Bone Broth & Collagen
One of the (many) things I recommend to clients regularly, especially in the fall and winter months, is Bone Broth and Grass-Fed Collagen. I also incorporate this into my KickStart Your Health Program so I often get questions about what these are, why should we incorporate them into our healthy living routine and what are the specific benefits.
Well, I decided to do a little blog post to break it down for everyone! At the end I also included a link for an easy recipe for easily making your own bone broth! BUT, if you don’t feel like making your own we have so many great resources available to us now! You can now find homemade broth at many local health food stores and Whole Foods, Better Health etc. There’s really no excuse and the health bennies are so worth it!
I hope you find this helpful! Here you go!
Bone Broth & Collagen-
What is Bone Broth:
Bone broth is a nutritious stock made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water with an acid, such as vinegar. The acid breaks down the collagen and connective tissue and leaves us with a tasty, nutritious liquid stock!
Bone Broth contains collagen that is rich in important amino acids like glycine and glutamine. It also contains vital minerals such as, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc)
When beef, chicken or fish bones simmer for 6-24 hours it releases glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which help keep joints healthy and strong.
I like to think of bone broth as an addition to our diet to support overall health. It gives us an important variety of key nutrients to keep us feeling our best. It is also a fantastic addition in the winter months to boost immunity, support your nervous system and feel your best in the darkest, coldest days. Bonus: it is calm and soothing, like a comfort food!
What is Collagen:
Collagen is a protein found in bone broth. It is the most abundant proteinin your body, called peptides; made up of essential amino acids. They are the building blocks of your body. Peptides are in connection with your hair, skin and nails, but more importantly they provide structure to your bone and connective tissues!
Collagen helps cells repair and renew, and it strengthens tissues. It supports bone strength and keeps intestines, blood vessels and organs elastic and strong.
Unfortunately our internal collagen decreases as we age, which is why many elderly experience brittle bones, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Adding collagen to your diet can help keep bones, cartilage, blood vessels, tissues etc strong and elastic.
* Collagen: helps cells renew and repair and strengthens tissues.
supports bone strength
keeps our intestines, blood vessels and organs elastic and strong
Collagen Powder:
Collagen is a protein found in bone broth, but it can also be isolated via a process which creates a more concentrated collagen powder supplement.
This can be beneficial because you get much bigger doses of collagen, and collagen-specific amino acids like glycine, glutamine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine.
These amino acid “all-stars” are awesome for:
keeping joints healthy,
your digestive system running optimally
helps calm your nervous system to support recovery.
Collagen can also be used as a general tonic, but I tend to think of it for more specific concerns.
For example:
target sore joints; rhuematoid arthritis, osteoarthritis
heal injuries and tears
help fix a leaky gut
improve sleep troubles
support skin health
These larger doses of collagen-specific amino acids will likely be very helpful!
More On Benefits:
Decreases Joint Pain: Collagen can help increase the synthesis of cells to reduce joint pain and improve symptoms of arthritis.
Prevents Leaky Gut: Leaky gut syndrome is a condition caused by increased intestinal permeability resulting in symptoms like inflammation, decreased immunity and nutritional deficiencies. One study in Food & Function found that collagen can improve intestinal barrier function and protect against leaky gut syndrome.
Promotes Hair and Skin Health: As the building block of the hair, skin and nails, some studies show that collagen supplementation could be helpful against hair loss and skin-related conditions.
Improves Liver Function: Collagen is rich in a type of amino acid called glycine, which has been shown to preserve liver function and protect against liver injury in some animal studies.
* I personally prefer bone broth, but taking a collagen supplement is also a good way to boost collagen levels.
The best form of a collagen protein includes several types, including from chicken collagen, bovine collagen, fish collagen and egg shell collagen.
Collagen is a good option to help combat signs of aging and enhance overall health! It can be especially beneficial for those with injuries, autoimmune disorders or conditions like arthritis, leaky gut syndrome or liver function problems.
The good news is you don’t have to pick one or the other! You can use both!
Click the link below for your easy recipe to make your own Immune Boosting Bone Broth!
