Let’s talk bones…
You see, bone is living tissue, rather than inert structure. Bone is also slightly elastic, owing to the collagen, which combines with the calcium phosphate to lend “elastic rigidity.”
Bone is full of minerals, mostly calcium and phosphorus, along with sodium, magnesium, and other trace minerals. If the connective tissue – and most animal scraps and bones you use will have tendons, ligaments, and cartilage – still attached, bones also include contain chondroitin and glucosamine, popular joint supplements that are the raw materials for bone and cartilage formation.
Bone broth has long been praised for its awesome healing powers. I first read about bone broth back in 2006 when I purchased the book ‘Nourishing Traditions’ By Sally Fallon (a must read for wellness devotees).
I was pretty pumped to learn about bone broth’s health giving properties. I hunted down some local, ethically raised and certified organic bones and set to work in my kitchen, cramming the bones into my Le Creuset with whatever vegetables I had in the fridge…
The result? A secret weapon to support optimal health and longevity. You can add the broth to soups and stews or simply pour yourself a mug and enjoy as a hearty warming drink.
Time poor? Star Anise Organic wholefoods will do all the broth-ing for you!
Here’s why you should consider drinking bone broth:
Heal and seal your gut. A cup a day can work miracles for leaky gut syndrome but it’s also good for protecting non-leaky guts. The gelatin in the bone broth (found in the knuckles, feet, and other joints) helps seal up holes in intestines. This helps cure chronic diarrhea, constipation, and even some food intolerances.
Protect your joints. Taking glucosamine supplements to help with joint pain has been common knowledge for years; it makes sense that bone broth has glucosamine too.
Unlike supplements, broth also includes a host of other goodies that help keep your joints happy, healthy, and pain-free. The chondroitin sulfate in bone broth has also been shown to help prevent osteoarthritis.
Look younger. Bone broth is a rich source of collagen. You can find collagen in all kinds of “plumping” products these days, but why stick it on the outside when you can drink it? Not only is drinking it cheaper, but it can make your skin, hair, and nails look just as radiant.
Sleep better, and feel better. The glycine in bone broth has been shown in several studies to help people sleep better and improve memory.
Immune support. Bone marrow can help strengthen your immune system. A Harvard study showed that some people with auto-immune disorders experienced a relief of symptoms when drinking bone broth.
Stronger bones. The phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium in the bones seep out into the broth leaving you with the essential building blocks for healthy bones.
It’s environmentally sustainable! Waste not want not, what else were you going to do with those chicken carcasses, soup bones, and veggies going bad in your fridge?
A FEW TIPS:
Add a couple shots of apple cider vinegar to your stock. This aids in the extraction of minerals without really altering the flavor.
Roast your bones beforehand.
This adds color and flavor.
Don’t be afraid to simmer long and slow. Smaller animals require less cooking time to extract nutrients, so chicken can probably go for twenty hours and produce a quality stock, but beef or lamb bones can go for several days, provided you keep the heat low and watch the water level to prevent burning.
Add feet. Especially chicken feet, for added collagen – and more gelatin.
I’d toss poultry fat. It’s a relatively high-PUFA animal fat, and a day of simmering has probably damaged it beyond repair.
Veggies are optional, but tasty. They add flavor, and the classic mirepoix blend of carrots, onions, and celery is always a welcome addition. Herbs work well, too.
I’m partial to thyme, bay leaf, and whole peppercorns, with maybe a sprig or two of rosemary added. If you’re doing herbs and veggies, add them toward the end of cooking, especially if you’re doing a marathon two-day stock making session.
To make an appointment with Wellness Expert:
Bondi Beach: 02 8897 0077
Bondi Junction: 02 9386 4411
Email: [email protected]
