At least once a fortnight I make a batch of bone broth. It has many benefits, rich in calcium, magnesium and
phosphorous. A good source of glucosamine that will benefit arthritic pains and discomfort and jam packed with
collagen and gelatin for supple skin, strong nails and shiny hair!
But the best thing I love about it, is how it is super healing to the gut. Our digestive tracts can really cop it, sometimes our diets are bad (excess sugar, poor food choices, highly processed foods, minimal fibre, too much food!) and this can lead to inflammation within the gut, our good gut bugs can be reduced while the bad ones overgrow leaving us more
susceptible to those uncomfortable symptoms of bloating, wind, constipation or diarrhea, not to mention feeling tired and lethargic.
There are also conditions such as celiac disease, crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that are inflammatory to the gut and will benefit from the healing properties of bone broth. Other conditions such as ulcers, reflux, heartburn and IBS may also be reduced.
How does bone broth help the gut?
The above conditions cause inflammation to the mucous layer of the gut. This is where the rich source of gelatin and
collagen come into play from the broth. They help restore, heal and support this mucous membrane layer and
therefore reduce inflammation.
Recipe – Bone Broth
2-3kg beef/lamb/chicken bones (I used lamb necks in this video)
1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar
1 onion
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
Salt and peppercorns (1 tsp each)
Herbs – thyme, parsley, oregano (it’s up to you)
Roast the bones for 30 mins then place in slow cooker. Add roughly chopped onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Add salt and pepper and herbs. Cover with water (approx 2-3 litres) Cook for around 24 hours.
Strain into a container and place in the fridge for a few hours until the fat hardens and then remove (see video above)
BEWARE: Making bone broth is a smelly process – my daughters friend came over and as soon as she stepped in the front door she said “ewww what’s that smell? It smells like dog food”