The last couple of weeks I’ve been talking about ways to prevent illness by boosting the immune system with natural foods such as camu camu, elderberry or oil of oregano. Well, what happens if you’ve done everything you can to prevent it, but you still get sick? You, or someone you love, can make some bone broth of course.
NOTE: If you are a vegan or vegetarian, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I have an extra special vegetable broth recipe for you so no worries!
So, let’s talk about bone broth. Using bones to make broth has become rather trendy, but it’s not a new concept by any means. In fact, this is something that has been done since prehistoric times, when no part of the animal was wasted (2). In Chinese medicine, which dates back more than 2500 years, bone broth is used to improve the health of the digestive system, bones, and kidneys (1). Chicken soup was used in 12th century Egypt for colds and asthma. (1)
Bone broth is incredibly healthy. In fact, when I talk about food as medicine, bone broth is right up there on the list of things you should be eating. Our prehistoric ancestors knew what they were doing. Let’s take a look at just why it’s so healthy. Here are 18 benefits, according to an article published by louisehay.com.
- Immunity boost-due to the amino acid content, such as arginine, glutamine, and cysteine.
- Relieves the common cold & Bronchitis– A study published in The Journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, studied the affect of chicken soup (chicken bone broth) on the common cold. Researchers found that chicken soup, did indeed alleviate symptoms, including clearing mucus, open respiratory pathways and provide easy-to-digest nutrition
- Diminish inflammation-The amino acid content, for example cystine, histidine, and glycine, reduce inflammation, while L-glutamine reduces gut inflammation. Studies indicate the anti-inflammatory affect of bone broth may be the reason behind helpfulness in relation to the common cold.
- Strong bones and teeth-What do you need to build bones and teeth? If you said calcium, you are only partially correct. In order to adequately build bone, the human body requires the following nutrients: calcium, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and the B vitamins. Bone broth, made with meat and vegetables, is a good source of ALL of these vitamins
- Weight loss-There are 2 aspects to the benefits of bone broth on weight loss. 1) many overweight people have what’s called Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria. Bone broth has high levels of the amino acid L-glutamine, which relieves inflammation, rebuilds gut lining and balances the gut bacteria. 2) Studies show that eating soup or drinking bone broth before meals reduces caloric intake during the next meal.
- Better Hydration-If you are dehydrated, drinking bone broth is an excellent way to rehydrate. Bone broth, with vegetables, has high levels of electrolytes and carbohydrates.
- Improve exercise capacity-Some studies show that liquids with electrolytes and carbohydrates outperform water in restorative capacity. Bone broth, a much healthier alternative than Gatorade, contains these qualities.
- Build muscle-Once again, the all important amino acids come into play. The amino acid content of bone broth stimulates “muscle protein synthesis”.
- Improved mood-The digestive system is sometimes called “The Second Brain”. Your gut and your brain are, invariably, linked. What affects one affects the other. When gut bacteria, aka micro-biome, become imbalanced, this influences your brain. When the micro-biome is healthy, the brain receives “happy” signals from the brain. The opposite is also true. Neuroscientists are now studying the treatment of mood disorders, such as depression, by managing the micro-biome.
- Gelatin-No, I’m not talking about Jell-o, which is filled with chemicals! Actually, Jell-o comes from gelatin made, most likely, from pigskin, but can be made from any other type of bone. (3) The gelatin I’m talking about, is gelatin in it’s pure form. Have you ever made soup, and taken it out of the fridge to find that the broth has turned into a “jelly” like substance? That is what good bone broth is supposed to do. The prevalence of degenerative and inflammatory disease in our society could be corrected with gelatin rich foods, such as bone broth. Here are 9 additional benefits of the gelatin contained within bone-broth.
- Stronger, healthier nails
- Anti-aging
- Anti-tumor
- Arthritis and joint-pain relief
- Cell-protecting
- Can alleviate diabetes and lower blood sugar; supports insulin regulation
- Can improve sleep
- Helps regulate bleeding
- Helps normalize stomach acid
For the full article: 18 Amazing Health Benefits Of Bone Broth
Now that you know the benefits of bone broth, just how do you make it? Well it’s actually a very easy, though lengthy process. However, I can assure you, it’s worth your time. Here’s a short video (:52) showing how to make beef bone broth. Don’t have beef bones? Don’t worry! The process is the same with other bones as well. Don’t be intimidated by bone broth! It is SOOOO easy! Really! The hardest part is waiting 2 days for it to be done!
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds beef bones with marrow
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium onions, peel on, sliced in half lengthwise and quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, peel on and smashed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 5-6 sprigs parsley
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 18-20 cups cold water
For the complete recipe go to: https://draxe.com/recipe/beef-bone-broth/
To learn more about the benefits of Bone Broth, take a look at the article from the Weston A Price Foundation called
For those vegans and vegetarians, I have
Rebecca Katz’s “Magic Mineral Broth” Recipe
This isn’t just any old vegetable broth recipe. In fact, this is more than just a broth. According to Rebecca, Magic Mineral Broth is packed with potassium and several trace minerals. Rebecca says in her cookbook Nourishing Life One Bite at a Time, that this broth alone could sustain you for quite some time. It’s a great alternative for people who may be too sick to eat solid food. It is very versatile and can be used as your base for any soup. In fact, I use this as a base for my bone broth. You could also simply add your bones to this recipe, which I have done in many cases.
So on with the recipe and I have a special surprise. Who better than to show you how to make this tremendous broth than Rebbecca Katz herself.? Here is a “how to” video, with Rebecca Katz, showing you how to prepare this wonderful, flavorful, healthy broth.
Closing thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with bone broth and magic mineral broth. What can be easier than this process? I mean seriously, if you can chop veggies and boil water, you can make a delicious and nutritious broth that will be the envy of all your friends. In fact, why not bring them a jar of your homemade broth the next time they are under the weather?
Until next time…namaste my friends
Sources:
The Purple Almond Kitchen 
One response to “The healing benefits of broth with 2 recipes (vegan option)”
Reblogged this on Purple Almond Wellness and commented:
Have you ever wondered why all the fuss about bone broth? It’s SERIOUSLY healthy! Here is the latest post from my little recipe blog, The Purple Almond Wellness Kitchen, with 18 reasons to eat bone broth. There are also two recipes: One for bone broth and one very special vegetable broth recipe , that is just as healthy, for my vegan friends! Enjoy!
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