Bone broth is one of the most invigorating foods you can consume and has been used for centuries across the world. Typically made from animal bones with only a small amount of meat, the bones are first roasted to increase the flavour and then simmered for long periods of time (24- 72 hours). This process helps to extract gelatin from the collagen rich joints of the bones as well as trace minerals. Bone broth can be made from any bones you prefer such as chicken, fish, pork, beef, lamb, or bison. Make sure these bones come from organic sources.

Gelatin is a type of protein that comes from collagen and helps to improve the elasticity of our skin, thickness of our hair, and strength of our nails and teeth.  It has also been shown to support liver health, reduce joint pain and degeneration, boost metabolism, and increase muscle mass and energy output. These are just a few of the reasons collagen has been gaining a lot of buzz in the media and bone broth is an excellent source of collagen. There are numerous quality collagen and gelatin supplements available at Better Living Wellness Clinic and Health store, however for those looking to make their own Ariadne Stoneburgh, CNP is available for nutritional consulting at our clinic.

Bone broth is rich in many nutrients including protein, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals (magnesium, calcium, silicon, phosphorous and trace minerals). The gelatin supports digestion by helping to protect and heal your digestive tract and gut lining specifically. Bone broth also contains chondroitin sulfates, glucosamine and amino acids (arginine, glycine and proline) which help to reduce inflammation and joint pain.  Glycine also helps to support secretion of gastric acids, aids in the detoxification process, synthesis of bile salts, and production of hemoglobin.

Chicken bone broth has long been used as a remedy for colds as it has been shown to significantly inhibit neutrophil migration thus reducing the severity and duration of colds, upper respiratory infections and flus.  Bone broth is a staple in the GAPS diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) as it can be used to heal leaky gut and protect a non-leaky gut. The GAPS diet has been used commonly to treat children with autism as well as to treat other disorders that have been found to be rooted in gut dysfunction. Anyone with allergies, dysbiosis, chronic diarrhea, constipation, or food intolerances can experience many benefits from drinking bone broth.

Here at Better Living we sell pre-made bone broth as well as numerous collagen and gelatin supplements in liquid, powder, capsule and tablet form.  For those wanting to make their own bone broth from scratch the recipe is below.

Chicken bone broth recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds chicken carcass/neck/feet/wings/giblets
• 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3-4 carrots, chopped
• 4-5 celery stalks, chopped
• 8-10 cloves of garlic
• 2 medium onions, halved
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 20 cups cold water

 

Directions:

Place chicken/ chicken pieces into a large stock pot, and all the ingredients except for the parsley. Let stand for 30 minutes to an hour then cover and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling reduce the heat to low, cover and let simmer for 24-72 hours skimming the fat occasionally. When the time is up remove the stock pot from heat and cool slightly before straining all ingredients.

For more information come into Better Living Wellness Clinic and Health Store and speak with me directly about the many benefits of Bone Broth. I am a Nutritionist who specializes in food based health and nutrition. Food is a what fuels us and we should all love what we eat!

Ariadne Stoneburgh, Certified Nutritional Practitioner