By Kim Scott-Puata
BHSc (Comp Med), Adv Dip Nat, Dip Nut.
Traditional cultures have used fermented foods and Bone Broths for their health benefits for thousands of years. Their respectful, yet resourceful way of nose-to-tail eating ensures that the whole animal is used, not just the muscle meats, providing a more balanced amino acid intake. With modern day diets being high in refined sugars, low in good fats and beneficial bacteria, it could be debated whether lack of traditional foods has contributed to gut derived disease states and nutrient deficiencies.
Bone Broth in particular has been known for its therapeutic properties, especially for its powerful medicinal effect as a gut restorative. Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, author of Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) and developer of the GAPS nutritional protocol, describes Bone Broth as being excellent at ‘healing and sealing’1 your gut. Hence why people suffering from intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and gut issues, found commonly in autoimmune diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, food allergies/intolerances, as well as neurological and psychiatric disorders have used it to restore their gut, immune and mental health.
So what’s in Bone Broth that makes it such a powerful healing agent?
Author of Nourishing Broth2 and nutrition researcher Sally Fallon Morell, has also published information about this healing super food.
‘Stock contains minerals in a form the body can absorb easily – not just calcium, but also magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur and trace minerals. It contains the broken down material from cartilage and tendons – like chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine, now sold as expensive supplements for arthritis and joint pain’3
Bone Broth made from the slow simmering of collagen rich animal bones contains gelatin, a hydrophilic colloid that attracts and holds liquids such as digestive juices. Gelatin is also very high in protein, especially two important amino acids: glycine and proline. Both of these amino acids are needed to support connective tissue health – the glue that holds our bodies together.
According to The Paleo Mom, Dr. Sarah Ballantyne and author of The Paleo Approach4
‘Glycine is known to inhibit the immune system and reduce activation of inflammatory cells in your body. In addition, glycine is required for synthesis of DNA, RNA and many proteins in the body. As such, it plays extensive roles in digestive health, proper functioning of the nervous system and in wound healing. It is involved in detoxification and is required for production of glutathione, an important antioxidant’5
So what are the health benefits of gelatin rich Bone Broth?
- fights inflammation
- boosts immunity and inhibits infection
- restores the mucosal lining of the digestive tract
- enhances the gut microbiota (gut flora)
- increases gastric acid, aids digestion and absorption
- boosts metabolism and helps build lean muscle
- supports liver detoxification
- helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels
- promotes strong healthy bones
- reduces joint pain and inflammation
- produces healthy hair, nails and skin
- calms the nervous system & promotes sleep
How do you make Bone Broth a part of your daily regime to improve your health?
Bone Broth can be used as a base for soups and stews, as well as for braising vegetables and meats. Another way is to drink a cup of this alkalising hot broth with added cumin, turmeric, lemon and sea salt, as does celebrity chef and author Pete Evans, in replace of his morning coffee.6
Making your own fresh Bone Broth is very easy and inexpensive, as you can make good use of left over carcass bones that would normally be thrown away. Store-bought varieties typically have added flavourings like MSG and yeast extract, they also lack gelatin – the gel that supplies bone broths therapeutic actions. For a recipe on how to make Bone Broth, see Dr. Amy Myers, 10 benefits of bone broth + gut-healing recipe.7
