This post may contain affiliate links. These help support this website.

Another awesome chemistry hacks post today! Let’s discuss the truth about bone broth and what kind to use.

This is a reader’s request post! I LOVE when readers reach out to me and ask if I can do research for them.

The thing about health topics is many fads come and go. It can be difficult to figure out what is legitimate or not.

We share Chemistry Hacks for Health to get you an easy inside look about the truth behind certain health fads. A few weeks ago we told you all about Kombucha…is it really good for you?

Other reader favorites include the truth about using stevia, natural sugar vs added sugar, and how to read labels correctly.

Now, we have some great research on the truth about bone broth and what kind to use!

The Truth about Bone Broth

 

Bone broth is a term you’ve probably seen pop up in the health world the past few years. It isn’t anything new though. Broth has been used for thousands of years!

Bone broth was used in Egypt during Pharaoh’s time, and it was also used by an Egyptian physician, Moses Maimonides, in the 12^th century. More interesting history can be found in this book!

But more important than the history of bone broth, is the chemistry.

Potential Bone Broth Nutrition and Chemistry

Since bone broth is made from the bones of animals, many nutritional substances are infused into the broth straight from the bones.

Animal bones contain an array of incredibly beneficial items for the human body that help with everything ranging from anti-aging to immune system support.

Let’s check out the main components:

Collagen

Whether you use chicken bone broth or beef, they are both contain collagen. Collagen in a structural protein found in all bones and tissues. How much collagen is found in bone broth? Well, the amount varies depending on how much you eat, the amount of time the bones were simmered, and so on. In fact, there is very little scientific studies breaking down the actual amounts of substances in bone broth. This study from 1934 is one of the few you will find online from scientist breaking down each component.

Read this post on the function of collagen in the human body.

I still think a collagen supplement is your best source of collagen ingestion, but bone broth will contain some levels.

Minerals

All bone broth has a large supply of minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. The scientific study referenced from 1934 showed all types of broth is a good source of minerals.

Hyaluronic acid

Another substance found in connective tissues is hyaluronic acid. This acid promotes healthy joint tissue, skin, and cell rejuvenation. 

Glucosamine

This is a great tool for supporting and repairing cartilage, making it fantastic for joint health. When you talk about simmering animal bones, you are going to be getting all the parts that go together like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine.

Amino Acids

Bone broth is high in various proteins like Arginine, glycine, glutamine, and proline.

There are many more beneficial elements found in bone broth, but these are the main, most important aspects.

Health Benefits of Bone Broth:

Obviously, with all these amazing natural chemicals in bone broth, there are numerous health benefits.

Healthy Joints

Collagen, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid are all researched and proven to help with joint health. From rebuilding cartilage to supporting the tissue around the joints. And it is all in bone broth!

Healthy Skin

I use collagen powder almost everyday in this drink. Readers always tell me the number one thing they notice when they start using collagen, is how nice their skin looks after a few weeks. Collagen is so important for your skin!

Adding in bone broth can promote healthy skin because it does contain collagen and hyaluronic acid. The exact amounts you will be ingesting are unknown, but it can still be a good addition to your diet.

Immune System

There is a reason why your mom always wanted to make you soup when you were sick. Bone broth is great for boosting your immune system to ward off sickness and help you recover when your sick. It is full of so much protein and minerals which all promote immune health.

Will it magically make you better? Probably not, but it can definitely help you feel better.

Digestion

All these healing chemicals make bone broth great for digestion. When it comes to chicken bone broth vs beef bone broth, I have read many articles which say that chicken was better for their digestion. But research shows that either one can aide in your gut health. More than anything, studies show that oral ingestion can aide in weight loss due to how it fills you up.

Metabolism

With the high levels of amino acids, bone broth is also good for metabolism. Protein is essential for keeping your body functioning properly, and many modern diets are missing out on important proteins. Any type of protein is great for metabolism. This is why diets like the ketogenic diet are popular for weight loss.

What is the Best Type of Bone Broth?

Bone broth can be made from ANY animal’s bone. Chicken and beef are the most popular, but there is also turkey, pork, and even fish bones.

For most people, it is going to be a personal preference on taste and availability. Some people don’t eat beef or pork, so they stick with chicken.

Any bone broth will contain all the beneficial chemicals we’ve talked about because it comes straight from the bones of animals.

Many vegetarians stick with fish bone broth which contains a few different types of minerals.

Personally, I am more of a chicken person because beef is a little strong for me. The most important thing to keep in mind is the terms organic and grass-fed. These terms help you know you are using (or making) bone broth without added chemicals. If you are making your own, you still want to make sure you use grass-fed and organic animal parts. You don’t want to add unhealthy chemicals in your broth.

How to Buy the Right Kind of Bone Broth?

You can make your own or buy it. When you buy it at the store, make sure it doesn’t have too much sodium or added ingredients.

Sticking with organic is always a good way to make sure you have good ingredients.

Making Your Own Bone Broth

Making bone broth is really easy (if you are brave enough to simmer animal bones on the stove for a long time LOL). All you need are bones (grass-fed is the safest way to make sure you don’t get unhealthy chemicals), filtered water, apple cider vinegar, and spices if you want.

The acid is necessary to get the most benefits out of the bones you are simmering.

After checking out many recipes, this is a great recipe and technique.  If making chicken bone broth, use the same method, but you don’t need to roast bones. And it will take about 24 hours.

What About Bone Broth Protein?

There is also a powdered protein substance you can buy now called bone broth protein. My husband has started to use this because he can’t eat dairy or eggs. He also can’t do vegan proteins! So, bone broth protein has been an amazing product for him to get his protein needs. It is great for those who have digestive issues and sensitivities to dairy and eggs. This is the one he has been using recently and enjoys.

Is there scientific proof of bone broth effectiveness?

While all these nutritional substances are part of bone broth, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will get the health benefits mentioned. Is there any real scientific proof?? I have researched and researched high and low for real scientific data. Unfortunately, there isn’t any scientific backing. In fact, Harvard Health Publishing talks about the 1934 article I referenced above, but they say there isn’t any scientific evidence that bone broth does what it claims to do.

With that being said, it doesn’t mean you SHOULDN’T eat bone broth. It just means, it may or may not provide you with the benefits listed above. This is going to be true with all types of nutrition. Eating certain foods might not magically cure you, but good nutrition is always important. As I mentioned above, bone broth protein has been beneficial to my husband who doesn’t have a colon. It provides him with the necessary protein needs he can’t get from other supplements.

The truth about bone broth is it’s a great way for minimalist to use up things. Centuries ago, people made bone broth because they wanted to use up all the parts of the animal so nothing went to waste. It is still a good option if you want to try.

Do you have a request for a post? This was a reader request, and I love sharing Chemistry Hacks to make things easier to understand, so let me know!

Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk