Did you know?

Every year there seems to be a new "power" food that promises some new health benefit. The last few years we’ve heard about kale, quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds, beets, and so on. This year the hype surrounds bone broth. Did you know: it’s been accredited for everything from digestive issues to improving joint health and boosting the immune system?

While it can’t treat any type of disease, and shouldn’t replace foods with proven antioxidant sources like fruits and vegetables, it can be added as a supplemental health staple to your diet. Here’s the 411 on what it is, the nutrition stats and three major benefits of this year’s “superfood”—bone broth.

What is bone broth?
Simply put, it’s a nutrient-dense liquid (also referred to as “stock”) made up of any type of animal bone. Beef, fish, chicken and lamb are among the more popular bone broths. Bones from these sources can be boiled with water and then set to simmer over a period of eight hours to a few days. You can use this method alone or incorporate vegetables (sliced onions, peeled garlic cloves, carrots or celery) for added nutrients. You can drink it as is, use it as a soup base, freeze it, or keep it refrigerated for up to five days. What’s the nutritional value?

What’s the nutritional value?
One, eight-ounce cup delivers up to nine grams of protein, 40 calories, 19 essential and non-essential amino acids, and other chemical compounds and minerals many people are lacking in their diets. (You can also supplement with Laminine^® which provides another source of easily digestible amino acids and proteins). Three of the key nutritional compounds found in bone broth are:

• Glucosamine
• Collagen
• Chondroitin Sulfate

These nutritional compounds all contribute to major health benefits for you. Here are the top three:

1. Aids Digestion
   Gelatin is the star ingredient here. In addition to supporting bone health it restores strength to the gut lining, fights food sensitivities, helps with the growth of probiotics (good bacteria) and supports healthy inflammation levels in the digestive tract.


2. Joint Health
   As we age, our bones experience wear and tear leading to less flexibility. Glucosamine is said to help with joint pain, chondroitin sulfate has been shown to help prevent osteoarthritis, collagen helps restore our cartilage and gelatin supports healthy bone mineral density.


3. Healthy Immune System
   Thanks to the high concentration of minerals found in the bone marrow of the broth, it’s known as a “superfood” to strengthen your immune system, promote better sleep, boost your daily energy and support a healthy temperament.

You can make your own bone broth, but you will need to carve out a lot of time to grocery shop for seasonings and vegetables, visit the butcher for bones, and factor in cooking and serving time. If you’re the type who prefers to save time and money, consider supplementing with DIGESTIVE⁺⁺⁺. Many people have found it helps promote healthy ingestion and enhances nutrient absorption. Read their stories here.