Taking Stock on Bone Broth
Bone broth is a good source of glutamine, the amino acid that is most required in maintaining a healthy GI lining.
The gelatin found in bone broth is a hydrophilic colloid that attracts and holds liquids, including digestive juices, which will support proper digestion. This helps heal and seal the gut, promoting a healthier GI tract.
It contains potassium and glycine, which support both cellular and liver detoxification.
It’s rich in other minerals as well, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and trace minerals.
Amino acids found in bone broth help build and repair muscle tissue, support bone mineral density, boost nutrient absorption, and help maintain connective tissue.
Chondroitin, sulfates, glucosamine, and other compounds extracted from the boiled down cartilage support healthy joints.
It can reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, improve digestion, and boost your immune system. This can help to heal conditions including asthma, arthritis, allergies and autoimmunity.
And that’s not all—bone broth can improve the health and appearance of your skin, nails, and hair!
Ready to Join the Broth-erhood?
Starting with hormone-free, organic, grass-fed bones and ingredients is crucial since you’re simmering everything down to its most concentrated form.
Put the bones in a pot or slow-cooker, add desired vegetables and seasonings and cover with water. Adding 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar helps to leach more nutrients from the bones. Put the heat on low, and come back 6-48 hours later for your broth. Strain out the solids and when cool enough, store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for later use.
Because plastic can leach chemicals into your broth, we recommend freezing in glass. Here are a few tips for freezing without breakage:
Choose a jar without shoulders (think wide mouth canning jar) or another type of glass container that does not narrow toward the top, creating an area that won’t accommodate the broth as it freezes and expands.
Leave 1-2 inches of head space at the top to allow for expansion.
Loosely tighten the lid. You can tighten more firmly once broth has frozen solid, approximately 24 hours later.
Be sure containers or jars are not touching each other while freezing. Once frozen, they can be "scooched" closer together to conserve space in your freezer.
No Time to Bother with Broth?
Making your own bone broth at home can be time-consuming. That's why we love Ancient Nutrition bone broth protein powders. They’re GMO-free and Paleo-friendly and can be purchased in single serving sizes or tubs. Bone broth protein is very versatile and has a smooth texture.
Here are the flavors we carry with some tips and ideas for use:
Chocolate (hot chocolate, dessert recipes, smoothies)
Vanilla (smoothies, dessert recipes)
Pure (soups, or as an instant hot broth drink)
Cafe Mocha (healthy latte)
Sweet Greens (soups, smoothies)
Peanut Butter (smoothies, shakes, dessert recipes)
Savory Herb (soups, cup of broth)
Pop in this week to try our hot chocolate made with chocolate bone broth and almond milk!
Bone Broth Beware:
Those with histamine intolerance may notice an increase in symptoms shortly after consumption (using fresh bones that are minimally simmered and quickly frozen may remedy this issue).
Another potential issue, though fairly uncommon, is an increase in agitation or wakefulness after consuming anything that is rich in glutamine. This is a result of the conversion of glutamine to glutamate, an excitatory amino acid. Most of us then convert glutamate to GABA, an amino acid that is often referred to as nature’s valium, but this conversion requires vitamin B6 and sufficient GAD enzymes that are genetically slower in some.