Benefits of Bone Broth

1. Bone broth is high in protein.

Animal bone broth is an excellent source of protein. One 8-ounce cup of chicken bone broth, for example, has about 10 grams of protein.

2. It's high in collagen.

Bone broth is also an excellent source of collagen, a protein found in connective tissue. Collagen is essential in wound healing, skin elasticity (think less wrinkles/stretch marks), healthy nails and hair, and improved joint health.

3. Bone broth can boost your micronutrient status.

Micronutrients are a critical part of overall health. "Micronutrients are the tiny vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that act as regulators and building blocks for the molecular machinery of our bodies," Dr. Means explains.

"When we eat, we should be on a micronutrient hunt to get a diverse and adequate array. Bone broth provides many of these, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin K2, iron, zinc, selenium, and manganese.5 Many of these micronutrients are important for our metabolic function, for how we process energy in the body, and something that humans are often low in. Vegetarian broth, for example, will include rich amounts of micronutrients."

4. It is a source of glycine, which may benefit metabolic health.

Dr. Means notes that the amino acid called glycine functions as a neurotransmitter, which is a building block of collagen and needed to make a critical antioxidant, glutathione. "Glycine also plays a role in blood sugar metabolism and metabolic health, and supplemental glycine has been found to improve liver fat content, cholesterol levels, insulin levels, and oxidative stress in animal models," she says.

"Glycine also is able to promote the secretion of acid in the stomach, which is important for adequate digestion and healthy gut function. Surprisingly, low stomach acid can actually lead to gastric reflux symptoms, so supporting healthy acid production in the stomach is important for overall digestion.

5. Bone broth has a low glycemic index.

"Homemade meat-based broths are very low glycemic, with no added sugar, low in calories, and a great way to get hydration," Dr. Means says. "As such, it can make for a great snack to tide you over between meals without an insulin spike that can lead to post-meal crashes in energy."

https://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/bone-broth-benefits