Bone Broth Calories: 100 (per cup), Protein: 10g, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 0g
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef bones
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Water to cover
Salt to taste
Preparation:
Place bones in a slow cooker or pot.
Add apple cider vinegar and water to cover.
Simmer on low for 24 hours. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Bone Broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering animal bones with apple cider vinegar and water for an extended period. It has long been prized for its rich content of collagen, minerals, and other health-boosting compounds. Popular across many cultures for its healing properties, bone broth is both a comforting and nourishing drink or soup base. Let’s explore the health benefits, the diets it complements, famous restaurants and wellness brands that sell bone broth, and its historical significance.
Nutritional Benefits of Bone Broth
Bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein found in connective tissues that supports healthy skin, joints, and gut health. As the bones simmer, collagen breaks down into gelatin, which provides amino acids like glycine and proline, both of which play important roles in maintaining healthy tissues, promoting joint health, and aiding in digestion. These amino acids can also have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce joint pain and support overall recovery.
Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are leached from the bones during the slow cooking process. These minerals are vital for bone health, muscle function, and overall well-being. Bone broth is also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, compounds that support joint function and may reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
The apple cider vinegar in the broth helps break down the bones and extract the maximum amount of minerals, while also providing mild antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.
Bone broth is naturally low in calories but highly nutritious, making it a great option for those looking for a nourishing, low-calorie drink or base for soups and other dishes.
Diets That Include Bone Broth
Bone broth fits into many popular dietary plans. It is a staple in the paleo diet, which focuses on whole foods and eliminates grains, legumes, and processed foods. The nutrient-dense nature of bone broth aligns with the paleo emphasis on consuming natural, nutrient-packed foods.
It is also popular in the keto diet because of its high collagen and fat content when cooked with bones that contain marrow. While bone broth itself is low in carbohydrates, it can be enriched with healthy fats from marrow bones or by adding other keto-friendly ingredients like butter or coconut oil.
For those following an intermittent fasting regimen, bone broth is often used to break a fast gently, as it provides hydration, electrolytes, and essential nutrients without overwhelming the digestive system. The broth’s high collagen content also supports gut health, which is beneficial after periods of fasting.
Bone broth is also ideal for gluten-free, low-carb, and whole-foods diets, as it is made with natural, unprocessed ingredients and is free from gluten and added sugars.
Famous Restaurants and Brands Serving Bone Broth
Bone broth has gained significant popularity in recent years, especially with the rise of wellness trends and interest in traditional healing foods. Many restaurants and cafes now serve bone broth as part of their menu, especially those focusing on paleo or whole-foods-based cuisine.
One of the most famous brands that has popularized bone broth in the U.S. is Brodo, a New York-based company founded by chef Marco Canora. Brodo serves bone broth from storefronts as well as shipping nationwide, offering a variety of broths made from grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and other high-quality ingredients.
Kettle & Fire is another popular brand that specializes in shelf-stable bone broths and soups made from high-quality ingredients. They offer different flavors of bone broth, including beef, chicken, and mushroom, catering to those looking for convenient ways to incorporate bone broth into their diet.
In fine dining, Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, frequently incorporates bone broth into its seasonal soups and stews, showcasing the versatility of this nutrient-rich food in more gourmet applications.
History of Bone Broth
Bone broth has a long history of use across various cultures, from Chinese medicine to French cuisine and Native American traditions. It has been used as a healing food for centuries, often consumed to aid digestion, support recovery from illness, and provide nourishment in times of scarcity.
In Chinese medicine, bone broth has been used for over 2,500 years as a tonic for nourishing the blood and supporting kidney function. Similarly, in traditional French cuisine, bone broth forms the base for many sauces and soups, known as “stock” or “bouillon.”
In recent years, bone broth has made a resurgence in the wellness community, promoted for its anti-aging benefits, gut-healing properties, and ability to support joint health. This rise in popularity has led to a boom in commercially available bone broths and even bone broth cafes, where people can enjoy this ancient remedy in a modern setting.
Conclusion
Bone broth is a nourishing and versatile food that provides essential nutrients like collagen, minerals, and amino acids, supporting overall health from the inside out. It fits seamlessly into many popular diets, including keto, paleo, and gluten-free, and can be used as a healing drink or base for soups and stews. Whether made at home or purchased from wellness-focused brands, bone broth has stood the test of time as a nutritious and healing food that continues to be celebrated for its many health benefits.
