5 Reasons to Start Drinking Bone Broth Today

When you think of bone broth, images of grandma slow-simmering a mishmash of herbs, veggies, and leftover chicken bones may come to mind. These days, this savory liquid is taking the spotlight in the foodie community, and has become a staple in its own right. In New York, Thrillist  points out the growing popularity of bone broth cafés, which are giving NYC coffee shops a run for their money. But what has fueled bone broth’s meteoric rise to popularity? For starters, this surprisingly versatile food can be used in a myriad of different ways — from marinades and stews, to dips and braised dishes. A previous "Press-ipe" here on the blog even  worked it into an espresso smoothie! Beyond being a flavorful addition to your diet, bone broth also offers a wide array of health benefits. Here are some more reasons to try this superstar ingredient. 

1. Promotes a Healthy Gut

Despite the global wellness trend, chronic illnesses are on the rise in the United States. Health statistics from Maryville University reveal chronic illnesses are projected to affect an estimated 164 million Americans by 2025 – nearly half of the population. Given this staggering statistic, it’s more important than ever to make sure that your body is in tip-top shape, especially when it comes to your gut. Enter bone broth, which has been shown to help keep your intestines clear and healthy. 

A daily cup of bone broth is known to work wonders for leaky gut syndrome, a condition that results in a porous intestinal lining and leads to digestion issues. Thanks to the gelatin extracted from bones, bone broth seals up holes in the intestines and helps ease chronic diarrhea, constipation, and can even lessen the severity of some food intolerances.

2. Good for your Skin

You might have heard the skincare community waxing lyrical about collagen products, but did you know you can find this precious protein in bone broth, too? Bone broth is a rich source of collagen, which also acts as a joint protector and stabilizer. While scientists have yet to prove if ingesting collagen can lead to skin firming, numerous studies have already shown that collagen supplements can promote elasticity and smooth out fine lines. 

3. Better Sleep

Like we said, there's nothing like a warm bowl of soup to soothe your insides and make you feel comfy. But it turns out that bone broth can also help you catch some much-needed Z’s. An experiment by Japanese researchers has shown that glycine, found in bone broth, can help enhance the quality of your sleep and ward off fatigue. Those who take it before hitting the hay report that they sleep better and feel less tired the next day. 

4. Supports Weight Loss

For people with weight loss goals, bone broth may be a tasty and effective addition to your diet. Because it's high in protein, bone broth helps your body feel fuller for longer, thus helping you avoid binge-eating or mindless snacking. In fact, a 2017 study in the Journal of Renal Nutrition states that the average cup of chicken bone broth has more protein content than a typical chicken broth. And because you can cook it in so many ways, there's no need to sacrifice flavor for fitness. 

5. Protects the Joints

Peruse the shelves of any pharmacy and you'll probably see supplements that contain glucosamine or chondroitin to help with joint pain and arthritic symptoms. As a natural alternative to reduce joint pain and inflammation, bone broth contains both glucosamine & chondroitin. It can also been linked to improving mobility and preventing joints from deteriorating. 

Exclusively written for pressery.com

By Alisha Jane