Bone Broth

Benefits + How to Make It Part of Your Routine

As winter approaches and we begin to spend more time indoors, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with nourishing foods that support your health and well-being! One food I started integrating almost daily is bone broth. Bone broth is an easy, comforting, and incredibly beneficial addition to your winter wellness routine.

Let’s dive into why bone broth is so good for you, how you can easily make it at home, and where you can buy it if you’re short on time.

The Benefits of Bone Broth: A Winter Wellness Superfood

Bone broth is more than just a cozy, warm drink—it’s a nutritional powerhouse! It’s made by simmering animal bones (usually beef or chicken) with vegetables, herbs, and water for an extended period. The result? A rich, flavorful broth that’s packed with nutrients. Here are just a few of the incredible benefits bone broth can offer:

1. Supports Joint Health

Bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein found in bones, skin, and connective tissues. When you simmer bones for several hours, collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is incredibly supportive for your joints. The amino acids in gelatin help maintain the integrity of your cartilage, reducing the risk of joint pain and promoting mobility—especially important as the cold weather sets in and can sometimes make joints feel stiffer.

2. Boosts Gut Health

Bone broth contains glutamine, an amino acid that is healing for the gut lining. It helps maintain a healthy gut barrier, supports digestion, and can even assist in healing leaky gut syndrome. The gelatin in bone broth also helps to draw out excess water from the intestines, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients from the food you eat. If you struggle with bloating or digestive discomfort, sipping on bone broth regularly can be a great way to soothe your system.

3. Supports Immune Health

Winter is cold and flu season, and bone broth is an immune-boosting drink to have on hand. The nutrients in bone broth, such as zinc, magnesium, and calcium, help strengthen your immune system. Plus, the amino acids in bone broth support the production of white blood cells that help fight infections.

4. Promotes Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails

Because bone broth is loaded with collagen, it’s a great addition to your beauty regimen. Collagen promotes skin elasticity and hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also strengthens hair and nails. Drinking bone broth regularly can help keep your skin looking youthful, especially during the winter months when dry air can wreak havoc on your complexion.

5. Improves Sleep and Reduces Stress

Bone broth is rich in glycine, an amino acid that has been shown to help improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Glycine has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help you wind down after a long day. A cup of warm bone broth in the evening can be the perfect way to signal to your body that it’s time to relax and prepare for restful sleep.

How to Make Bone Broth at Home: A Simple Recipe

If you love the idea of making your own bone broth, here’s a simple recipe to get you started! Making bone broth at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that your broth is packed with the nutrients you need.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs of bones (chicken, beef, or pork bones work well—ideally from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals)

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (this helps to extract minerals from the bones)

• 1 onion, roughly chopped

• 2-3 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are great options)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 12-16 cups of filtered water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bones: If using raw bones, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes to bring out more flavor. This step is optional but adds a rich depth of flavor.

2. Combine ingredients: Place the bones in a large pot or slow cooker. Add the vegetables, herbs, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cover with filtered water.

3. Simmer: If using a stovetop, bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for at least 12 hours (up to 24 hours for maximum benefits). If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 12-24 hours. Skim any foam or impurities from the surface occasionally.

4. Strain and store: Once the broth has simmered to your liking, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the bones and vegetables. Store the broth in jars or containers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for later use.

5. Enjoy! Sip the broth on its own, or use it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces. For added flavor, you can season it with a little sea salt or add a splash of lemon juice before serving.

No Time to Make Bone Broth? Here’s Where to Buy It

If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of ready-made bone broth, there are high-quality options available for purchase.

• Brodo makes from scratch bone broth that is free of concentrates and preservatives and comes in several different flavors that can be delivered right to your door! Each cup contains 10 grams of protein and zero fat.

Making Bone Broth Part of Your Winter Wellness Routine

Now that you know all the benefits of bone broth, how to make it, and where to buy it, how can you incorporate it into your winter wellness routine?

Here are a few ideas:

• Start your day with a cup of bone broth: Instead of coffee or tea, try a warm mug of bone broth first thing in the morning to kickstart your digestion and boost your energy levels.

• Sip it in the afternoon: When you feel the afternoon slump hit, a cup of bone broth is a nourishing, low-calorie pick-me-up.

• Use it in soups and stews: Bone broth makes an excellent base for your favorite winter soups and stews. It enhances the flavor while adding nutrients.

• Add it to your evening routine: Before bed, enjoy a warm cup of bone broth to support restful sleep and relaxation.

Bone broth is the ultimate winter wellness food—nourishing, comforting, and healing. Whether you make it at home or buy it from a trusted brand, it’s a simple and effective way to care for your body from the inside out. So, go ahead—make bone broth a part of your daily routine and feel the benefits throughout the season.

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