Bone Broth -A Traditional Medicinal Elixir
Bone broth has become increasingly popular over the last few years in western cultures. However, bone broth has been a fundamental part of most peoples’ diets around the world for thousands of years.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Benefits of Bone Broth
From a TCM perspective the key benefits of bone broth include boosting a person’s Qi, Blood, Yin, and even Primal Essence. Blood and Yin are especially important because these two elements typically get depleted during the normal aging process as well as during chronic health conditions.
Medicinal broth is recommended for anyone dealing with stressful lifestyles, digestive disorders, chronic joint pain or even working a nightshift job. It’s also great for those who tend toward catching colds often. And it also has anti-aging properties.
So How does Bone Broth work from a Western Medical Standpoint
Collagen the protein found in bone broth is broken down into beneficial amino acids such as Gelatine, Glycine and Glutamine. These components are what makes Bone broth so beneficial.
Benefits Digestion and Gut Health:
Gelatine is the most abundant protein in bone broth. Once in the digestive tract, gelatine binds with water to support the healthy movement of food through the intestines.
Other amino acids found in bone broth, have been shown to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
Supports Immune Function:
The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption and also the first line of defense in our immune system. If the gut lining becomes damaged, also known as leaky gut, this can weaken the immune system. The components in bone broth called glutamine and glycine can heal this lining.
Glutamine has been shown to support the intestinal barrier and glycine is able to increase microbial diversity which supports immunity.
Supports Joint Health:
Studies suggest that collagen is effective at improving pain, stiffness and joint function in patients with osteoarthritis.
Gelatine may also be beneficial for injury prevention and tissue repair. A 2017 study found that Gelatine with vitamin C improved collagen synthesis post exercise and was able to repair tendons.
Promotes Deeper Sleep:
Glycine can improve sleep quality. It regulates our internal body clock and lowers our body temperature to prepare us for sleep.
Anti-Aging:
Collagen may be most well known for the anti-aging benefits to the health of our skin, hair and nails.
Collagen also increases the bone mineral density in post-menopausal women and when combined with resistance training improved lean muscle mass and increased fat loss.
How Much and How often should you drink Bone Broth
Most people will consume 1-2 cups a day, and drink it hot like tea. You can also cook with it by using it as a base for soups and stews. The key is consistency. Overtime with a daily dose you will see the health benefits come true.
Where to Get your own Bone Broth:
Because of its recent popularity you really can find a high quality Bone Broth in almost any major grocery store or Natural Foods Store.
My favorite Brands are Pacific Foods and Kettle and Fire.
If You prefer to do it yourself there are MANY recipes online to explore using a slow cooker, instant pot or the good old fashioned stove top method.
I hope you decide to enjoy a warm cup of bone broth over these next winter months.
