Let’s explore some of the health benefits of bone broth:

Kidney health: How to Improve my Kidney Function

Bone broth is rich in minerals and vitamins that help protect against the damaging effects of toxins like lead. Moreover, glycine has been shown to stimulate the production of glutathione. It also protects the body against hypoxia, reduces oxidative stress, and speeds recovery after liver transplant.

Proline plays an important role in the breakdown of old cells (apoptosis) and in clearing up waster products in the body. On the other hand, glutamine is a nontoxic nitrogen transporter that carries amine groups through the blood to the kidneys. The process of converting glutamine to glutamate in the kidney produces ammonium which regulates acid-base balance.

Cardiovascular and metabolic health

Bone broth is rich in glycine which helps regulate blood sugar by controlling glucose production in the liver (gluconeogenesis). This amino acid has been shown to counteract the negative effects of consuming dietary fructose and also reduce the intensity of heart attacks. Furthermore, Glycine helps balance out methionine intake.

Eggs and muscle meats are high in an amino acid known as methionine which raises the levels of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine increase the risk for serious diseases such as stroke, fractures, heart disease, and mental illness, and it also increases the body’s need for nutrients that neutralize homocysteine like choline, B12, B6, and folate. Therefore, people who eat lots of meat need adequate levels of glycine to regulate the methionine from animal protein, and they can get that by eating bone broth.

Enhance Muscle Repair and Performance

Glycine is very important for the synthesis of myoglobin and hemoglobin, which are responsible for transporting oxygen through muscle tissue and blood respectively. Furthermore, glycine increases the levels of cretin, which stimulates the production of human growth hormone, enhances muscle repair, and helps increase high-intensity (anaerobic) capacity.

Recent studies show that proline helps regulate the mTOR cellular signaling pathway, which helps integrate signals from stress factors, cellular energy status, growth factors, and nutrients to affect cell growth and function. Proline and other amino acids activate mTOR, which enhances muscle protein synthesis.

ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) is a form of energy that is used to perform work in the body. Phosphorus is necessary for the formation of ATP, which can only be active when it’s bound to magnesium ions. Research shows phosphorus deficiencies impair muscle performance. Bone broth contains magnesium and phosphorus in modest amounts.

Joints and Bones: How can I keep my joints healthy?

Bone broth provides all the necessary materials for building strong and healthy bones, including amino acids, phosphorus, and calcium. A deficiency of these materials results in various conditions. For instance, osteoporosis is commonly associated with low levels of calcium and collagen in the bones.

To keep your joints and bones healthy you also need the nutrients necessary for supporting the building process, such as vitamins K2, C, and D. These and a host of other essential nutrients such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine which are essential for keeping joints and bones healthy can be obtained from bone broth supplements.

Digestion: How Can I Improve Digestion?

Drinking bone broth is a good way to improve digestion. Nutrients such as glycine enhance the secretion of stomach acid, which helps improve digestion. Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) is very common even in developed countries and can cause a wide range of complications, including GERD and heartburn.

Furthermore, glycine is an important constituent of bile acid, which aids in the digestion of fats. Bile acid also helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels. Gelatin supports healthy bowel movements and improves gut motility by drawing fluid into the small intestine. Low levels of collagen in the blood have been linked to inflammatory bowel disease.

Brain Health: Ways to improve my Brain Health

Many components of bone broth are highly beneficial to the nervous system. Bone broth is rich in healthy fats which provide a source of raw materials and fuel for the brain. Glycine has been shown to protect the brain against neuronal death especially after ischemic shock.

Calcium is also important for nerve conduction. When nerve cells are stimulated, calcium triggers the release of neurotransmitters, allowing signals to be passed on to other nerve cells. Calcium deficiency can affect this transmission and result in symptoms of hyperactivity, insomnia, and depression.

Many people also report a host of other benefits such as weight loss and better eye sight when they start drinking this nutrient-rich supplement. An increase in the intake of collagen is also reported to reduce many signs of aging such as puffiness around the eyes and wrinkles.

More BENEFITS of Bone Broth!

Here are some of the best brain health supplements you can use to improve brain function:

     1. Bone broth

Bone broth is a very popular trend nowadays especially in health and fitness. This is largely due its numerous health benefits that have been thrown to the limelight, especially in the recent past.

Bone broth is a nutritious liquid made by simmering animal connective tissue and bones. Acid such as lemon juice or vinegar is used to break down the connective tissue and collagen, leaving you with a nutritious, tasty liquid commonly used in sauces and soups.

In addition to being tasty and nutritious, people are drinking bone broth to improve brain function, lose weight, nourish their joints and improve their skin.

Bone broth can be made from various animal bones, such as beef, pig, chicken, fish, wild game, lamb and turkey. Moreover any connective tissue or marrow can be used, including gizzards, hooves, feet, legs, hocks, spines, fins or whole carcass.

Bone broth’s nutrient content largely depends on the ingredients used and their quality.

• Bone: The bones provide minerals like phosphorus and calcium. Silicon, potassium, magnesium, sodium and sulfur are also present.
• Connective tissue: The tissue gives you chondroitin and glucosamine which are very popular supplements for joint pain and arthritis.
• Marrow: The bone marrow provides omega 3s, omega 6s, vitamin K2, Vitamin A and minerals such as selenium, zinc, iron manganese and baron, most of which are very essential for a healthy brain. Marrow from lamb and Beef is also rich in CLA.

Bones, marrow and connective tissue are all rich in collagen which is converted to gelatin through the simmering process. Gelatin, when taken just before going to bed helps improve brain function and sleep.  People who consume bone broth before going to bed feel less fatigued and more motivated the next day.

Bone broth has also been shown to improve memory and alertness hence reducing the risk of accidents and errors due to poor brain health or fatigue. Bone broth is also great for bone health, joint health, as well as weight loss. Bone broth supplements can be found online or in vitamin stores.

      2. Fish oils

Studies show that fish oil is an excellent source of 2 types of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved brain health and other health benefits.

DHA is very important in maintaining the function and structure of the brain as it accounts for 90% of the omega-3 fat, and 25% of the total fat in the brain cells. On the other hand, EPA provides anti-inflammatory benefits that protect the brain against aging and damage. It also helps improve mood in people with depression.

Taking fish oil supplements that contain DHA has been linked with various brain health benefits such as improved memory, reaction times and thinking skills in healthy people. It can also help people who are experiencing a decline in brain function.

For people who don’t consume the recommended amount of fish, taking fish oil supplements can help promote healthy brain aging and good brain health.

      3. Ginkgo Biloba

This is a very popular herbal supplement that is obtained from the Ginkgo biloba tree. Many people take Ginkgo biloba supplements to improve their brain power, and it is readily available online and in many stores.

It works by boosting blood flow to your brain and it helps improve various brain functions like memory and focus. Some studies also claim that Ginkgo biloba helps reduce decline in brain function related to age. For instance, one study found that taking Ginkgo biloba supplements improves thinking skills and memory. However, results from some studies have been inconsistent.

     4. Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is produced naturally in the body. It’s an amino acid that plays a vital part in metabolism, especially in the production of energy.

Animal studies claim that taking Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements can help improve memory, slow down memory loss related to age, increase learning capacity, and improve alertness. Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements can be found online or in local vitamin stores.

Clinical studies have shown that Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements may be useful in slowing down decline in brain function. The supplement can also help improve brain function particularly in people with Alzheimer’s or mild dementia. However, its effects in otherwise healthy folks who aren’t suffering from mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia are unknown.

      5. Resveratrol

Resveratrol, an antioxidant, occurs naturally in the peels of red and purple fruits like blueberries, raspberries and grapes. It is also found in peanuts, chocolate and red wine.

It has also been suggested that resveratrol supplements can prevent the weakening of the hippocampus, which is associated with memory. Therefore, this supplement could slow down age-related decline in brain function.

Animal studies have shown that this supplement can boost brain function and memory. One study on a group of older adults found that taking resveratrol helps improve memory. However, more human studies need to be conducted to be certain of the effects of resveratrol on brain health.

The bottom-line

Some of these brain-boosting supplements such as bone broth show promise for protecting and improving brain health, largely due to the minerals and nutrients they provide.