Bone Broth

What is Bone Broth?

What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you hear Bone Broth? Years ago, when you would be down with flu, cold or stuffy nose, remember grandma serving you bowlful of her ‘secret recipe chicken soup’, that worked like magic against the filthy bacteria? Introducing- Bone Broth! Bone broth is not just a stock but an advanced version that has been slow-simmered for hours, then reduced to create a powerpack of nutrients in every ounce.

Benefits:

Research suggests that bone broth is extremely beneficial for a healthier system. Various nourishing aspects of bone broth make it a superfood. Let’s take a quick look at some of these golden highlights:-

1. A powerhouse of minerals: Bone broth is essentially roasted chicken or beef bones simmered with vegetables to extract maximum nutrition and flavour out of both bones and vegetables. And therefore, it has abundant amounts of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Depending on what vegetables are added, you can add bonus antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamins to your cuppa broth!

2. Collagen: Ever used gelatin to make jellos, mouse, or gummy bears? Guess where it comes from! Bingo- gelatin is essentially an animal bone product that gives the jiggly firmness to liquids. This property is enhanced by the presence of Collagen. Collagen is a protein found in animal bones, tendons, connective tissues, cartilage, skin etc. Collagen supports and lubricates our joints, enables faster recovery in case of fractures and relieves pain.

3. All the shine and glow: Collagen forms a dense matrix between the epidermis and hypodermis layers of the skin. Denser the network, more elastic is the skin. As we age, we lose collagen and get wrinkly, saggy skin. Therefore, collagen plays an important role in manufacturing anti-aging and beauty products. Bone broth, which is loaded with this protein helps keep your skin young, glowing and beautiful. The protein also promotes shiny, thick hair, non-brittle nails.

4. Anti-inflammatory: Anti-inflammatory, in simple terms means reduces inflammation. To understand this property we need to understand what inflammation is. Inflammation is the body's way of responding to injuries or foreign invaders. A sprain, ligament tear, sore throat etc are all examples of inflammation. However, there are two categories of inflammation- a) Acute: Like sore throat where your body exactly knows where to concentrate its efforts and you can see/feel the results. And the second type is b) Chronic. Chronic inflammation could be worrisome since you may not even be aware of this inflammation until a major disruption in bodily functions takes place. Something as simple as inhaling toxins from chemical-based room fresheners could start an inflammatory response in the lungs. Eating processed food can cause inflammation in the stomach. Over time, this could result in serious ailments leading up to tumours or cancer. Bone broth, very soothingly, heals the inflammation in our system. The nutrients present in bone broth aid our body’s natural healing system to get the job done faster.

5. Helps digestive system: Like discussed above, bone broth heals inflammation in the digestive tract by flushing out the toxins and introducing healthy bacteria that populate our intestinal channels. The thin lining or the membrane of our intestines is quite elastic. However, it may rupture due to various reasons causing leaky gut- a kind of inflammation that releases undigested food particles into the bloodstream. Bone broth also reduces and helps to heal chronic constipation and irregular bowel movements, thus helping our bodily systems function in harmony.

Ayurvedic importance:

Though Ayurveda stresses on the use of plant-based products, there are some treatments that involve animal products, one of which is healing through bone broth. Those who have very little to no animal products in their diet can benefit from consuming bone broth as a part of their regular diet.

1. Regulates vata imbalance: Organs of vata imbalance are the intestines. Poor digestion, irregular bowel movements, and constipation are characteristic vata disorders. Bone broth rich in minerals symbolises abundant Earth element. Vata imbalance can be pacified by the grounding nature of the earth element. Consuming a cup or two of hearty bone broth, rich in minerals and collagen, will help reset the system thus regulating vata imbalance.

2. Kindles pachak pitta- digestive fire: The main function of pachaka pitta is digestion of ingested food. Irregular agni (fire element) can cause acid reflux, vomiting, or allergic reactions. Bone broth that is anti inflammatory helps quick and easy digestion of food and helps regulate the pitta.

For years, various cultures and civilizations have reaped the benefits of bone soups. A cup of small-batch or homemade bone broth is a great, healthy addition to our regular meals. Various studies are being conducted to discover more about Grandma's secret soup, that heals everything. All in all, it is a wonderful supplement to promote a healthier self.