The thought of drinking bone broth may not be very appealing. When I heard people talking about it I assumed they had gone to the store and bought the cartons that are full of chicken/beef flavored water. Then I started to do some research on my own and realized they were completely different. The broth/stock you buy in the store aren’t real. They’re made from lab produced meat flavored bouillon cubes, loaded with MSG, sodium and other chemicals that I can’t even pronounce.

Bone broth on the other hand is made from organic, grass fed bones that are simmered for at least 24 hours. This allows the bones to release healing compounds like collagen, gelatin and glutamine (aka the expensive supplements you add to your daily smoothie).

The more research I did, the more benefits I came across:

Restores Gut Heath and Immune System– 80 percent of your immune system is located in your gut. Gelatin/Collagen have been shown to help restore the gut lining and promote growth of good bacteria. This can help those who suffer from leaky gut as the amino acids help reduce inflammation in the GI tract and support digestive function. By keeping your digestive system working and your immunity up you promote healthy sleep, positive mood and more energy.

Supports Healthy Skin– Collagen helps skin to maintain a youthful tone and appearance by reducing puffiness and wrinkles. It has been proven to reduce cellulite and allows loose skin to tighten faster.

Detoxifier– Since it does wonders for the digestive system, bone broth can help the liver eliminate toxins. Bone broth contains potassium, sulfur and glycine which helps to remove heavy metals while increasing the intake of minerals.

Protects our Joints– Gelatin provides bone building minerals that help our body to heal faster and reduces joint pain. This has been shown especially beneficial for those who suffer from arthritis.

So how do you make bone broth? I personally like to take the bones from a whole organic chicken I’ve roasted, but you can also get some from your local butcher.  Add bones to a crockpot along with the following:

• 2 carrots
• 2 celery
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbs. apple cider vinegar (helps to pull out nutrients from the bones)
• 2 chicken feet (optional, but helps boots collagen)

Fill with water until fully covered and cook on low for 24 hours. Strain out liquid into jars keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for a month.

You can drink bone broth daily or use it when cooking soup, rice, beans, etc. You can also give a little to your furry friend to help with bone health, joint flexibility and a healthy gut. If you don’t have time to make it yourself then make sure you buy from a reputable company! I personally prefer broth masters. They are a mother-daughter team who select only the best ingredients and simmer their broth for at least 48 hours. Their story is also a personal one. After a major surgery, Laya,the daughter has used her product to help soothe inflammation and regain her health!