In this article, we share the health benefits of broth. Not the kind you find in a supermarket cube, but real broth - (self) made by simmering bones or a vegetarian variant: miso! Both variations are packed with nutrients that are great for your health.
What are the benefits of bone broth?
Broth made from bones is a good source of protein and contains various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, and sodium. Due to its high concentration of minerals, it can be considered a powerful superfood that contributes to a healthy immune system. The phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium in the broth are nutrients for your own bones and can make them stronger.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, bone broth also contains important amino acids. If you don't regularly eat meat, bone broth can help provide amino acids from animal proteins. Amino acids are crucial for muscle recovery and energy levels, which can help improve your fitness performance!
Is bone broth healthy? These are the benefits!
The longer the bones simmer, the more nutrients and minerals can be extracted (think 12-24 hours). Cooked bones contain glycine, glucosamine, gelatin, collagen, and chondroitin sulfates, which can provide various health benefits.
For example, glucosamine can protect the joints, and chondroitin sulfate (cartilage that protects joints) can help prevent osteoarthritis.
Collagen is linked to improving skin elasticity and is often found in supplements to reduce fine lines in the skin. It benefits not only your skin but also your hair and bones.
Gelatin can be beneficial for the intestines and helps keep the bones working smoothly without friction. It can assist overburdened joints to function well and provides building blocks to promote bone mineral density and maintain strong bones.
Research has shown that glycine plays an important role in your liver's ability to efficiently detoxify toxins - meaning bone broth can play a significant role in your liver's main task. Additionally, glycine may also help improve sleep and counteract fatigue.
Miso broth: a vegetarian and healthy alternative
If you don't consume animal products, then miso broth is an excellent healthy alternative! Miso is traditionally an Asian paste made from fermented soybeans. It can be used to make sauces and spreads, but the most well-known form is probably miso soup.
Since soybeans are the base, miso is considered a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids for human health. Miso is also rich in various other nutrients such as Vitamin K, different B vitamins, zinc, copper, sodium, manganese, and a small amount of calcium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, and choline.
Health benefits of miso broth
Miso broth is incredibly nutritious. The various B-vitamins provide good support for the nervous system and help provide energy to your body. Vitamin K also contributes to wound healing and improves bone health.
The primary advantage of miso is the fermentation process: this makes the nutrients easier for the body to absorb, and miso is also rich in probiotics. This brings various health benefits to the intestines, such as improved digestion and support for a healthy immune system.
Additional benefit of bone broth and miso
An additional advantage of bone broth and miso is that they are not only nutrient-dense but also low in calories. This makes them a perfect snack when you want to maintain weight. For both bone broth and miso, you can add vegetables, herbs, or spices to enhance the taste.
A tip for bone broth: adding apple cider vinegar helps extract minerals and nutrients, so it's good to add a dash of it! Of course, you can also use the broth as a base for a delicious soup, stew, or for cooking grains or rice.
Making broth? Here's what to consider
Health tip: try to use organic meat and high-quality bones, preferably from a source where you know the animals had a good life and proper nutrition - free from injected hormones, antibiotics, or other chemicals.
Also, when buying miso from the store, it's essential to pay attention to its quality: it can be high in salt (sodium), so keep that in mind if you're watching your salt intake.
Enjoy it!
