Like many of you, I spend much of my free time scrolling through #spoonfeed on Instagram. There’s the always perfect avocado toast, the matcha almond milk lattes and green smoothies. But lately I’ve been seeing this new drink — bone broth. Now I’ve had homemade chicken broth since I was young, so why was this “new” soup so popular all of a sudden? What is bone broth and why is it toted in the health sphere as the next trendy drink? After I looked at the nutritional stats behind it, I’m starting to understand why.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a soup made by simmering bones for anywhere between 8 to 24 hours, according to Bonafide Provisions. In doing so, minerals, vitamins and protein are released from the bones creating a delicious savory soup. It is extremely versatile and can act as a base for other soups and sauces (chicken noodle soup, anyone?).
As a result of the long simmering process, bone broth is chockfull of healthy minerals and vitamins that have leached out of the bones. According to Nourished Kitchen, “homemade broth is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and other trace minerals… [which] are easily absorbed by the body.” Because so little of the meat that Americans consume come with the bone still on it, many meat-lovers may still be deficient in this important source of supplementary protein.
And, Why Should I Drink It?
The big kahuna of bone broth is its large quantity of gelatin, according to Bonafide Provisions. You may have heard of the latest food fad, collagen. Collagen is the “primary protein in connective tissues, skin and bones,” according to Swanson Vitamins. Gelatin is the cooked version of collagen. Because so little of the meat that Americans consume come with the bone and/or connective tissue (ew!) still on it, many meat-lovers may not be receiving the many benefits of collagen. Collagen (and gelatin) have been found to help maintain skin elasticity, promote bone and joint health, support strong, healthy hair (hello, luscious locks!) and support nail growth and strength, says Dr. Amy Myers.
If you aren’t yet convinced to add this delicious drink to your daily routine, this last factoid may be the cherry on top. Drinking bone broth is not only great for your health, but it is also fabulous for your wallet. Think about the last time you may have bought a rotisserie chicken. You probably threw away the bones after you were done. Next time, just throw them in a pot with some water, carrots, celery and herbs and simmer away for 8-24 hours. Strain your broth, and there you go! A cheap and fast way to get in some more protein and valuable minerals and vitamins. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try it in a french onion soup, a spiced lentil soup or even a chicken and wild rice soup!