If you’re like most people, you probably think of milk as the quintessential bone-strengthening drink.
But did you know that there’s another drink that’s even better for your bones? It’s called “bone broth,” and it’s a hot new health trend that’s been gaining popularity in recent years. In this article, we’ll explore what bone broth is, how it can benefit your bones, and how you can incorporate it into your diet.
What is bone broth?
Bone broth is a soup made by simmering the bones and connective tissue of animals (usually chicken, beef, or fish) in water for an extended period of time (usually several hours to a day).
The result is a nutrient-rich liquid that’s packed with collagen, gelatin, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
While bone broth has been used for centuries in traditional cuisines around the world, it’s only recently become a popular health food in the West.
Advocates of bone broth claim that it can help with a wide range of health issues, from joint pain and skin aging to digestive problems and autoimmune diseases.
How does bone broth benefit bones?
One of the key ways that bone broth benefits bones is through its high calcium content. Calcium is a mineral that’s essential for bone health, and most people don’t get enough of it through their diet alone.
Drinking bone broth can help ensure that your body has the calcium it needs to build strong, healthy bones.
But bone broth isn’t just rich in calcium. It also contains other minerals that are important for bone health, like magnesium and phosphorus.
And because bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissue, it’s also a great source of collagen and gelatin, two proteins that are essential for maintaining healthy bones.
Collagen makes up a significant portion of our bones, and it plays a crucial role in their strength and flexibility. As we age, our collagen levels naturally decline, which can lead to weaker bones and joints.
Drinking bone broth can help replenish your body’s collagen levels and keep your bones strong and healthy.
How can you incorporate bone broth into your diet?
If you’re intrigued by the benefits of bone broth, you may be wondering how you can incorporate it into your diet. Here are a few suggestions:.
1. Drink it straight
One of the simplest ways to consume bone broth is to drink it on its own. You can buy bone broth at many health food stores or make your own at home by simmering bones and connective tissue in water for several hours.
Season it with herbs and spices to taste, and sip it like a hot tea or soup.
2. Use it as a base for soups and stews
Bone broth makes an excellent base for homemade soups and stews. Use it in place of water or store-bought broth in your favorite recipes, and enjoy the added flavor and nutrition it provides.
3. Cook grains and vegetables in it
You can also use bone broth to cook grains like rice and quinoa, or vegetables like potatoes and carrots. This will infuse them with extra flavor and nutrition while also helping you get more bone-strengthening minerals into your diet.
Conclusion
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich drink that’s packed with calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, collagen, and gelatin, all of which are important for maintaining healthy bones.
By incorporating bone broth into your diet, you can help prevent bone loss and keep your bones strong and healthy as you age.