16 Reasons You Should Eat More Bone Broth!

Bone broth (or stock), put simply, is made by boiling up animal bones. You can add in some veggies and herbs – but the most important thing is that the bones are from healthy animals (or fish) that were raised organically, humanely on a pasture, or in the wild; i.e. from grass fed cattle, pastured poultry or wild caught fish. Using some apple cider vinegar when making the broth helps draw the mineral s and nutrients from the bones – and make sure you break of crack the bones, to ensure you can access all of the nutrients and minerals contained in the marrow inside.

Whilst you can buy it, you definitely want to make your own to be sure it’s from good quality animals – without any nasty added extras. You can try beef, bison, fish, chicken, lamb or even venison broth.

1. It is really cheap to make (your butcher or local farmer may even give you bones for free – or save the bones from your own cooking)

2. If you’re sick with no appetite, bone broth is easy to drink and will replenish much needed nutrients in your body – whilst the gelatin content will help to neutralise a virus.

3. Bone broth is high in a very usable form of calcium, magnesium, silicon, sulphur and phosphorous – not to mention lots of other trace nutrients

4. Broth is a great way to use up parts of the animal you wouldn't know what to do with – try adding in heads, feet, necks and skin!

5. Broth is a great base for many meals such as soups, stews – and a delicious home-made gravy

6. It virtually cooks itself – leave it in your slow cooker and come home to an almost ready bone broth

7. The high collagen content is great for your joints, hair, skin and nails.

8. It is even cheaper to make if you use bones of less expensive meat such as lamb and goat

9. The connective tissue in ligaments and joints are kept healthy thanks to the high concentration of the amino acids proline and glycine in bone broth.

10. You can make up a huge batch of broth and freeze it in individual portions – giving you a meal base on hand whenever you need it.

11. By encouraging smooth connective tissue, bone broth is said to be a natural cure for cellulite

12. Damaged gut lining is healed by the gelatin – which offers relief to gastrointestinal issues such as IBS, Crohn’s disease as well as constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities and of course leaky gut.

13. The gelatin content helps aid digestion

14. The amino acid glycine (found in high concentrations in bone broth) is great to help detoxify the liver

15. Chondroitin Sulfate, found in bone broth, has not only be found to help with joint pain from osteoarthritis, it also helps to lower atherosclerosis.

16. It tastes good!

If you want to know even more about bone broth – and get lots of great recipes to make your own – check out Bone Broth: A Recipe For Health which is packed with recipes, information, tips and tricks.

Why Bone Broth Deserves a Spot in Your Paleo Meal Plan

Bone broth isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a return to the traditional way our ancestors extracted nutrition from every part of the animal. For those following a Paleo diet, bone broth offers a nutrient-dense, gut-healing, and budget-friendly addition to your weekly routine.

The combination of gelatin, collagen, amino acids like glycine and proline, and a broad spectrum of minerals makes bone broth a true superfood. It supports everything from joint health and digestion to skin elasticity, immune function, and even better sleep (thanks to the calming effects of glycine).

Making your own is easy. Throw bones into a slow cooker or Instant Pot with a splash of apple cider vinegar, cover with water, add herbs or veg scraps, and simmer low and slow for 12–24 hours. Once strained, you can store it in the fridge or freezer and use it throughout the week.

Use broth as a base for soups, stews, curries, or even just sip it on its own as a warming, nourishing drink. You can also freeze it in silicone muffin trays or ice cube trays for easy single-use portions.

If you haven’t added bone broth to your Paleo kitchen routine, now’s the time. It’s an easy way to boost your nutrient intake, reduce food waste, and make meals more satisfying.

Different Bones, Different Benefits

Not all bones are equal when it comes to making nourishing broth. Depending on which type you use, you can adjust the final flavour, nutrient profile, and texture. Marrow bones add richness and a creamy mouthfeel, while knuckle and joint bones are gelatin powerhouses. Feet, especially chicken feet, are loaded with collagen. Fish heads and carcasses yield a lighter, more delicate broth that's full of iodine and omega-3s.

If you’re new to broth making, try combining several types of bones to get a balanced mix of gelatin, minerals, and flavour. For example, mix marrow bones with a few joint bones and some meaty bones like oxtail. Always roast beef or lamb bones before simmering to deepen the flavour, but skip this step for poultry or fish for a cleaner taste.

How to Make Bone Broth Taste Even Better

While the health benefits of bone broth are undeniable, not everyone falls in love with the flavour on their first try. Fortunately, there are simple ways to enhance it without compromising its nutritional value:

• Add aromatic herbs: Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, or parsley stems add subtle depth.
• Use onion, garlic, and celery: These add natural umami and richness to your broth.
• Include a few mushrooms: Dried or fresh mushrooms (shiitake, porcini) boost savouriness and have added immune benefits.
• Finish with sea salt or lemon juice: Season just before serving to brighten the flavour.

Don’t forget to skim the foam that rises to the top during the first hour of simmering—it helps clarify the broth and results in a cleaner-tasting final product.

Best Practices for Storing and Reheating Bone Broth

Once your broth has cooled, store it in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze it for long-term use. Glass jars are perfect for the fridge, but if you’re freezing broth, always leave space for expansion and avoid overfilling.

For convenience, freeze broth in silicone trays, then transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. This way, you can easily defrost single portions to cook quinoa, steam veggies, or sip as a morning tonic.

When reheating, do it slowly over the stove rather than in the microwave, as high temperatures can degrade some of the beneficial compounds like gelatin. A gentle simmer is all that’s needed to bring your broth back to life.

Bone Broth for Fasting and Gut Healing

Bone broth is an excellent tool for those following intermittent fasting or therapeutic protocols like the GAPS or AIP diets. It provides nourishment without taxing the digestive system, making it ideal for gut rest days or when recovering from illness.

The gelatin in broth coats the digestive tract, while glycine supports liver function and detoxification. It can also stabilise blood sugar between meals, especially when consumed as a mid-morning or late-afternoon drink. Many people find it helps curb sugar cravings and maintain focus during fasted periods.

Using Bone Broth in Everyday Cooking

There are so many more ways to use broth than just soup. Try these creative ideas:

• Replace water with broth when cooking rice or cauliflower rice
• Add to stir-fries for moisture and flavour without extra oil
• Deglaze pans after searing meat or vegetables
• Use as a base for Paleo sauces or reductions
• Blend with roasted veggies for a simple, creamy soup

You can even use bone broth in savoury baking, such as incorporating it into Paleo breads, muffins, or savoury pies. It’s a subtle but nutrient-boosting swap that brings added flavour to your recipes.

Choosing the Right Cooking Time

The length of time you simmer your bones can affect the final taste and nutrient content. Here’s a general guide:

• Chicken bones: 12–24 hours
• Beef or lamb bones: 24–48 hours
• Fish bones: 4–6 hours

For maximum nutrition, especially gelatin and minerals, go longer. But if you’re after a lighter flavour or a quicker cooking time, shorter is fine too. An Instant Pot can speed this process up significantly, allowing you to extract nutrients in just a few hours without the long simmer.

Can You Drink Bone Broth Every Day?

Yes, and many people do. A mug of bone broth daily can support everything from gut health and immune resilience to reducing inflammation. If you're new to broth, start with a small amount and increase gradually. Some people with histamine sensitivity may prefer shorter cooking times or fresher broth for better tolerance.

Consistency is key. Like any dietary habit, the benefits of bone broth are cumulative. Incorporate it into your weekly meal plan, and over time, you’re likely to notice improvements in skin, digestion, energy, and overall wellbeing.

Join the Bone Broth Revival

Bone broth may have taken a back seat in recent decades, but it’s clearly making a well-deserved comeback. Whether you're sipping it for breakfast, cooking with it at dinner, or freezing it for future meals, you're tapping into an ancestral tradition that values nourishment, sustainability, and whole-animal eating.

So next time you have bones leftover from dinner, don’t throw them away—throw them into a pot instead. Your body, your budget, and your tastebuds will thank you.

Do you have a favourite bone broth recipe or secret ingredient? Share it in the comments!