Bone broth is just as the name suggests; a broth created from the bones of animals. Whilst it may sound weird, it’s actually a food humans have likely been consuming for thousands of years, with its origins tracing back to the earliest stages of human history. In fact, early hunter gatherers consumed bone broth and bone marrow as a vital part of their diet as far back as 2.5 million years ago. They utilised every part of the animal and used the heated water to extract vital nutrients from the bones.
In China and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bone broth has long been used to support kidney and digestive health, and was also recommended by the ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates for detoxification. In the 16th century too, bone broth was known as a restorative ‘restaurer’ in France (where the modern word ‘restaurant' comes from), where it was served as a tonic to combat exhaustion.
We feel bone broth is a true superfood, and the fact that it has stood the test of time speaks for itself. Understanding its ancient origins is one thing, but what about the benefits of bone broth in the modern world today? Here are 5 things a nutritionist wants you to know about it:
1. Bone Broth Can Naturally Support Gut Healing
The naturally occurring amino acids like glycine and proline in bone broth can help strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce inflammation and support repair of the gut lining, as well as improving nutrient absorption. The collagen and gelatine within broth also help maintain mucosal integrity and aid in the synthesis of bile for proper digestion of fats and proteins (this is one of the key reasons the Weston A Price Foundation recommends consuming broth alongside nutrient-dense meals). Studies have also found it may even be a promising way to support ulcerative colitis. This is also one of the reasons bone broth is our favourite pre-coffee ritual. Drinking coffee simulates the release of hydrochloric acid, which on an empty stomach may damage the lining and contribute to leaky gut’. We drink the broth first as a way to ‘line the stomach’ and consume those key nutrients.
2. It’s rich in trace minerals
Bones are made up of a range of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, and through cooking, we’re able to extract them into the broth. Bone broth contains small yet significant amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium, which are all important for supporting the health of our bones, muscles, heart, blood and nervous system. Our bodies become depleted in minerals in times of stress, illness, through digestive issues or certain medications, so we feel it’s a gentle way to replenish and rebuild these stores.
3. Bone broth is more hydrating than plain water
Headaches, congestion, brain fog, constipation and dry skin can all seem like complex health issues when sometimes they’re actually just linked to chronic dehydration. Bone broth naturally contains electrolytes (the minerals sodium, potassium and magnesium) that assist the body in absorbing and retaining fluid, rather than simply allowing it to pass through. While water is essential, gulping down plain water may actually ‘flush’ the body of minerals and contribute to loss of minerals. By sipping on mineral-rich drinks like bone broth, this can help naturally support hydration.
4. It can support bones, joints, hair, skin and nails
Naturally rich in collagen and gelatine, bone broth also contains nutrients that serve as the ‘building blocks’ for connective tissues and skin. Whilst a specific collagen supplement such as our Grass Fed Collagen Powder may be a more effective way to support an injury, bone health or joint degeneration, bone broth is naturally rich in type 2 collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, all of which can help support joint health when consumed consistently. It also provides amino acids that are vital for producing keratin, the main component of hair and nails.
5. Bone broth may help balance blood sugar and reduce cravings
Primarily through its protein content and specific balance of amino acids, bone broth may help improve satiety and insulin sensitivity. Studies suggest glycine (found within bone broth) can improve insulin response, promote better glucose uptake and even better glucose control. A clinical trial in 2025 also found that participants who consumed bone broth twice a day experienced reduced hunger and cravings. The study also showed improvements in body weight and fasting glucose levels.
Want to try bone broth for yourself? You’ll find our Organic Grass Fed Beef Bone Broth concentrate here, made with 3 simple ingredients: regeneratively farmed beef bones, water and celtic sea salt. We love drinking it as a tea or mixing it into meals to boost the nutrients in every bite.