Bone broth….sounds a little weird? This is probably how your grandmothers cooked and what chefs in 5-star restaurants have bubbling away in their kitchens in the background of their major work.

Long ago, meat-eaters use to eat much more than just muscle meat. We have sadly been throwing away all the good bones for years and missing out on the high nutrient value from bone marrow.

Bone broth is a mineral-rich infusion made by boiling bones of healthy animals with vegetables, herbs and spices. In many countries, they still consume broths regularly. It is a very healthy and cheap form of food. The broth is known to boost the immune system (remember being given chicken soup that had been cooked for hours when you were unwell tucked under the covers). It is also known to improve digestion. It is high in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, good for bone and teeth health, supports joints, hair and skin due to its high collagen content. Some even suggest it eliminates cellulite!

It looks like the health properties are due to glycine and proline, amino acids. Glycine aids digestions by regulating the work of bile salts and secretion of gastric acid. It helps regulate blood sugar and it is important in the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant. There is more growth hormone, calming properties (why it is so good for people on GAPS diet). Proline reverses deposits in blood vessels and helps create new muscle cells.

For a healthy meal, drop an egg in it whilst you have a small amount simmering in a saucepan.

One issue with bone broths is if you have a histamine sensitivity. The answer to this is a high quality powdered gelatin mixed into a hot beverage. A good one is Great Lakes Unflavoured Beef Gelatin.

It is made from cattle which are humanely raised and grass-fed. You mix it with a small amount of room temperature water before you add it into a hot beverage. Decreases anxiety and promote restorative sleep and decreases the cravings for sugar (glycine).