The Science Of Bone Broth
Before we start taking a deep dive into the wisdom of Bone Broth I would like to point out that while it would be great to have scores of studies proving the efficacy of bone broth itself, the truth in the matter is that science today follows the money, and unless something can be pilled and powdered (usually by Pharma companies) then it’s very unlikely to be investigated, studied and researched in depth. So, accordingly much of the scientific evidence focuses on the various components found in broth such as; gelatine, glycine, glucosamine, cartilage and much much more.
Science and tradition tell us that bone broth is nourishing. Very Nourishing.
The body's ability to repair connective tissue such as bone, tendon, ligament, cartilage, skin, hair and nails diminishes with age and ill health. Bone broth, rich in collagen, cartilage, bone and marrow gives the body 'the right stuff' to rebuild and rejuvenate.
These components include vitamins and minerals, healing 'essential' sugars known as proteoglycans and the essential amino acids Proline, Glycine, Glutamine and alanine. Please see the image below on the benefits of each of these.
So what are we actually getting from our bone broths?
- Four very essential amino acids that are explained in the image below.
- Proteoglycans, one in particular is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA lubricates and cushions joints, muscles, bones and other moveable parts of the body! Every Cell in the body contains some HA, but it is especially concentrated in the skin tissue! This means it is concentrated in the ‘skin’ tissue that lines the gastrointestinal tract. HA lives three days or less in most of the body and less than a day in the skin SO giving the body what it needs to increase HA by including broth into the diet is a great for skin health and the gut lining.
- Glucosamine: Made up of glucose and glutamine the body uses up glucosamine when it creates and renews cartilage, decreases inflammation, alleviates joint pain and increases the range of motion in joints.
In the gut especially, glucosamine helps repair the defensive barrier in the mucosa (gut lining). Defects in this barrier contribute to autoimmune issues, Crohn’s and rheumatoid arthritis. - Galactosamine: Galactosamine and glucosamine together help build the immune system. Whether the immune system needs calming because it is overactive OR whether it needs boosting because it is underachieve. These components greatly improve autoimmune issues.
In summary, there is SO much in one batch of broth that is not really matched by much else. These components collectively have vital roles in gut health, immune system support, blood sugar balancing, muscled building, healthy bones and joints, smooth and clear skin as well as great overall health. Of course, I am not saying this is the only thing you need, BUT if you aren’t including bone broth as apart of your gut healing journey and general diet… now is a great time to start.
I will go into A couple of other factors to bone broth such as collagen and gelatinous in my next post in this series.
