Fact or fad: bone broth

Is this popular, paleo health food as soup-er as they say?

Bone broth is big news. From glam cookbook authors the Hemsley sisters toting ‘Boil Your Bones’ tote bags, to Brodo in New York selling bone broth in coffee cups, this hearty liquid is a bona fide health trend. But is it actually good for you? We sat down with Christopher Clark, award-winning author of Nutritional Grail, to find out.

How does bone broth differ from stock?

Bone broth is a nutritious liquid made by simmering bones (usually beef, lamb, or chicken) for 24 hours or more. Stock is similar, but only needs around three hours of simmering. While stock is a tasty base for soups, bone broth is a healing tonic.

Why is it being touted as the new health food?

Although it’s trendy now, our ancestors have been boiling bones for centuries – they didn’t waste any part of the animal. Bones are rich in glycine, an amino acid that’s important for digestive health and the function of your central nervous system. Drinking it can soothe and repair your gut, and make you feel calmer and less stressed. It can even improve your memory.

What about vegans and vegetarians? Is there any way they can get the benefits?

There are some vegan protein powders that contain glycine, but bone broth also contains other important amino acids, plus many minerals. Really, the only way to reap the benefits of bone broth is via the bones.

Are there any potentially harmful side effects?

How healthy your broth is depends on how the animal was raised. Choose organic, grass-fed (not grain-fed) meat if possible.

What tips do you have for making bone broth?

– You can make it in a slow cooker or simply in a large stockpot on your stove. – It’s important to roast the bones in the oven first, to add more depth to the flavour of the broth. – While the broth is simmering, add a few spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar, as this helps the bones release more minerals. – Duration is key – boil your bones for at least 24 hours (ideally more), until they’re brittle enough to break with your hands. – Believe it or not, you can actually serve bone broth as a drink in a mug with a pinch of salt.

Anything else we should know?

Keep in mind that bone broth is not a cure-all for healthy living. It’s an excellent nutritional tool, but it works best in the context of a healthy diet and lifestyle; your body can’t get all the vitamins and minerals it needs from bone broth alone.