Bone broth is all the rage right now.  So, what the heck is it, and why is it so great?  My wife thinks the name is silly.  She says “It’s soup, right?  Can’t we just call it soup, or stock?”  She’s basically right.  I like that this current food trend actually goes back thousands of years.  Bone broth is a stock made from bones that would have otherwise just been discarded.  It differs from plain broth or stock in that it is simmered for a much longer period of time.  The purpose of this is to obtain as many nutrients as possible from the bones.  Bone broth is extremely rich in proteins.  It also contains gelatin, collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine, and many minerals.  Bone broth can improve the function of your digestive system,  immune system, joints, muscles, and skin.

Many health food fads can be quite expensive.  This one isn’t, as long as you have some time on your hands.  There are many, many recipes online for making your own bone broth at home.  Chances are, you already make it, or your mom or grandma used to make it.  Its really as simple as putting a whole chicken, or some beef bones in your slow cooker with some water and seasonings, and cooking the heck out of it.  In order to ensure you have extracted all possible nutrition from the bones, they should crumble in your fingers.   Bone broth can be used with added meat and vegetables, or beans to make a hearty soup.  You can drink it plain in a mug.  You can use it as the liquid to cook things like rice.  You can use it as the braising liquid for meat, like a roast.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own bone broth, I now carry powdered bone broth in my office.  It is made by a great company, called Ancient Nutrition.  It’s called Bone Broth Protein.  You simply mix a scoop of the powder with 12 ounces of liquid.  It can be consumed hot or cold, and it comes in chocolate or vanilla.  I know, I know, chocolate bone broth?!!  I have been using it daily, and I promise it is delicious.  The chocolate is very chocolaty, and there is no hint of meat flavor.  Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.  It’s completely free of common allergens like dairy, grains, eggs, and nuts.  Each serving only contains 2 grams of carbohydrates.  It is naturally sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extracts.  And the flavor is excellent.

Try adding bone broth to your balanced diet for improved function of your joints and muscles.