Discover more health benefit guides and check out our nourishing broth recipes, from warming winter broths to spicy Asian noodle broths. Read gut health: what does it really mean? And find out how to improve your digestion.
Nutritional profile of bone broth
Bone broth is simple to make, however, the nutritional value will vary depending on the bones used, how long they are cooked for and what additions are included.
For the best results, select joint bones such as knuckles and feet. Cooking low and slow and with an acidic ingredient will enhance nutrient extraction. Vegetables, herbs and grains can be added during the final hour for added flavour and nutrition.
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Learn how to make a slow cooker bone broth.
What are the top 5 health benefits of bone broth?
1. May be anti-ageing
Bone broth is associated with collagen, a structural protein found in skin, cartilage and bone. When boiled, the collagen in connective tissue is broken down into gelatine and various other health-promoting amino acids, such as glycine and glutamine.
Consuming 300ml of bone broth has been shown to increase plasma levels of the precursor amino acids glycine and proline that are required to form collagen.
In clinical trials, collagen, taken as a supplement, was able to improve the hydration, elasticity and appearance of wrinkles in human skin. Collagen also increased the bone mineral density in post-menopausal women and when combined with resistance training improved lean muscle mass and increased fat loss. Similar findings suggest an improvement in the body composition of elderly men.
Find out what to eat for your age.
2. Good for digestion and gut health
Gelatine is the most abundant protein in bone broth. Once in the digestive tract, gelatine binds with water to support the healthy movement of food through the intestines.
Animal studies suggests gelatine, alongside other amino acids found in bone broth, may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory bowel disease although more research is needed to assess the relevance to humans.
Discover more digestive health recipes and tips.
3. May support immune function
Not only is the small intestine the primary site for nutrient absorption, it is also the first line of defence in our immune system. If the gut barrier becomes damaged or leaky, this can disrupt immune function. The amino acids found in bone broth may be protective.
A recent study concluded that intravenous supplementation of the amino acid glutamine was able to support intestinal barrier function in critically ill patients. Similarly, supplementation with glycine was able to increase intestinal immunity and microbial diversity in mice.
Discover more immune-friendly recipes.
4. May support joint health
Studies suggest that collagen derived from chicken cartilage is effective at improving pain, stiffness and joint function in patients with osteoarthritis.
Gelatine may also be beneficial for injury prevention and tissue repair. A 2017 study found that supplementation with gelatine alongside vitamin C improved collagen synthesis post exercise and was able to repair tendons.
Discover what to eat for healthy joints.
5. May help promote sleep
The amino acid glycine, present in bone broth, has multiple functions in the body including supporting healthy sleep patterns. Research shows dietary glycine has proved effective at improving the sleep quality of patients with insomnia. It is thought that glycine exerts its effect by regulating our internal body clock and lowering our body temperature to prepare us for sleep.
Can’t sleep? Read this guide on how to get a better night’s rest.
It should be noted that, to date, there’s little evidence on the specific use of bone broth, with many of these findings based on supplemental or animal studies.
How to make bone broth
Making your own bone broth is easy, follow our recipe using a chicken carcass, spices, herbs and lemon. Sip on a soothing bowl or serve with rice for a nourishing meal.
1. Break down the carcass into a large pan. Add the onion, 1.5 litres of water, lemon juice and bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 40 mins.
2. Take off the heat and remove the bones, stripping any chicken meat.
3. Return the broth to the pan along with chilli, ground coriander, cumin, coriander stems, lemon zest and garlic. Cook for a few mins until just bubbling.
Is bone broth safe for everyone?
Although considered a safe inclusion as part of a balanced diet, it is worth remembering that because bone binds heavy metals, bone broth itself maybe a source of contaminants, such as lead. This is especially relevant for children.
Those following a low-sodium diet should consider the salt content of broth recipes.
In summary, is bone broth good for you?
Consumed in moderation, yes bone broth certainly brings benefits to your health. It has a soothing effect on your gut and intestines, where it also gives the immune system a boost. It contributes to healthy joints and even promotes restful sleep.
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Rachel Philpotts is a registered nutritionist and mental health specialist. She is an accredited member of British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Rachel works privately with high-achieving clients to improve their mood and combat stress. Find out more at re-nutrition.co.uk.
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