Bone Broth Benefits

Chances are.. if you have an Instant Pot, you may already know that one of the BEST ways to use it is to make Bone Broth. 

Bone Broth is one of the best things you can consume to boost your immune system, treat leaky gut, overcome food allergies and improve joint health.   Bone broths are extremely dense in nutrients, and boost healing through their rich nutrient-rich flavor.

What is Bone Broth?

Bone Broth is made from every part of the animal – gathering up the skin, feet, tendons and ligaments (that you can’t eat directly), boiling them, and simmering for 24-48 hours. OR with an Instant Pot, just 1-2 hours. For our Instant Pot the process is just over 2 hours.

The simmering of the animal parts causes those bones & ligaments to release collagen, proline, glycine and glutamine – which are great to boost your health. They contain minerals easily absorbed by your body – phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and more.

Store Stock & Broth Varieties

The stock & broth you purchase on shelf in stores across the U.S. can’t be remotely compared to the real Bone Broth you make yourself at home.

The varieties in store are lab-produced, and often contain monosodium glutamate (MSG). While similar, they are both different in how they are made:

Food Network explains the differences between Chicken Stock vs. Chicken Broth:

Chicken Stock: Made from bony parts with a fuller mouth feel and richer flavor, due to the gelatin released from long simmering bones.  It is left unseasoned for you to cook with.

Chicken Broth:  Usually seasoned, and is usually made from meat.

Health Benefits of Bone Broth

You can drink bone broth or use it in soup or recipes – no matter what way you use it, it’s great for supporting your immune system and can provide your body with a number of valuable benefits.

#1 – Good for your Gut & Immune System

Bone Broth is easily digested, and nutrient dense – it soothes the digestive system because it’s rather easy to break down. The Gelatin in the broth helps provide support to your intestines while also restoring the gut lining. 

As a result, Bone Broth can often times be great for sensitivities to food (wheat, or even dairy). 

#2 – Great for the Skin

Bone Broth contains collagen, which is great for hair, skin and nails.  It provides the amino acids needed for collagen production – collagen itself actually keeps your skin smooth, and firm all while reducing the chance for wrinkles.

The gelatin in Bone Broth is beneficial to your hair and nails and helps strengthen and support them as they grow.

#3 – Amino Acids

Bone Broth has over 19 essential amino acids, collagen/gelatin (which help your body form the connective tissue) AND nutrients that help your body support it’s immune system.  It helps transport nitrogen to your cells,, promoting wound healing.

Bone Broth contains Arginine, Glycine, Glutamine and Proline – each plays a different part in your body.

Proline helps your body break down proteins to improve skin elasticity.

Glycine enhances muscle repair by regulating the Human Growth Hormone secretion from the pituitary gland.

Arginine is required for kidney function, it helps support healthy arteries.

Glutamine is important for removing excess ammonia (a waste product) in the body. It helps your immune system function and is also needed for brain function, as well as digestion.

#4 – Helps your Body Detox

Your body consists of a multitude of environmental toxins – from everything including processed food, metals, pesticides, and even personal care products.  Bone Broth is one thing that helps your digestive system get rid of waste through 2 ingredients: potassium and glycine – both of which are great at supporting cell & liver detox. 

#5 – Supports your Immune System

Many people suffer from what is called “leaky gut” – where foods that are difficult or indigestible enter your bloodstream through weak intestinal lining. That not only lends way to inflammation, it causes antibodies to release and attack healthy tissue. The amino acids, gelatin and collagen in bone broth help to repair that leaky gut and in turn, rebuild your immune system.

When making bone broth it’s important that you use animal products that are pasture fed .. and free of antibiotics and hormones.  Use body parts like chicken feet, and neck; it’s also suggested you brown the meat before adding to the stock pot when you use beef or lamb – and all bone broth requires a little apple cider vinegar to help pull the minerals out of the bones while cooking.

If you are making bone broth, it’s also recommended to use distilled water in place of tap water.  While you can simmer at length (24-48 hours) on the stove, you can ALSO use your Instant Pot to shorten the time. The Instant Pot won’t destroy the nutrients, as it’s not heating at high temperatures, but allowing the broth to cook at a higher pressure.