By: Megan O’Kelly –
The Realistic Holistic
You may have just heard whispers of the magic of bone broth or you may already be brewing your own at home. You’ve probably heard that it’s the latest and greatest superfood and well, I’m here to tell you it’s not… not NEW that is! Bone broth is an ancient elixir that has been used medicinally since our hunter-gatherer ancestors invented the pot!
Turns out our primal ancestors really knew what they were doing. Steeping the bones of healthy animals allows us to extract valuable proteins, vitamins and minerals that are difficult to get from one potent source! That is exactly what has earned it superfood status.
The superpowers of bone broth are attributed primarily to the specific amino acids and protein compounds that swim around in a cup! The stars of the show are l-glutamine, glycine, cysteine, proline, arginine amino acids and some of the complex proteins they create including collagen and gelatin. The supporting cast is a melody of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, boron, iron, copper, manganese and many more!
So what are the benefits of this potent mix of nutrients? Honestly, this article would probably be shorter if talked about what it can’t do for us, but here we go!
(Heads up, I get a bit nitty gritty with some science, but hopefully, it helps you understand that bone broth isn’t just a trendy food fad… it’s the real deal!)
THE BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH:
Improves Gut Health
This is where the amino acid L-glutamine shines! Glutamine acts as fuel for the cells of the gut lining helping to build and restore its health and integrity.
Collagen is also needed to build the tissue that lines the colon and entire GI tract, making it a supportive and protective nutrient for the gut.
Gelatin has proven to aid in the growth of your good gut bacteria, supporting digestion and further reducing inflammation in the gut.Glycine is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA and many proteins in the body. This makes it so important for digestive health, as it regulates the production of bile salts and secretion of gastric juices!
Altogether, the amino acids proline, glutamine and arginine along with collagen and gelatin can repair damage and seal any openings in the gut lining. In doing so, they help to heal and prevent leaky gut, reduce food sensitivities, bring down inflammation in the gut and regulate immune system function.
Promotes Weight Management
L-Glutamine continues to impress! It turns out it may help to combat bacteria in the gut that predisposes our weight gain. It also turns into glutamic acid in the brain, acting as a fuel source for neurons. This lowers the glucose requirements of neuronal cells, leading to a reduction in sugar cravings!
Furthermore, glycine may help to balance blood sugar, which will also keep your cravings at bay and give you a steady stream of energy to maintain an active lifestyle!
Enhanced Detoxification
Glycine is involved in detoxification as it promotes the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant necessary for phase II liver detoxification. Glutathione is particularly effective at eliminating fat-soluble compounds, especially heavy metals. It also helps us to use other antioxidants to reduce overall oxidative damage and inflammation.
Builds Muscle
The amino acids in bone broth are particularly helpful for stimulating muscle protein synthesis, essential for ongoing growth, repair and maintenance of skeletal muscle.
Glycine helps enhance protein synthesis by increasing levels of creatine and regulating Human Growth Hormone Secretion.
Proline can also aid in the building of healthy muscles by helping to break down proteins for new use.
Boosts Your Immune System
Bone broth’s amino acids – arginine, glutamine and cysteine – have been proven to boost immune function in human and animal studies.
It can be particularly useful at alleviating bronchitis and the common cold. In fact, cysteine is a chemical component of the commonly used bronchitis drug acetylcysteine.
Protects Joints
Collagen is a key component of cartilage, ligaments and tendons. As we get older, our joints naturally experience wear and tear. Unfortunately, our bodies naturally produce less collagen as we age. Lucky for us, collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in bone broth, and studies show that the consumption of it can help to deplete our bodies’ stores.
Gelatin also plays a part in joint health by acting as a soft cushion between bones. It helps bones glide over one another without any friction upon movement.
Healthy Hair Skin & Nails
Collagen gets all the glory in this area as well. Once again, collagen is a component of skin and nails. Consuming collagen protein sources on a regular basis can help keep skin strong and healthy. Additionally, collagen helps to form elastin and other compounds within the skin that are responsible for maintaining it’s youthful look, reducing visible wrinkles, decreasing puffiness and fighting any sign of ageing. This makes bone broth a beauty food!
Strengthens Bones & Teeth
It makes sense that by consuming nutrients steeped from bones, we could get everything we need to build them in us!
We often think of nothing but calcium for building bones, but we need a well-rounded supply of protein,
magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C and the B vitamins. Bone broth provides all of the right ratios of these essential proteins, vitamins and minerals for strengthening the bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Protects Heart Health
Proline is particularly powerful at improving cardiovascular health as it plays a role in reversing atherosclerotic deposits. It enables the blood vessel walls to release cholesterol buildups into your bloodstream. This reduces the possibility of creating blockages.
Supports a Healthy Nervous System
Glycine is integral to the nervous system. It inhibits excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain to produce a calming effect. It also converts to the neurotransmitter serene, which promotes mental alertness, boosts mood, improves memory and reduces stress. Who needs coffee?! This sounds way better!
GETTING YOUR DAILY DOSE:
So you’re convinced! How could you not be? It basically does everything you could ever hope for! But you’re not sure how to start incorporating bone broth into your daily life.
Unfortunately, getting a proper homemade batch of bone broth is a 24- 48-hour slow brewing process, and it can be a messy one!
Luckily, Organika has made it super easy to get in all of those amazing amino acids and proteins that bone broth provides by creating an organic line of Bone Broth Protein Powders!
They offer both Beef and Chicken Bone Broth Protein powder that you can just scoop into a mug, add hot water and enjoy all the benefits of a soothing superfood broth. It dissolves evenly and quickly providing a satisfying savoury cup!
Organika uses only USDA inspected
grass-fed beef bones and cage-free chicken bones for their brew. They steep the bones with apple cider vinegar to aid in the extraction of the nutrients from the bones. It brews slowly before it is concentrated, filtered, spray dried and sifted with all its brilliant nutrition in tact!
I work with a lot of patients with autoimmune disease and digestive disorders who not only desperately need all the nutrition that this bone broth protein has to offer but also cannot tolerate other protein powders. Bone Broth Protein Powder is hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and high in protein with no added sugar or carbohydrates making it an ideal option for a therapeutic paleo diet.
Personally, I try to get bone broth in daily, and the Organika Bone Broth Powders help me do that. Not only do I regularly make an instant cup of broth as mentioned before but I also incorporate it into my cooking. I’ve used it in soups, dressings, sauces and even smoothies believe it or not!
Here are a few of my favourite recipes I’ve come up with so far using Organika’s Bone Broth Proteins. Check them out!
RECIPES
Have fun with it! Throw it in wherever you can imagine to get your daily dose and start reaping those benefits… I know I do!
Sincerely,
THE REALISTIC HOLISTIC
