Bone Broth - Old Tradition or Superfood Elixir? And whether collagen drinks can slow down the aging process.

Grandma already knew exactly, if you are ill you should eat soup! Whether chicken, vegetable or even bone broth, the main thing is boiled vegetables in combination of fat and/or meat. In the USA this trend took up in the past years correctly speed up and it developed not only the Paleo fans to "bone broth" fans, but a whole mass at Foodies granted this rediscovered elixir a firm place in their nutrition. 

What is bone broth?
Bone broth is a soup stock made from meat bones and vegetables. However, the cooking time is considerable and takes 6 to 24 hours (Hallelujah, if you have a Slowcooker, Croq-pot or similar!). The cooking time is so long because bones, cartilage and tendons have to decompose and that takes time. The result is a rich soup of collagen and amino acids. Mostly, as mentioned above, vegetables are also added. A perfect supplement, because vitamins and minerals are also boiled out and join the other nutrients. The advantage - as with all clear soup - is the supply of minerals with the greatest possible relief for the digestive organs, which is particularly important when fighting viruses and/or bacteria of a disease.  

How healthy is bone broth?

The collagen boiled in bone broth is embedded in skin, tissue and bone marrow and strengthens the bones. Enzymes break it down in the intestines into amino acids, which the body uses wherever it needs them. Collagen has many benefits for the human body: it strengthens bones, "lubricates" joints and promotes healthy hair and nails. Amino acids support the digestive system by reducing inflammation, strengthening the immune system and promoting the growth of healthy probiotics in the intestine. 

Nevertheless, it is controversial that our body is able to properly absorb and utilize this collagen from the broth. Collagen even developed in powder form into THE new protein shake, but at high prices. Some studies promise impressive results: after several weeks of use, test persons noted reduced cellulite and wrinkles, firmer skin and improvement in joint pain, intestinal and digestive problems. "Companies advertise with "bioactive collagen peptides", which are supposed to improve the condition of the skin. Their studies are not very convincing and, moreover, paid for by the manufacturer," writes the homepage medwatch on 19.3.2020. (The MedWatch team scans the net for dangerous and dubious healing promises. One focus is on research from the grey area of the net, where supposed healers offer their miracles). The consumer advice center also writes: "The effect of collagen drinks for the prevention or treatment of wrinkles has not been scientifically clearly proven". The good news is that collagen in bone bread or in powder form is not harmful to the human body and has so far - unfortunately - been a matter of faith or even personal experience. As always, we will keep up to date and add to this article should the study situation change. By the way, these amino acids (collagen) are generally difficult to absorb with food, unless you eat a lot of offal. Offal is not your topic, in that case read this blog post and let yourself be surprised by creative dishes. 

Ultimately, it is positive to cook the bones in a kind of residue recycling and create a tasty broth. It is also a health benefit to boil plenty of vegetables, herbs, ginger and garlic in the broth.

We have also tried a recipe and can warmly recommend it to you (your genes!).

Have fun cooking! 

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE