I'm sure many of us grew up with a parent // grandparent who would make us some chicken noodle soup when we weren't feeling well. Chicken soup and being sick became so linked in my mind, that I remember being in university and grabbing some 99 cent soup packages when I got the flu. Now as a nutritionist, I realize that this wonderful tradition definitely got lost in translation. Chicken bone broth is INSANELY good for your immune system - but the packaged sh** full of MSG, sodium, and preservatives will definitely not help you.
Sipping on REAL bone broth is becoming increasingly popular in the wellness world, and it's not only for when you're feeling under the weather! Bone broth is nature's multivitamin - easy to digest, nutrient-dense, and full of healing compounds that support FULL BODY HEALTH - everything from your skin, to your liver! Simmering animal bones over a low heat for a long period of time allows them to release their beneficial nutrients and create liquid gold. After several hours, straining the broth leaves you with a golden coloured clear liquid that you can sip on throughout the day! I've rounded up the top health benefits that come from drinking bone broth, so that you can swap your cold green juice for a warming immunity elixir this winter, and treat your body like the temple that it is.
1. Heals Digestion // Leaky Gut // Food Intolerances
The lining of your gut can easily become damaged from a diet containing sugar, processed or fast foods, alcohol, and foods you have an intolerance to. Eventually this daily occurring damage can lead to leaky gut - which is when small tears in your intestinal wall allow for toxins and undigested food particles to enter into your blood steam. This causes systemic inflammation, a weakened immune system, nutrient deficiencies, digestive disturbances, and even more food intolerances! Bone broth is rich in both collagen and glutamine which soothe and repair the digestive lining and heal leaky gut. It is also rich in gelatin, which supports the growth of probiotics (the good bacteria!) in the gut and lowers overall gut inflammation. If you're someone who has a food intolerance, a daily serving of bone broth is something I would definitely recommend adding into your diet!
2. Muscle Repair // Post-Workout
Amino acids in bone broth help to build and repair muscle tissue, boost nutrient absorption, and maintain muscle health. Glutamine found in bone broth will speed up the recovery process by re-synthesizing carbohydrates after your workout, and replenishing your glycogen reserves. The glycine content in bone broth will help your muscle tissue by converting glucose into usable energy, while also preventing muscle loss. This will not only help you feel better after your workout, but also assist in building more muscle over time.
3. Promote Healthy Skin
Collagen helps to form elastin, which is what makes our skin appear tight and youthful. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but the amount we produce begins to decline as we age. By drinking a daily cup of bone broth, you are giving your body an extra boost of collagen that will help to keep your skin healthy and vibrant, while minimizing wrinkles and cellulite.
4. Boosts Immunity
As mentioned above, bone broth contains nutrients that repair your digestive lining and heal leaky gut. Doing so will give your immune system less stress from the toxins entering your blood stream, and lower overall inflammation. Cysteine, an amino acid found in chicken bone broth, breaks down mucous to help clear your respiratory pathways when you're feeling stuffed up. And when you have the stomach flu? Bone broth is the most easy to digest, nutrient-dense substance you can give your body that will balance your electrolytes and nourish you back to health.
5. Promotes Detoxification
Bone broth is rich in potassium and glycine, which promote detoxification at a cellular level. It's also a great source of sulphur and glutathione, which stimulate the liver's detoxification process and help rid the body of heavy metals. Better and more efficient full-body detoxification will leave you feeling more energized, and notice better skin, digestion, mood and sleep!
6. Improves Joint Health
Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, the same compounds sold as expensive supplements, which help to reduce inflammation, arthritis, and joint pain. Collagen and gelatin also work to restore our cartilage and bone health, by allowing for bones to glide without friction. If you're someone who suffers from joint pain or arthritis, a daily cup of bone broth is definitely recommended!If you're ready to start transforming your health, order your first supply of bone broth and start reaping all of these amazing & healing benefits!