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What’s the deal with the bone broth fad?

New dieting and nutrition trends pop up faster than a person can complete their current juice cleanse, so it's no surprise that yet another popular health-food fad has made its way into the mainstream. Bone broth is the hottest (both figuratively and literally) craze nutrition-minded people are slurping up as part of their overall well-being and dietary consciousness.

Via bloomforlife.org

What is bone broth? Pretty much what it sounds like. According to Nourished Kitchen, "Bone Broth is typically made with bones and can contain a small amount of meat adhering to the bones. As with stock, bones are typically roasted first to improve the flavor of the bone broth. Bone broths are typically simmered for a very long period of time (often for 8 hours, and sometimes in excess of 24 hours), with the purpose being not only to produce gelatin from collagen-rich joints but also to release a small amount of trace minerals from bones."

Not only do people find this simmered sensation to taste great, but the benefits of consuming bone broth are numerous. Check out these convincing reasons to hop aboard the bone broth bandwagon and see what's simmering.

Protects Joints

Achy and stiff joints are a common problem, particularly as we age. Many people pop glucosamine supplements to keep the joint pain at bay, but bone broth can be just as effective (and far tastier). As per Shape, "Bone broth has glucosamine too. But unlike pills, the broth also includes a host of other goodies that help keep your joints happy, healthy, and pain-free. The chondroitin sulfatein bone broth has been shown to help prevent osteoarthritis."

Dr. Axe adds, "Bone broth is one of world's best sources of natural collagen, the protein found in vertebrae animals — in their bones, skin, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and bone marrow. As bone broth simmers, collagen from the animal parts leaches into the broth and becomes readily absorbable to help restore cartilage." Become more limber as you lap up your broth!

Keeps Skin Supple

Collagen is also a key component to keeping skin youthful-looking and supple. Dr. Axe explains, "Collagen helps form elastin and other compounds within skin that are responsible for maintaining skin's youthful tone, texture and appearance. Collagen integrity is accredited with helping reduce the visible signs of wrinkles, decreasing puffiness and fighting various other signs of aging." Shape adds, "Collagen also helps to make the hair and nails look radiant."

Broth and a bright glow go hand-in-hand!

Immune-Booster

Chicken soup may be good for the soul, but bone broth is good for the immune system. According to Louise Hay, "Amino acids in bone broth, like arginine, glutamine, and cysteine, have been shown to boost immunity in humans and animals."

As per Dr. Axe, "Bone broth is one of the most beneficial foods to consume to restore gut health and therefore support immune system function and healthy inflammation response." The next time you feel something coming on, start simmering those bones and get ready to slurp your way to recovery.

If these 3 reasons aren't enough to get you to brew up some broth, Louise Hay adds even more health-related properties. Bone broth can strengthen teeth, help with weight loss, improve hydration, build muscle, improve mood, improve sleep, protect cells, and more.

Via outsideonline.com

For a simple bone broth recipe, see what Nourished Kitchen is slowly simmering up. They say it's the easiest bone broth you'll make! You'll be sure to enjoy it, no bones about it!

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