Ah, bone broth, the trendy new superfood that’s been taking the health and wellness world by storm. Everyone from celebrities to fitness gurus to your next-door neighbor seems to be sipping on this savory, nutrient-rich concoction. But amidst all the buzz, there’s a question that’s been popping up more and more frequently: is bone broth alkaline?
First off, let’s start with a little bit of background. Bone broth is exactly what it sounds like: a broth made by simmering animal bones, along with some vegetables and herbs, for a long period of time (usually anywhere from 8 to 24 hours). The resulting liquid contains all sorts of nutrients, including collagen, amino acids, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Many people believe that consuming bone broth can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and even reduce inflammation.
Now, let’s talk about alkalinity. The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with a range from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). The human body, as it turns out, functions best when the pH of our blood is slightly alkaline, with a range between 7.35 and 7.45. When our blood pH falls outside of this range, it can lead to a host of health problems, including fatigue, headaches, and even more serious conditions like metabolic acidosis.
So, Is Bone Broth Alkaline?
Well, it’s true that some foods can have an impact on our body’s pH balance. The theory is that when we consume acidic foods (like processed meats, sugar, and alcohol), our body has to work harder to maintain an alkaline state. On the other hand, consuming alkaline foods (like leafy greens, citrus fruits, and nuts) can help support our body’s natural pH balance.
But here’s the thing: bone broth is actually acidic in nature. This means that consuming bone broth on its own is unlikely to have a significant impact on your body’s pH balance. In fact, some experts argue that obsessing over the alkalinity of individual foods is missing the forest for the trees. Instead, they recommend focusing on overall dietary patterns and consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
That being said, there are some ways to make bone broth more alkaline if you’re so inclined. For example, you could add some alkaline veggies like kale or celery to your broth recipe, or stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (which is known to have alkalizing properties). But ultimately, whether or not your bone broth is alkaline shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of your decision to drink it.
Our Recipe For Alkaline Bone Broth
Certainly! Here’s a recipe for alkaline bone broth that incorporates some alkaline vegetables to help balance out the acidity of the bones:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of beef bones (look for bones with some meat and marrow on them)
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the beef bones on a baking sheet and roast them for about 30 minutes, or until they’re browned and fragrant.
- Meanwhile, add the onions, carrots, and celery to a large pot with enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the vegetables simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Once the bones are done roasting, add them to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in enough water to cover everything by a few inches.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the pot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the broth simmer for at least 8 hours (or up to 24 hours for a richer, more flavorful broth).
- After the broth has simmered for several hours, add the chopped kale and lemon slices to the pot. Let the broth simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until the kale is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the broth cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids. Add salt to taste.
- Store the bone broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer. The broth will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to six months.
Enjoy your alkaline bone broth as a warm and comforting drink, or use it as a base for soups, stews, and other dishes. Bon appétit!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, bone broth is a nutritious, comforting, and delicious food that can provide a host of health benefits. Whether you’re sipping on it to support your gut health, recover from a workout, or just warm up on a chilly day, don’t get too caught up in the alkalinity debate. Instead, sit back, relax, and enjoy a mug of savory, nourishing bone broth. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
Related Questions
What is bone broth?
Bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering bones and connective tissue of animals for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours, to extract the beneficial compounds and nutrients from the bones and tissues.
What are the benefits of drinking bone broth?
Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which can help boost the immune system, support gut health, aid in digestion, and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.
What are the different types of bones used to make bone broth?
Common bones used to make bone broth include beef bones, chicken bones, turkey bones, pork bones, and fish bones.
What is the best way to make bone broth?
The best way to make bone broth is to simmer the bones and connective tissue in water with vegetables, herbs, and spices for an extended period to extract the nutrients and flavor. It is also essential to use high-quality bones from pasture-raised, grass-fed animals.
Can you make bone broth in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make bone broth in a slow cooker by adding the bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices to the slow cooker and simmering for 12-24 hours.
How long does bone broth last in the fridge?
Bone broth can last in the fridge for up to five days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can you freeze bone broth?
Yes, you can freeze bone broth for up to six months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Can bone broth help with joint pain?
Yes, bone broth contains collagen and gelatin, which can help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Can bone broth help with digestive issues?
Yes, bone broth can help improve digestion by supporting the growth of healthy gut bacteria, reducing inflammation, and healing the gut lining.
Is bone broth a good source of protein?
Yes, bone broth is a good source of protein, containing essential amino acids such as glycine, proline, and arginine.
Can bone broth help boost the immune system?
Yes, bone broth contains nutrients that can help support the immune system, including amino acids, collagen, and minerals such as zinc and magnesium.
Can bone broth help with weight loss?
Bone broth can help with weight loss by providing a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food option that can help reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.
Is bone broth good for skin?
Yes, bone broth contains collagen, which can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Is bone broth a good source of calcium?
Yes, bone broth is a good source of calcium, a mineral important for bone health.
Can bone broth be used in recipes?
Yes, bone broth can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces or as a flavorful liquid for cooking grains, vegetables, and meat.
Can bone broth be consumed as a beverage?
Yes, bone broth can be consumed as a beverage, either on its own or mixed with herbs, spices, or other flavorings.
Can bone broth help with sleep?
Bone broth contains glycine, an amino acid that can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Is bone broth safe for people with food allergies?
People with food allergies should consult their healthcare provider before consuming bone broth, as it may contain allergens such as chicken, beef, or fish.
Can bone broth be made using a pressure cooker?
Yes, bone broth can be made in a pressure cooker, which can reduce the cooking time from 12-24 hours to just a few hours.
