Make Some Bones About…Healthy Bone Broth!

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is the liquid made from boiling animal bones & connective tissue. Bone broth would be a healthy alternative to using broth or bouillon in recipes. You can also drink bone broth. Bone broth contains protein and many nutrients as compared to traditional broth or bouillon.

Bone Broth Nutrients  

Every batch of bone broth is unique because of the type of bones and connective tissues used. One cup of beef bone broth contains approximately:

  • Calories: 39
  • Protein: 9 grams
  • Fat: 1 gram
  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Sugar: 0 grams

Bone broth also contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-bone-broth

Bone Broth Benefits

  1. Contains protein, vitamins and minerals.
  2. Rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus – great for bone building.
  3. Fish bones contain iodine – great for healthy thyroid function.
  4. Connective tissue contains glucosamine & chondroitin – great for your joints.
  5. Marrow contains vitamin A & K, minerals like zinc, iron, selenium & omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
  6. Contains collagen which helps to strengthen skin, bones, muscles, & tendons and improves joint health.
  7. Contains gelatin called glutamine which can benefit the digestive system & help prevent and heal “leaky gut.”
  8. Help fight inflammation through amino acids glycine and arginine, which help to prevent inflammation.
  9. Low in calories but high in protein, gelatin and nutrients when used as a drink and this combination helps with the feeling of fullness.
  10. High in the amino acid, glycine, which help for relaxation.

 

Types of Bone Broth

Chicken Bone Broth

Beef Bone Broth

Pork Bone Broth

Bone broth can be made from any animal bones like veal, turkey, lamb, bison, buffalo, venison and fish bones as well.

Ways to Use Bone Broth

  1. Use as a daily drink.
  2. Use as an alternative to broth or bouillon in recipes.
  3. Add to casseroles for flavor, moistness & increases protein intake and nutrient intake.
  4. Use as a base for vegetable soup instead of vegetable broth to increase protein intake and nutrient intake.

 

How To Make Your Own Bone Broth

Making bone broth is very simple. There are many recipes online, but most people don’t even use a recipe. All you really need is a large pot, water, vinegar, and bones. To get you started, here’s an easy recipe you can follow:

 

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon of water
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar* (optional)
  • 2–4 pounds of animal bones
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 12–24 hours. The longer it cooks, the better it will taste and more nutritious it will be.
  4. Allow the broth to cool. Strain it into a large container and discard the solids.

You can mix different type bones. You can add vegetables like onion, celery, carrot, garlic and spices like parsley and thyme. Add these when you put the ingredients into the pot or slow cooker.  

*The apple cider vinegar helps to pull nutrients out of the bones and into broth. May alter the taste.

 

How to Store Homemade Bone Broth

When you make your homemade bone broth but you can only store it safely in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can freeze your homemade bone broth in small containers and defrost it as needed.  

 

Bottom Line

Bone broth adds protein and nutrients like collagen, electrolytes, and minerals to your recipes. It is a drinkable beverage. But it’s not cheap.

 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bone-broth#tips

https://priceofmeat.com/25432/which-animal-bone-is-best-for-bone-broth/

https://www.eatingwell.com/is-bone-broth-healthy-8584395

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-bone-broth

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bone-broth-benefits

 

By Barbara Day, M.S., R.D.  is a registered dietitian with a Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition. She is the Chief Blog Organizer for www.DayByDayLiving.net   

Barbara worked as a research nutritionist with the military’s tri-service medical school & worked as a performance nutrition consultant to Navy SEALS’ BUD/S Training Program and West Coast Navy SEAL Teams.  Barbara is the former nutrition performance consultant to the University of Louisville Athletic Department.  She is the author of Fast Facts on Fast Food for Fast People and High Energy Eating Sports Nutrition Workbook for Active People used by the University of Louisville, University of Tennessee Lady Vols and the Tennessee football program, the LSU basketball program, the Buffalo Bills, the Cleveland Browns and by the United States Navy SEALs.   

Barbara is the former publisher of Kentuckiana HealthFitness Magazine, Kentuckiana Healthy Woman magazine and radio show host of Health News You Can Use. Barbara has over 60 years of experience in promoting healthy lifestyles to consumers. Barbara is a former runner who walks, a spinner, hiker, a pickleball player, a mother and grandmother to 13 grandchildren. 

 

Barbara also serves on the Leadership Team for Moms for America as the Grammy Grizzlies National Group Leader.  (www.momsforamerica.us).     

  

 

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