Simple nutrition lessons from the past
I always figure that humans, with 100,000+ years of experience under their belt, should take lessons from the past more seriously. Here’s one lesson that we could all learn from.
Our ancestors couldn’t afford to waste any part of an animal so they simmered the inedible parts, the bones, the tendons, the ligaments, and even the feet, to extract the nutrients. They boiled them slowly over several days, normally with veggies and fresh herbs, allowing all of the ingredients to release their stored nutrients. The result was a nourishing, healing and delicious superfood. And the answer to the above question is most definitely ‘YES, boiled bones really can be that nutritious.’
Why it Matters:
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to discover the benefits of bone broth but now I drink a cup every day and it forms an important part of my healthy routine. Indeed, bone broth‘s popularity has seen a recent revival and I wish to share with you what I have learned.
Everyone can benefit, it is easy, and it makes complete sense. Bone broth is anti-inflammatory and with diets around the world being heavy on processed grains, meat and sugar, causing widespread digestive stress, a daily cup of healthy broth will help restore and then maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the healing qualities of bone broth and see how it can help us.
Collagen:
Diets nowadays don’t deliver enough collagen which affects us more than just wrinkled skin. Collagen is necessary for strengthening and maintaining a healthy gut lining. Without it, the gut tends to lose its integrity and toxins and undigested food particles can pass through the lining into the bloodstream. The immune system will then tag these particles as harmful invaders and trigger an inflammatory response. This is a major reason people are developing food sensitivities, digestive stress and chronic inflammation, the main driver of disease.
Bone broth is rich in collagen which helps strengthen the gut lining, preventing and healing ‘Leaky Gut Syndrome’ and these associated inflammatory conditions. Many conditions ranging from eczema, depression, acne, psoriasis, brain fog, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic fatigue syndrome to over 100 autoimmune conditions can respond well to regular servings of bone broth.
Collagen is also well known for improving elasticity, reducing wrinkles and helping achy, aging joints to move more easily and with less pain.
Amino Acids
Bone broth also contains plenty of gelatin with its many important amino acids, the building blocks of protein. One of these amino acids, glycine, is important for building and maintaining muscle, blood sugar regulation, liver detoxification and the release of growth hormones.
Micronutrients and Electrolytes
Bone broth boasts a whole array of essential electrolytes and micronutrients that prevent electrolyte imbalance and dehydration whilst nourishing the body, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
Other Benefits of Bone Broth
Those who regularly consume bone broth benefit from stronger bones, healthier skin, and shinier hair. They also have stronger immune systems and heal more quickly from bone, joint, and ligament damage. Finally, bone broth consumption improves insulin sensitivity, smoothing out energy peaks and troughs.
How to enjoy your bone broth
I simply enjoy it straight from the cup, whilst others use it as a soup base with added spices and herbs that enhance both the flavour and its healing effect.
If I have the time I make it from scratch but often I buy the concentrate from ‘Scoop’ here in Singapore. This is what it looks like.
Bone Broth Fast
One of the most beneficial ways to consume bone broth is to try a Bone Broth Fast which involves drinking bone broth several times a day whilst eating very little else. You will enjoy all the benefits of fasting; improved metabolism, increased energy, better digestion, enhanced fat loss, and mental clarity. It will also give your digestive system a rest, starving harmful microbes and feeding beneficial ones, whilst helping your body to detoxify. In summary here’s a list of just some of the fabulous advantages of enjoying healthy bone broth.
Stronger immunity against common illnesses or allergies
Reduced symptoms related to digestive disorders like leaky gut syndrome, IBS or IBD
Enhanced digestion with fewer cases of bloating, diarrhea, gas, acid reflux and constipation
Healthier joints, ligaments and tendons
Youthful-looking skin thanks to collagen
Stronger bones
A greater supply of important minerals like calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium etc.