Did your grandma or mom make you chicken soup when you were sick? Ever wonder why it always seemed to do the trick in making you feel better? Well, it isn’t just another wives’ tale or old-world idea. Bone broth has been scientifically proven to reduce the length and severity of the common cold. Check out this article I posted for more ways to bust the cold and flu bugs – “The 5S’s of Busting Cold/Flu Bugs.”

All bone broths made from beef, chicken, fish, lamb or other meat proteins are staples in traditional diets in most cultures of the world. Why? Bone broths are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, rich in flavour and of course, boosts healing.

Bone broth or stock was a way to use all parts of the animal. Bones and marrow, skin, tendons, and ligaments, which cannot be consumed easily, can be simmered to cause these carcass parts to release their healing compounds of collagen, proline, glycine, glutamine, minerals and gelatin. Simply put, bone broth is packed with health-promoting minerals that your body readily absorbs like calcium and magnesium. A study conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center decided to scientifically figure out what gave chicken soup (broth) its beneficial qualities. Apparently, the amino acids (proline, glycine and glutamine) released into the prepared stock reduced inflammation in the respiratory system, improved digestion, boosted the immune system and healed disorders like allergies, asthma and arthritis. [1]

Bone broth is a fantastic addition to your cold/flu season staples, but NOT the store-bought varieties. However, selecting bones from grass-fed or ocean-wise sources will mean you are reaping the benefits contained within the bones without adding toxins like mercury, lead or pesticides to your body.

Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living. For soup can do more to lift the spirits and stimulate the appetite than any other one dish.– Louis P. De Gouy, The Soup Book (1949)

If you are curious about specific health benefits, check out Dr Axe’s blog post, “Bone Broth Benefits for Digestion, Arthritis and Cellulite.”

Resources

[1] University of Nebraska Medical Center. “Chicken Soup for a Cold” http://www.unmc.edu/publicrelations/media/press-kits/chicken-soup (accessed 23 October 2014).