Health Benefits of Bone Broth
By Paul Rothbart
Bone broth is a clear liquid made by boiling meaty bones and joints slowly for a lengthy period. It differs from stock due to this long cooking time. Bone broth can be used in many of the ways stock is. It's a good base for soups and stews and can even be used for risotto. But bone broth is good for more than just flavor. It has been used for centuries medicinally and modern science has discovered that it can be quite beneficial to health. Here are some of the ways bone broth is good for you.
Great Source of Amino Acids
Amino acids are chains of protein that the body used to form muscle fibers. They are essential to good health. During the cooking process, the connective tissue in bones breaks down, releasing amino acids into the broth. Bone broth is especially high in glycine and glutamine, two very healthy amino acids. This alone makes it an excellent food to add to the diet.
Good For Digestion
Bones are also rich in the protein gelatine. This nutrient is absorbed into the broth as it cooks. Gelatine binds with water in the digestive tract. The helps food to move smoothly through the system, preventing digestive issues. Current research is discovering that gelatine and other amino acids found in bone broth may help prevent as well as treat inflammatory bowel disease.
Support Immune Function
As well as being the primary site for the absorption of nutrients, the small intestine is the first line of defense for the immune system. The small intestine has a gut barrier. If this barrier is damaged it can leak and disrupt immune function. The amino acids contained by bone broth may help to protect the gut barrier. A study found that intravenous supplements of glutamine supported gut barrier function in patients who were critically ill. Additionally, glycine supplements were found to increase intestinal immunity and microbial diversity in mice.
Supports Anti-aging Molecules
The consumption of 300 milliliters of bone broth can increase plasma levels of the amino acids glycine and proline. These nutrients are necessary to form collagen, which gives skin its elasticity and helps prevent wrinkles and aging. Collagen also helps skin to stay hydrated, another key to avoid wrinkles and keeping it supple and youthful.
There are so many foods that can help the body maintain good health. Some are obscure or overlooked. Bone broth is one of the less thought of foods that, nevertheless, can boost health in several ways. Adding it to your diet is certainly worth considering.
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