The Bountiful Benefits of Bone Broth

So, you’ve heard the buzz about bone broth, but you’re not quite sure what it is, why it’s gaining popularity, or if it really lives up to the hype. It is literally boiled bones - what’s so special about that? Well, as it turns out, there is quite a bit that’s special about it. More importantly, there is quite a bit it can do for you and many of your bodily functions. Let’s investigate the process of making bone broth and how that process produces a nutrient rich liquid that can either be enjoyed as a beverage, or added to meals for enhanced health benefits and flavor.

What is Bone Broth?

HOW IT'S MADE

Simply put, bone broth is made from water, vinegar, and bones. These ingredients are brought to a boil, reduced to a simmer, and left alone to cook for anywhere between 12 to 24 hours. Afterward, the liquid is separated from the solid pieces through straining. The longer the ingredients are allowed to cook, the yummier and more nutritious the broth will be.

The most nutritious broths contain sustainably-sourced of bones, rich in connective tissue. The vinegar in the concoction is what draws out the nutrients from the bones into the surrounding liquid.

You can add your own herbs and spices as well as vegetables to enhance the flavor. Most commonly used veggies are garlic, onion, celery, and carrots.

WHAT'S IN IT

To get the most out of bone broth, it is important to consider from where the bones are harvested. Using grass-fed beef bones or free-range chicken bones will yield a more nutritious broth because of how they are fed and how they live their lives.

Animals get their nutrients from the foods they eat. A lot of these nutrients are stored in their bones and connective tissue. This includes calcium, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, potassium, and fluoride. Just like us humans, the formation and maintenance of our bones requires plentiful and constant replenishment of these nutrients.

The catch is, our bodies use other vitamins and minerals to get the most use out of these bone minerals including Vitamins A, K, C, and B, along with manganese, copper, zinc, iron, and boron. And wouldn’t you know, all of these can be found in the marrow of bones as well.

In the connective tissues, we can find gelatin which yields quite the dosage of amino acids and collagen necessary for skin, joint, nail, and hair health. So, how do these vitamins and minerals help us live healthier lives? Keep reading to find out!

Reap the Benefits

HEAL YOUR LEAKY GUT

The connective tissue that holds animal bones together (cartilage) is found in the parts of the animals such as hooves and beaks. These parts contain collagen and when they are broken down in the broth-making process, they produce gelatin. The vinegar in the broth mixture pulls a few amino acids out of the gelatin, including glutamine.

Glutamine helps heal “leaky gut” syndrome by staving off the inflammation that causes the tight junctions in your intestinal wall to open. This is, of course, extremely important because it seals your intestines off from the rest of your body, prohibiting toxins from entering your bloodstream and other organs and tissues.

FIGHT OFF INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

Other amino acids derived from bone broth such as glycine and arginine have very strong anti-inflammatory effects. Because of this, bone broth is effective in lessening the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's, and Ulcerative Colitis.

Chondroitin and glucosamine are compounds found in cartilage and therefore present in bone broth. Studies show that chondroitin helps decrease joint pain and glucosamine can help with the stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. For this reason, scientists believe that bone broth can also be extremely beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

IMPROVE SLEEP & BRAIN FUNCTION

Although the mechanisms behind glycine’s connection with improved sleep is yet to be understood, scientists have concluded that glycine promotes better sleep by adjusting your body’s thermoregulation functions and circadian rhythms through certain receptors in your SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus - the receptor in your brain in charge of your Master Clock).

Because of improved sleep quality, this supports the notion that glycine also helps improve wakefulness, memory, and mental clarity. Given that bone broth is abundant in this amino acid, there is a great possibility of it assisting in sleep health and mental function.

SUPPORT YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS

While bone broth is not primarily used for weight loss, it can assist you in dropping a few pounds. Studies show that the gelatin content of broth helps you feel fuller and therefore curbs your appetite. This leads to weight loss over time by reducing your calorie intake, however, calorie deficiency is not the only facet of weight loss you should look into if that is your goal. General healthy eating, a solid sleep cycle, and physical activity should be taken into account as well.

OWL Broth Elixirs - What’s The Difference?

Now that we’ve talked about not only how broth is made, but what goes into making high quality, highly nutritious broth, you might ask - what makes OWL Broth Elixirs so special? We’re glad you’re curious because we want to share our mission with the world!

HIGH QUALITY BONES- GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

At OWL, we only use bones that are grass fed and finished, free-range, and organic. We are proud and privileged to support farmers who raise happy and healthy animals that are free to roam, and live on natural diets. Not only does this mean more nutritious meat, but also that the land on which the animals are raised is honored with environmentally friendly farming practices.

SIMMERED FOR 24 HOURS

Since we know that the longer we let the bones simmer, the better the broth turns out, we leave them to cook for 24 hours. This draws out the most nutrients - and flavor - from the bones and into the broth.

PRESSURE-CANNED IN SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

Not only do we pressure can our broth for a six-month shelf life, ensuring freshness, we also work with local providers to achieve our goal of sustainability with recyclable and reusable packaging.

INFUSED WITH MEDICINAL HERBS & LOVE

The healing herbs we include in our trademark recipe help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and aid your digestion. And bonus - they make it taste more like tea rather than traditional broth that you can sip straight from the jar.

At OWL, all of our employees are treated like family. We work with them through every step of our handmade Broth Elixirs, Mylkshakes, and skincare line to ensure high quality, good-for-you products concocted with love.

Feel The Benefits For Yourself

So, you’ve heard the buzz and now you’ve learned about the benefits. It’s time to take control of your body, health, and wellbeing. Try a brew of bone broth from our collection of Elixirs and feel the difference for yourself. Stop standing on the sidelines while you watch others transform their health and tell you all about it. This is one bandwagon you won’t regret joining.