I must admit, when I first heard about bone broth, I wasn’t sure quite what to expect. It took me getting a ‘winter bug’ to give this soup dubbed ‘Nature’s Multi Vitamin’ a try and I was so happy I did. After enjoying homemade bone broth, I set out to discover all of the benefits and I want to share them with your family in hopes that you will add this medicinal soup to your daily nutritional routine. I was pleasantly pleased with all of the benefits this broth offers and can’t wait to share them with you.
For starters, bone broth isn’t touted ‘Nature’s Mutli’ for no reason. It boasts over 19 easy-to-absorb, essential and non-essential amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). Collagen/gelatin which helps form connective tissue and promotes strong hair and nails (and who doesn’t love that!). And it offers nutrients that support your immune system, good digestion, and brain health.
Bone Broth is excellent for promoting overall gut health and helping with ‘leaky gut’. It does this by proving a concentrated source of vitamins, amino acids and minerals as well as vital proteins that help to greatly build up your bodies nutritional reserve.
Leaky gut is something many people suffer with and can result from poor food choices, environmental factors, use of antibiotics and overall chronic inflammation that destroys your gut lining which in turn allows toxins into your blood stream. Long term, this can lead to chronic diseases and conditions.
Bone Broth Benefits and Healthy Considerations
Bone broth is touted for shuffling vital nutrients to the gut in order to help begin the process of ‘healing and sealing’ the gut. There is a specific type of gelatin contained in bone broths that in combination with the collagen, help to line your stomach and create a barrier against toxins and food getting into your bloodstream.
Another awesome benefit is that bone broth helps to promote strong healthy bones! Yes, who doesn’t need this? Especially as we age, it is important to keep our bones as strong as possible. Bone broth contains calcium and magnesium that promote bone health. Who would’ve thought a broth packed such powerful punch?
Here are just a few things to keep in mind and be aware of when it comes to bone broth:
Store-bought broth is a completely different “animal” (no pun intended). Store bought broths can contain copious amounts of sodium, preservatives and even MSG! This is not the same thing as a properly prepared bone broth.
Proper preparation is key. The most often missed step when it comes to bone broth is not allowing the bones to simmer long enough. You don’t want to miss out on the vital nutrients the bones provide so patience is key with this process. Allow your bones time to steep properly to release the most nutrients such as glucosamine, glycine and chondroitin sulfate.
Don’t forget your veggies and herbs. These are an excellent compliment to your bone broth and allow the potency of the bones to be greatly increased. Some great herbs to consider adding are:
Turmeric
Ginger
Bay Leaves
Peppercorns
Rosemary
Shitake Mushrooms
Thyme
With all of the benefits listed above, I bet you can’t wait to get started on making your own broth at home. Alex and I have worked to perfect our bone broth soup to our liking. We use an 8 quart crock pot and I would like to share our recipe for you to modify as your own.
A+A Crock Pot Bone Broth
Start by choosing your bone marrow bones from healthy grass fed animals.My suggestion is to look up local organic farms or check with your local Whole Foods (ours sells Grass Fed bones). If you are local to metro ATL you can also check out Two by Two Farms they offer a fantastic assortment of various bones, pastured eggs etc.
1. Rinse your bones with cold water. Place bones in the crock pot with your veggies and herbs of choice. We like to add carrots, celery and a variety of herbs such as turmeric, bay leaves and also shiitake mushroom.
2. Fill pot with distilled or purified water. You can use a soup pot but we prefer the Crock Pot (8-qt) because it has the slow simmer option.
3. Add apple cider vinegar. Add 1/4 cup of raw unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar per one gallon of water used.
4. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once the soup comes to a boil switch to the lowest setting and allow to fully simmer for 48-72 hours (the longer it simmers the better). Make sure to keep a close eye on water level and top off if needed. Just prior to turning off your soup (about 20 min prior) add in some fresh organic parsley.
5. Turn off soup and let it cool fully.
6. Remove bones and veggies/herbs using a strainer.
7. Take crock pot and place in fridge for broth to cool OR move to another pot and place in fridge. Allow it to harden in the fridge for 4-6 hours. Make sure there is a layer of fully hardened fat on top before removing (like a little mini ice skating rink).
8. Remove fat from top and then strain broth using a cheese cloth. Very important that you not miss this step as you want to make sure no pieces are left in your broth.
9. Store in quart-sized mason jars.Be sure to not fill to the top or they will rack if youa re storing in the freezer.Only fill to about 75-80% full. You can keep your broth in the fridge but if you wont use in 7-10 days we suggest taking leftovers and storing in the freezer. Note: You can mass make your broth for use throughout the month which is what Alex and I do.
Alex and I hope that this excites you enough to further research the benefits of bone broth and to add ‘Nature’s Multi’ to your nutritional regime. We have greatly enjoyed the benefits and hope you do as well.
Alexander Poptodorov is a health and wellness enthusiast who has a passion for helping others to achieve their very best through optimal living. In 2005, he and his wife, Ashley, opened A+A Wellness in Atlanta, Ga. Today, Alex has embarked on his newest adventure, obtaining his N.D. Degree. Alexander and Ashley are excited to share their experiences and excitement with you about the endless possibilities of being healthy. Read all of their MOTHER EARTH NEWS posts here.
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