Liquid Gold: Why everyone should be drinking Bone Broth this winter
Annie Nilsson - May 04 202
Bone broth has gained some serious traction in recent years, and rightly so!
This highly nutritious stock, touted by influencers and health experts alike as liquid gold, is packed with vitamins and minerals extracted by simmering the bones and connective tissue of animals in water.
Bone broths are believed to have a vast array of health benefits, from improved skin and joint health, to gut and immune support. This is largely due to the nature of minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and sulphur being in a form your body can easily absorb.
Rich in collagen-forming amino acids
Proline and glycine play a particularly important role in promoting healthy connective tissue including ligaments, joints and around your organs. In addition, they act as building blocks for our hair, skin and nails (who doesn’t love a glowing complexion) and have some seriously effective anti-aging properties.
A good dose of gelatin
The high dose of gelatin plays an important role in connective tissue function, as well as helping to health the gut and support healthy digestion.
Minimises inflammation
When broths are cooked for a long period of time, they release chondroitin and glucosamine, compounds usually sold as expensive supplements with anti-inflammatory properties that may also help to minimise arthritis and joint pain.
Mineral rich
Rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium not only strengthen our bones, but are vital to an array of bodily functions. It’s also known to improve digestion, allergies and immune health, improving your brain health in the process.
So whilst there is more research needed on the comprehensive effects of this powerful supplement, it’s easy to make, doesn’t break the bank, nourishes the body and warms us up from the inside, without any side effects.
Making your own
Making broth is simple; all you need is your choice of bones, water, vinegar, and your favourite vegetables, herbs and spices. In order to avoid the consumption of harmful preservatives, herbicides and hormones, make sure to use certified organic produce.
Adding vinegar also helps extract the nutrients out of your organic bones, increasing the benefits of your broth.
What you'll need:
- Chicken frames (amount depending on the size of your pot)
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
- 2 onions chopped
- 2 carrots cut into halves
- 2 celery sticks cut lengthways
- 1 bunch of parsley & ½ bunch of oregano, chopped
- 5 bay leaves
How to do it:
Preheat the oven to 200, place organic chicken frames on a baking tray, cover in salt, pepper and a drizzle of oil, roast in the oven until browned (20-30 minutes).
Once browned, add all ingredients to a pot or slow cooker, cover with filtered water. Bring to the boil, then reduce to simmer for 8-12 hours. Finally, strain and store in the fridge or freezer.
To reheat, simply reheat over the stove and enjoy as is, or add to soups, curries, stews and risottos!