What is Found in Bone Broth That Makes it So Good?

by Nellie Procopiou May 20, 2018

Bone Broth - Whats Inside?

Bone broth is the golden goodness that comes from simmering bones for an extended time. It’s the content and quality of the bones, including marrow and knucklebones that provide the nutrients as well as the extended simmering time which helps extract that rich flavour and all those nutrients.

The elixer comprises of minerals, gelatin, collagen and protein in a thick, nutrient-rich broth. Bone broth is usually consumed as a hot beverage, or it can be included in soups, sauces casseroles and stir-fries for both flavour and nutrition.

There are many claims of nourishment and healing that are associated with bone broth, each ingredient found in bone broth has been found to have benefits, so it makes sense that the claims have merit. Practitioners of functional medicine including doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists, dieticians, chiropractors and Chinese medicine are all advocates and recommend this golden elixir to their patients for healing. - Nutritional supplement in an easily digestible liquid form.

Below is some general information about the constituents contained in Bone Broth and their benefits and functions.

Bone broth contains the whole spectrum of Amino Acids, both essential and nonessential, including Proline, Glycine, and Glutamine. Proline although a non-essential amino acid is a necessary precursor for the formation of collagen, so it helps regenerate cartilage and heal joints, improves the condition of the skin and helps repair the gut lining.

Glycine helps detoxify the body of chemicals and acts as the antioxidant and protects the liver 1.; it may help sleep and improve serotonin release as a bonus 2.

Glutamine L-glutamine is an amino acid found in high levels in the body, it is produced mainly in skeletal muscle and then released into the circulation for use by the immune system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and liver 3. Although glutamine is traditionally classified as a non-essential amino acid, it is essential for maintaining intestinal function, immune response, and amino acid homeostasis during times of severe stress, suggesting that it is more appropriately called a conditionally essential amino acid 4.

L-arginine is an amino acid necessary for protein synthesis. It is found naturally in foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy 5.
Cysteine, amino acids, helps to thin mucus so it can be expelled more efficiently as well as reducing the incidence of colds 6. This is what our grandmas had realized long before the science.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is required for the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides. These carbohydrate-containing compounds are found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, synovial fluid, mucous membranes and more. Consuming more glucosamine can help support joint health, flexibility and comfort 7, 8.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin is a popular supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis along with Glucosamine. It’s often used to support joint health and comfort.

Hyaluronic Acid

Orally, hyaluronic acid is used for various joint disorders, including osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is also used for gastroesophageal reflux disease and promotes healthy aging, cell rejuvenation and skin firmness 10.

Minerals

Magnesium is pretty lacking in the modern diet but is found in bone broth. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and has been recognized as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, it helps calm our nerves and anxiety, relax muscle spasms and aches, and it helps with digestive health 11. The broth has Sulfur, potassium, and sodium which are essential for health although found in trace amounts.

Collagen and Gelatin

Gelatin is used for weight loss, joints, for improving the quality of hair by increasing the diameter of the hair fibers, skin by increasing moisture and nails and to shorten recovery after exercise and sports-related injury as well as improving flexibility and reducing pain in joints of athletes 12. Gelatin may also cause increased production of collagen by 13.

Collagen, collagen type II is used to treat joint pain associated with arthritis, post-surgical joint pain, post-traumatic pain, back pain, and neck pain 14. It is the main structural protein found in the human body that helps form connective tissue and “seals” the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Scientific studies have shown collagen is safe and effective and warrants further consideration as a food ingredient 15.

Eating healthy can be comfortable and enjoyable and can help boost your nutrition. After all Hippocrates, the father of medicine said: “ Let food be thy medicine an medicine be thy food.”

Check out some of our other resources about Bone Broth:

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About Broth & Co - Melbourne Based Bone Broth Company

What is Bone Broth?

Where to Buy Bone Broth?

Broth & Co Recipe, News & Blog

Broth & Co Bone broth is a Melbourne made company providing healthy bone broth around Australia. From animal bones and connective tissue, that have been boiled and simmered for many hours and may include herbs, vegetables, and spices. A tradition from our hunter-gatherer forefathers of consuming the whole animal, nose to tail and no waste.

Bone Broth Research References