Hot, healthful and nutritious
By Karen Frye
There is a strong resurgence of foods that were consumed many years ago by our ancestors. Our grandmothers made use of every part of the chicken, cow or pig in their recipes. They grew the vegetables, had fruit growing seasonally, and picked wild berries. They milked their own cows, and made their own butter. They were extremely resourceful, and creative, and worked tirelessly with love to prepare meals for the family.
Making soup is one of the best ways to utilize ingredients to make a delicious, healthful meal. Nourishing broths go back to the Stone Age. Soup is a true universal food, and the variations are endless and easy to prepare. Bone broth is one of the oldest and has resurfaced as a food highly beneficial to our health. It contains valuable amino acids, collagen, gelatin and minerals. Many of the nutrients in bone broth are not found in other foods.
Protein in the broth helps build muscles, strong bones and new cells in the body. It is one of the very best sources of natural collagen, which helps support healthy cartilage and connective tissue. Collagen helps form elastin within the skin to maintain youthful appearance, slowing the formation of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Gelatin heals the gut and increases the growth of beneficial bacteria. The amino acid glutamine is a wonderful healer for the intestines and many digestive issues. It also aids in detoxification while helping the liver function better as it removes toxins. Bone broth is highly beneficial in boosting the immune system and increasing metabolism. In fact, if consumed on a regular basis, it can help all systems and functions throughout the body.
Bone broth can be made at home using grass-fed chicken or beef bones, organic carrots, celery, onions and leeks. Adding some seaweed boosts the trace minerals in the broth. Chef Sueson Vess is our local expert in preparing healthy foods. She regularly teaches classes on broth making and gluten-free foods. Check out her website, specialeats.com. She will walk you through the steps of making a delicious bone broth.
You can drink the bone broth as a hot beverage, and you can use it as a base for other soups. You can also find bone broth powders to add to smoothies. Increasingly, research bolsters the case for its amazing health benefits. It’s a tasty and delicious health food that could improve the quality of your life, too. PS
Karen Frye is the owner and founder of Nature’s Own and teaches yoga at the Bikram Yoga Studio.
