Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth Recipe for a Healthy Gut

Bone broth has been touted for its many health benefits, including its ability to nourish the gut. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of bone broth, the differences between bone broth and traditional broth and stock, and provide an easy slow cooker chicken bone broth recipe that you can make at home.

The Benefits of Bone Broth: What You Need to Know

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones, vegetables, and herbs for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours. The resulting broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense food that can benefit overall health.

One of the primary benefits of bone broth is its ability to support gut health. The collagen and gelatin found in bone broth can help to repair the gut lining, which can become damaged due to poor diet, stress, and certain medications.

Additionally, bone broth may help to reduce inflammation in the body, support joint health, and boost the immune system. It's also great for skin health, as collagen is a key component of healthy skin.

Another benefit of bone broth is its potential to improve sleep quality. The amino acid glycine, which is found in bone broth, has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain and can help improve sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness. This makes bone broth a great option for those who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders.

Bone Broth vs. Traditional Broth and Stock: Understanding the Differences

While bone broth is similar to traditional broth and stock, there are some key differences. Traditional broth and stock are typically simmered for a shorter period, usually 2-4 hours, and primarily use meat and bones. In contrast, bone broth uses a larger quantity of bones and is simmered for a longer period to extract more nutrients.

Another key difference between bone broth and traditional broth is the addition of apple cider vinegar. The acid in the vinegar helps to extract more nutrients from the bones, making the broth even more nutrient-dense.

One of the benefits of bone broth is its high collagen content. Collagen is a protein that is found in bones, skin, and connective tissue. When bone broth is simmered for a long period, the collagen in the bones breaks down into gelatin, which can help improve skin health and joint function.

Additionally, bone broth is often used as a natural remedy for digestive issues. The gelatin in bone broth can help soothe and heal the lining of the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and improving overall gut health.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

What is Bone Broth and Why is it So Popular?

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a quick look at what bone broth is and why it's become so popular in recent years. Bone broth has been consumed for centuries in various cultures as a healing food. Its popularity has surged in recent years due to its many touted health benefits, as well as the rise of the paleo and keto diets.

The Nutritional Value of Bone Broth

One of the primary benefits of bone broth is its high nutritional value. It contains collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are important for overall health and may help to support gut health, joint health, and skin health.

The Healing Properties of Bone Broth

Bone broth is often referred to as a healing food due to its ability to support gut health and reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, bone broth may help to support joint health, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin.

Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth Ingredients You Need to Try

• 1 whole organic chicken, including giblets and neck
• 2-3 stalks of celery, roughly chopped
• 2-3 carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• Filtered water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth in 5 Easy Steps

1. Place the chicken, giblets, and neck in a large slow cooker.
2. Add the celery, carrots, onion, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Add enough filtered water to cover the chicken and vegetables.
4. Cook on low for 12-24 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Once done, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer and discard the solids. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Storing and Using Bone Broth

Once the bone broth has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to six months.

Bone broth can be consumed on its own as a warming tonic or used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces. Try adding it to your morning smoothie or using it as a cooking liquid for rice or quinoa for an extra boost of nutrients.

Notes on Making the Perfect Bone Broth Every Time

When making bone broth, it's important to use high-quality, organic ingredients whenever possible. This includes using organic, pasture-raised chicken and organic vegetables.

Additionally, be sure to include the apple cider vinegar, as it helps to extract more nutrients from the bones.

Finally, be patient. Slow cooking the broth for an extended period is what allows for the extraction of all of the beneficial nutrients. The longer you cook the broth, the more nutrient-dense it will be.

Enjoy this nourishing chicken bone broth recipe for a healthy gut!

Other Variations of Bone Broth

While chicken bone broth is a popular variation, there are many other types of bone broth that you can make. Beef bone broth, for example, is another popular option that is rich in nutrients and has a hearty flavor. You can also make bone broth using fish bones, which is a great option for those who prefer a lighter, more delicate broth.

Using Bone Broth for Cooking

Bone broth is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or as a cooking liquid for grains and vegetables. You can also use bone broth to add flavor and nutrition to your favorite recipes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.