Bone Broth Basics

So, gradually I find myself falling more and more into the natural/crunchy/healthy side of things. My husband calls it voodoo hoodoo stuff. 
All that aside, I would like to take a minute to talk about bone broth. I have been hearing about it on the web, in conversations, and at the online health summits. 
Basically, you take bones that are otherwise viewed as undesirable and cook them slowly over the course of 24-48 hours and what you get a is a super nutrient rich food.  You can add vinegar to pull out the maxim number of minerals from the bones. After you place it in the refrigerator you should notice it gel. The longer you cook the bones, the more gel-like it will be.  Once you have finished it, you have your own delicious homemade beef, fish or chicken stock. The beauty of this is, that it contains none of the MSG or additives that you get from the box/can in the store. Also, that can/box lacks so much nutrition! We need all the real live food we can get.

How do I make it?

 

Go to your local butcher and ask for bones.  

The feet, cartilage and knuckle bones etc. Yes, they will stare at you as though you have gone off your rocker.  These are CHEAP! They are practically giving them away. 

Take your precious bones home. 

You can make it in your crock pot (That is how I do it) 

Place several of the bones in the crock pot, fill with water and turn it to high. 

Once it hits a good simmer you can turn it to low. 

I also added in carrots, onion and celery. 

Let it cook like this for at least 24 hours. It can go longer. Some folks go for 48 hours. Remember you are pulling out all of the nutrients deep in the bone. 

Once it is cooked strain it, place it mason jars and enjoy! 

Store for up to 5 days or freeze it to use later. 

Here are some benefits to consuming it 

1. Promotes healing: Bone broths have been used successfully in treating gastro-intestinal disorders, including hyperacidity, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and infant diarrhea.

2. Digestive aid:   Aids in the digestibility of grains, beans, legumes, vegetables and meats and is hydrophilic in nature.

3. Macro minerals:  Contains highly absorbable forms of the calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur and fluoride as well as trace minerals.

4. Gelatin and Collagen: rich in both; promoting bone and joint healing in addition to supporting digestion.

5. Protein:  adds easily digestible protein to your diet.

6. Amino acids: Glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and lysine are formed, which is important to detoxification and amino acid production in the body.

7.  Joint support: Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid are produced and present for additional muscle and joint support.

8. Immune system: Promotes the assimilation of vitamins and minerals and thus supports the immune system.

9. Delicious and nutritious:  use as soup, cooking liquid, sauce or as a tea.
  

10.  Synergy: Finally by initially healing the GI tract, broth creates an environment for all of the nutrients being taken in, whether by food or supplementation, to increase their bio-availability to your body.