Do you want a magic potion with virtues and benefits that are numerous and have been around for centuries? Whether it comes from chicken, beef or fish bones, broth is becoming increasingly popular, even though it has been recommended to treat and comfort a cold or flu by every grandmother across the globe.
Bone broth is extremely nourishing, it is loaded with collagen for building lean muscle mass, strong bones and for your skin - to fill out wrinkles. It is full of amino acids which help the liver remove toxins from your body, therefore recharging you and your cells.
It also contains gelatin which is crucial for a healthy intestinal tract. It heals your gut, greatly aiding even the most serious digestive woes and speeding the weight loss process. Bone broth contains many minerals such as calcium for bones and balancing hormones; phosphorus that energizes your cells and magnesium which also helps with digestion. All these minerals are very well absorbed in this perfect brew!
Another benefit is on the joints, since it is rich in glucosamine and other joint aids, it will keep you moving about more comfortably. Bone broth also greatly reduces inflammation, relieving many diseases, especially those auto-immune in nature - with decreased inflammation comes increased weight-loss.
Finally, it fills you up, warms you up and comforts you in the Winter months without the calories and carbohydrates one would expect from such a satisfying food. Think of it as an 'anti-aging, keeps-you-moving, feeling-and-looking-younger' zero guilt food, and a wonderful healing aid. So don't hold back get your daily dose of homemade bone broth today! If you have never made your own, here is a simple and delicious recipe...
Tasty bone broth recipe
Preparation time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 10 hours - 12 portions
homemade chicken broth - Mmmmmm!
- 2 carrots, scrubbed and chopped into large pieces
- 2 celery branches, including the leaves, chopped into large pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
- 7 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 2 or 3 pounds of good quality beef, chicken or fish bones and joints (opt for organic, free range or grass fed whenever possible)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- optional - add dried mushrooms or enhance with a good quality, grass-fed gelatin
Place all the ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker and cover with water by about an inch. Cook on low heat - for 6 hours if using chicken bones, longer if using beef bones - 10 hours is a good average.
Carefully remove the top layer of foam with a spoon. Remove all solid matter by straining the broth. Taste the broth and add salt if desired. Your broth will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy!