Bone Broth for Flu and Cold Season!
By: Brooks Laber D.C.
If you aren’t already making bone broth regularly, I’d encourage you to start today! It is an incredibly healthy and very inexpensive addition to any diet and the homemade versions beat store bought broth in both taste and nutrition (by a lot). It is the perfect food to have in the freezer with the cold and flu season right around the corner. Below are 10 reasons so start making homemade bone broth today!
1. It heals a leaky gut.
-The gelatin in bone broth protects and heals the mucosal lining of the digestive tract and helps aid in the digestion of nutrients.
2. Fights infections such as colds and flu.
-Not only does bone broth help your immune system, it is the perfect food to help prevent dehydration during the flu when unable to eat. It is packed with minerals that help hydrate and prevent complications to the flu.
3. Reduces joint pain and inflammation.
-The glucosamine in bone broth can actually stimulate the growth of new collagen, repair damaged joints and reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Produces gorgeous skin, hair and nails.
-The collagen and gelatin in bone broth supports hair growth and helps to keep your nails strong.
5. Helps with bone formation, growth and repair.
-The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in bone broth helps our bones to grow and repair.
6. Saves you money.
-Homemade bone broth is cheaper and healthier than store bought.
7. Super easy to make.
-All you need is a crockpot. Throw all of the ingredients into the crockpot and it cooks while you sleep.
8. Healthier than buying supplements.
-Homemade bone broth contains all nutrients and minerals found in bones and tendons rather than just one or two found in pills. Slow cooking preserves the nutrients better than the high heat extraction used to make supplements.
9. Fights inflammation.
-Bone broth is very high in the anti-inflammatory amino acids glycine and proline.
10. Promotes sleep and calms the mind.
-The amino acid glycine found in bone broth can be very calming.
How to make bone broth:
First save the bones from whatever you have made previously, for this example I use a chicken. Place the bones in a crock pot and add water to cover the bones, thrown in some onions, garlic, or whatever vegetables you would like to use to add some flavor. Put in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to help draw out more minerals from the bone. Then put on low for 8-10 hours, when done throw away the bones and run the broth through a strainer so only the liquid is left. You can than freeze however much you would like to have on hand, I try and always have a few quarts in the freezer during cold and flu season since it’s a great way to stay hydrated during sickness.