Bone Broth 101 - The Ultimate Guide

When you wake up in the morning is the first thing you think of that cup of fresh hot coffee? 

Well, it might be time to switch out what’s in your mug from roasted beans to boiled bone broth. That’s right, bone broth is perfect for any time of day — energy-boosting, immune-supporting, and delicious, this ancient drink will get you going with no mid-day crash.

Get any preconceived notions about canned “soups” out of your head, because we are talking about bone broth here. Nutritious, and sworn by for centuries, this concoction would make your grandmother proud. 

In this article, we are going to cover everything you need to know about bone broth, from the benefits it gives your body, to how to cook up this life-changing dish in only four simple steps. 

Read on and get your pots out, because you’ll be running to the kitchen in just a few minutes.

So, Just What Is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is a nutritious liquid made from ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now. Animal bones, meat, vegetables, and herbs all simmer together to release powerful nutrients like collagen, gelatin, calcium, plus loads of minerals.

Bones are hiding so much of what they have to offer. But all you have to do to learn their secrets is pop them on the stove with some apple cider vinegar and water. It is an elemental process, heat, water, bones, and time all combine to create the stock of life.

Once you master bone broth you’ll realize there is no such thing as scraps anymore. Think twice before composting your organic scraps, as leftover bones from any animal can be extracted for brothy goodness.

Why Is Bone Broth A Game Changer?

85% of your immune system hangs out in your gut, so it’s the best place to support a healthy body and strong bacteria-fighting organs. Your digestive system and gut are craving healthy ingredients. “Happy Gut = Happy Life” Processed sugars and excess salt can hurt your gut and make you feel sluggish and weak. 

Bone broth is health concentrated; it's high in amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, which in turn create your cells. Eating healthy creates a change in the very smallest level of your body. Bone broth is especially high in two extremely important amino acids: proline and glycine.

• Proline strengthens cell walls, a fundamental way to heal the gut from digestive disorders. Proline has even been known to assist skin in need, from adding a healthy glow to limiting unwanted acne breakouts.
• Glycine is used to treat metabolic disorders and strengthen your kidneys. It is also a natural detoxifier that calms your central nervous system and lets your body have an easier time digesting fats.

Your body can’t produce enough of these essential amino acids on its own, you need to eat right to keep your levels up. Instead of adding another daily supplement, bone broth is a fun and easy way to get proline and glycine to do their thing in your gut.

What Nutrients Can I Find In Bone Broth?

Bone broth is a drink that does not stop giving. Here are some more important nutrients your body will thank you for after the first sip:

• Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and magnesium (the core of electrolytes) all exist in bone broth. Electrolytes can help you recover from sickness or after a tough workout. Start thinking “hot thermos” before “sports drink” next time you get back from a run.
• Collagen: Built from the amino acids you get in a cup of bone broth, collagen keeps your bones dense and durable. It also hydrates your skin and lowers blood pressure.
• Gelatin: This protein is essential for building and maintaining body tissues. Gelatin also is known to provide energy and keep all your organs functioning properly. 
• Calcium: All living organisms need calcium to survive, in fact, it's the most abundant mineral in your body. Proper bone growth depends on calcium. Calcium also plays a key role in your cardiovascular system, keeping your heart muscle strong and pumping.

Some people take each of these nutrients in supplemental form as pills and tablets. But you can save time and squish all those steps into one by just condensing those nutrients right out of your leftover bones.

Even MORE Health Benefits From Bone Broth!

You are getting so many nutrients out of these ingredients, you should know some of their considerable health benefits. You might be surprised what bone broth can do for your body.

• Improved Immune System: Your ability to naturally fight disease is enhanced through bone broth. The nutrients keep your body strong and prevent harmful pathogens from reaching your gut.
• Healthier Gut Health: The natural gelatin in bone broth assists your body’s ability to absorb and transport food and water. Healthy intestines lead to a healthy body and lessen symptoms of IBS and Crohn's Disease.
• Better Brain Function: The fatty acids in bone broth have been shown to increase mental acuity. Supporting a better memory, quicker mind, and less stress are some ways your brain is given a boost.
• Helps Joint Health: Collagen, gelatin, proline, and glycine — all components we’ve learned about so far, work together to support your joints. These proteins build connective tissue and cartilage — which can lessen the effects of osteoarthritis and general joint pain.
• Aids In Reducing Inflammation: Arginine, another amino acid found in bone broth, has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation. Inflammation is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
• May Help Weight Loss: Low in calories, but high in protein — this drink can make you feel full without overeating. The water content helps you feel fuller and manages appetite control.
• Sleeping Aid: Glycine (that super amino acid) also promotes healthy sleep. People who consume just 3 grams of glycine have been found to fall asleep faster and maintain a deep sleep all night.
• Source of Vitamins and Minerals: This list of vitamins and minerals that come out of bone broth seems never-ending. Vitamin A, vitamin K2, zinc, iron, boron, manganese, selenium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus omega-3, omega-6. It’s like a whole health food store filling up your bowl.

Where Can I Find Bone Broth?

Well, you guessed it! Right here at Ferguson Farms. Click HERE to see our collection of Kettle & Fire Bone Broths.

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