ScientificAsia: You might have heard people on TikTok calling bone broth “liquid gold.” But is it that good for your health? Let’s take a closer look at what experts have to say.
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by boiling animal bones, like chicken, beef, or pork, for a long time. Cooks use bones with a little meat still on them, along with joints and connective tissue. The long cooking process helps release nutrients, especially proteins like collagen, which some people say are good for your health.
You can use bone broth just like you would use regular broth or stock to make soups and stews. But does it have special health benefits?
Does Bone Broth Help Your Joints?
One popular belief is that the amino acids in bone broth (the building blocks of protein) can help strengthen your joints by boosting collagen production. Collagen is important for keeping tendons, ligaments, and cartilage strong and flexible.
Some small studies suggest that taking collagen supplements may help athletes recover faster and reduce joint pain in people with arthritis. However, bone broth hasn’t been tested the same way as these supplements, so it’s not clear if drinking it will have the same benefits.
Can Bone Broth Help Your Digestion?
Bone broth contains an amino acid called glutamine, which some research says could reduce inflammation and improve gut health. A study on mice showed that drinking bone broth helped protect their digestive system. However, we don’t know for sure if bone broth works the same way in humans.
Doctors say it could be good for your gut, but it’s not a guaranteed fix for stomach problems.
Does Bone Broth Improve Your Skin?
Collagen is also important for keeping your skin firm and elastic. Some studies suggest that collagen supplements can make your skin healthier, but most of these studies were funded by companies that sell the supplements. There’s no strong proof that bone broth will make your skin look better.
Is Bone Broth Safe to Drink?
Bone broth can be a good source of protein and is easy to digest, so it can help you stay hydrated when you’re sick. But store-bought bone broths can be high in sodium (salt), so make sure to check the labels or make your own with less salt.
Experts also say that you shouldn’t drink too much bone broth—one or two servings a week is enough. If you’re pregnant or feeding a small child, be cautious, as bones can release harmful metals like lead when boiled.
Remember, while bone broth can be good for you, it’s not a miracle cure like some influencers claim.
