPLE to get Bone Broth into my diet? That stuff takes DAYS to make” read on. You know this mama ain’t got time for that so I’m going to give you simple ways to get this miracle broth in your bodies every day!

First though, lets start with the benefits and why everyone needs more collagen in their lives…

Skin, Hair, Nails

Whether we like it or not, our bodies produce less and less collagen as we age. Externally, this can show up on our skin as wrinkles, dryness, and decreased elasticity and plumpness. Ingesting collagen allows our bodies to directly absorb its nutrients that can fight this dreaded aging.

When using a steady bone broth routine, we can also avoid hair loss and weak, brittle nails. Collagen surrounds the hair so when we produce less of it (and don’t get enough supplementally) our hair is more vulnerable to breaking.

Similarly, nails are made of protein so the amino acids found in broth help to strengthen them.

Fights Cold & Infections:

Who DOESN’T need an extra immune boost? Glutamine found in bone broth supports the growth of all kinds of cells, including those needed by our immune systems. Cartilage found in bones also plays a role in boosting the immune system when needed by increasing white blood cells’ ability to kill bacteria, viruses and anything our body doesn’t want. The broth I love also has extra Vitamin C which promotes an even healthier immune system.

Builds A Healthy Gut:

Collagen is a major structural element of the gut and is one of the best things that can be consumed to heal and seal a leaky gut. Also, gelatin in broth boosts the ability to digest food. In the gut, gelatin draws water and stomach acid towards the food that’s being digested, so nutrients are broken down and absorbed more effectively without taxing the digestive system. Bone Broth is also soothing and helpful to those with food sensitivities and/or weak digestion.

Stabilizes Mood:

Poor gut health+ Poor mood. Since gelatin/collagen can help protect the gut like nothing else, this can also improve your mood. BONUS!

Encourages Relaxation:

Replace your nighttime tea with a cup of bone broth to relax and improve sleep.
Glycine an amino acid in bone broth curbs the buzzing activity of neurotransmitters in the brain which could help promote better sleep.

Promotes Healthy Bones:

Bone broth contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and other trace minerals needed for bone growth and repair. These nutrients leach from the bones into broth and while they’re not in huge amounts they’re very bio available and when consumed consistently the benefit compounds.
-With proper amounts of collagen in the body a person can avoid osteoporosis which is caused by brittle bones

Supports Natural Detoxing:

Glutathione, known the mother of all antioxidants, is found abundantly in bone broth. It’s good for antiaging, fighting chronic disease and detoxifying the liver. Glycine from broth helps our bodies produce more glutathione on its own.

Reduces Joint Pain & Inflammation:

People are struggling with stiff, achy joints, tendonitis, osteoarthritis in their knees, hips, hands etc. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, both found in cartilage from bones, are key to rebuilding connective tissue in joints, ligaments and tendons. Broths made from cartilage rich bones can help your body make more connective tissue and ease joint pain naturally.

****The best bones are from Grass Fed Cows because of its joint soothing omega 3 and CLA content. These can reduce inflammation over the body and ease the symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions (especially glycine and proline)

Encourages Speedy Recovery & Hydrates:

In the world of sports and professional athletes, bone broth is often seen as a recovery meal.  Bone Broth is also packed with electrolytes and is extremely effective for hydrating the body

How to add Bone Broth to your diet without the hassle.

I admit that I gave up on making my own bone broth after 3 attempts.  To make it on your own you need patience, a lot of money, and more patience.  You need to make sure that the bones come from grass fed cows, that they are the RIGHT bones with the most collagen, then there is an art to making the broth to ensure that there is a perfect layer of gelatin etc etc.  Being the balanced only HALF a-hippie mom that I am I decided this wasn’t for me.  IF you want to make your own you can scroll below to find instructions on how to make perfect bone broth at home…

Or you can purchase bone broth already made for you <—-my style.  Read on for what to look for and my top pick.

How to choose the best Collagen Bone Broth

1. Collagen Peptides- When shopping for bone broth make sure to look for those that have collagen in the name and in the ingredient list.  The best bone broths on the market have collagen peptides added to provide an additional source of collagen. Collagen peptides are a form of collagen that is rapidly absorbed and highly bioavailable, effectively delivering collagen’s benefits throughout the body. While ordinary foods like meat, poultry, and fish contain collagen, it’s mainly in the form of long collagen fibers. This form of collagen is difficult to digest and offers few benefits. Collagen peptides are created through an enzymatic process that breaks long collagen fibers into short collagen peptides that are quickly absorbed and easy for the body to use.  Don’t waste your money on any collagen bone broth that doesn’t have this extra boost of collagen.
2. Only Buy Grass Fed!  NEVER buy collagen bone broth from any company that does not specifically state that the bones come from grass-fed cows that are never treated with hormones or antibiotics.

I also recommend buying from holistic stores that guarantee 3rd party testing on all their raw ingredients.  Even some “certified organic” farms can have high levels of heavy metals/microbial activity etc.

Obviously, taste is key!   After all, the benefits come with time and consistency so you want something that you can enjoy often and not have to struggle to get down.

Check out my top pick that covers all of the above here…

If you have the 8-14 hours to make your own check out this recipe…

HOMEMADE COLLAGEN BONE BROTH RECIPE (compliments of bulletproof.com)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter or ghee
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into rough chunks
• 3 stalks celery, peeled and cut into rough chunks
• 2 1/2 pounds assorted beef marrow bones
• 1 fresh bouquet garni (your choice of fresh oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, etc.)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Himalayan pink salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, lightly saute the carrots and celery for a few minutes until translucent.
2. Add the beef bones and bouquet garni and cover with water. Add the apple cider vinegar to the water, as it helps draw out the nutrients from the bones.
3. Simmer on a low heat (do not boil) for anywhere between 8 and 14 hours. You can do this in your slow cooker if you prefer.
4. After your broth has reached the desired color and flavor, remove the bones and strain the vegetables out.
5. Add the appropriate amount of collagen (if using) for the amount of broth and stir until dissolved. Optional: Add salt to taste at this point and then store in mason jars for future use.

Tip: You can make a bunch to freeze so it’s ready when you are, and you can pour the last few ounces of broth into an ice cube tray to thin sauces or liven up your veggies. Now that you know how to make bone broth, you’ll use it in everything.

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