While many people have been taking collagen supplements for their hair, nail, skin, and joint health for years, swallowing pills can be inconvenient and unpleasant. Now, even people who dislike swallowing pills can enjoy the natural health benefits of collagen by drinking bone broth.
Simultaneously a growing trend and an ancient tradition, bone broth is exactly what it sounds like: a broth made of leftover bones and other pieces of an animal. To make bone broth, simply place your bones and other pieces into a pot with water, and cook it over a low heat for several hours. Nutrients are released from the bones and bits right into the liquid as it cooks, making a protein-rich broth full of vitamins and minerals. You may want to add an acid, such as tomatoes or apple cider vinegar, to add flavor and help extract the nutrients.
Bone broth, especially when made with bones that have bits of meat still attached, is one of the best natural sources of collagen. Because the broth is a liquid, the nutrients are easier for the body to absorb, making it more effective than collagen supplements that come in tablet form.
In addition to natural collagen, bone broth is a great source of the amino acid glycine, which is a neurotransmitter, and essential to liver function. Because glycine is not found in many foods, many people have a deficiency, leading to impaired sleep and liver function.
Bone broth is a healthy and tasteful alternative to collagen supplements, and may be better for the skin than collagen wrinkle cream. The best thing about bone both is that it is relatively inexpensive to make. Simply save the bones from other recipes, or buy them from a local butcher or farm, and use the water that you have at home. If you want more flavor, you can add your favorite herbs and spices, but because bone broth is made to taste, you do not have to go out and buy anything specific. Happy broth making!