Bone broth – a gut healer

We are bringing you a week of winter soups to end November and start December. To kick it off, here’s a bone broth recipe that is tasty on its own, or can be used as a stock for the other soups.

Bone broth is rich in amino acids, collagen and gelatine; and has been shown to support the strength of the digestive tract lining when consumed regularly. If you suffer from IBS or other digestive issues, then drinking a mug of bone broth a few times a week, or using it as the base for soups, can be a good addition to the diet. The gut lining is frequently damaged in those with gut problems – often referred to as having a ‘leaky gut‘ . By strengthening the gut lining, bone broth can also support immune health as pathogenic bacteria, toxins and food particles are less able to cross through this protective barrier.

You should be able to buy marrow bones from your butcher. While some of the ingredients are purely for flavour, others, such as the apple cider vinegar, help to draw nutrients out of the bones.

Makes approximately 1.5 litres
Preparation time: 5+ hours

Ingredients
750g marrow bones
1 onion, quartered
1 carrot
1 stick of celery
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
A handful of woody herbs such as thyme and sage (optional)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black peppercorns
1.5L water (or to cover)

Method
Add all the ingredients to a large pan and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for at least 4-5 hours before allowing to cool slightly. Strain, discarding the bones and vegetables and transfer the broth to glass jars.

Store in the fridge and either heat through and drink, or use as a base for soups. It will turn gelatinous when cold, but return to a liquid once heated. Bone broth can also be frozen for up to three months. Ensure that space is left at the top of each jar before freezing to allow room for expansion.

Read more about the benefits of bone broth

Bone broth: how to make it and 6 reasons why you should – Healthline
Top 7 health benefits of bone broth – BBC Good Food

Want to know more?

ProVen Probiotics aim to provide the best support for both you and your health. If you wish to know more about gut health and staying healthy please do not hesitate to call us on 01639 825107 or alternatively, learn more via our blogs or in-depth ProVen research.