Dietary supplements have become a multi-billion-dollar industry built on big promises but little accountability. There are now all kinds of factory-made pills, powders, and chewables on the market, each vowing to give you an edge in health, fitness, and life. While they may look impressive on the label, these supplements are highly processed, expensive, and often ineffective — and frankly, not much fun to swallow.
There is a better way to get the extra nutrients you seek. It comes in a warm cup. It smells and tastes great. We’re talking of course about bone broth.
There is no better nutritional supplement than a regular cup of well-made bone broth like Brodo. High in protein, low in carbs — with no added sugar — a cupful of all-natural nutrient-dense bone broth provides so many good things for your overall well-being. It’s like taking a bunch of supplements at once.
As a liquid, bone broth is also easier for your body to absorb than any pill or powder. Research has shown that nutrients from real foods are often more effective than highly concentrated supplements. This is likely due to the increased absorbability and because people tend to consume smaller doses with higher frequency when they’re eating the real stuff.
Follow us down the aisle for a look at all the supplements that you don’t need when bone broth is part of your daily routine.
Collagen
If you want smooth, supple skin, healthy hair and nails, stronger bones and joints, it’s important to get more collagen from your diet. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. But our natural production declines as we age, causing wrinkles, sagging skin, weak joints, and other signs of aging. There are many collagen supplements on the market, but they’re pricey, ranging from about $16 for a small bottle of tablets to around $80 for a hulking container of protein powder. Some require you to swallow up to six pills a day. Gulp! A well-made bone broth like Brodo is rich in gelatin, the term for collagen in cooked form. Our 100% grass-fed beef broth and signature Hearth broth (beef, chicken, and turkey) are especially dense with collagen-building amino acids like proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine (more on that below). A cup of Brodo is also loaded with other important amino acids, electrolytes, and essential minerals. And it goes down a whole lot easier than a handful of pills!
Glycine
Often marketed as a sleep aid, glycine plays a crucial role in all sorts of bodily functions, from your muscles to your gut to your brain. This versatile amino acid works to calm your nerves, improve digestion, and support your liver’s ability to remove toxins. It’s also a key building-block for glutathione, the superhero antioxidant that fights disease and slows the signs of aging. Research suggests that boosting your glycine intake has “broad potential” to improve your health in so many ways, from fighting inflammation to preventing heart problems. And yes, studies show, it can help you sleep. Glycine is abundant in bone broth. If you have trouble winding down at night, a warm, soothing mug of broth may be just the trick!
Glutamine
Long a popular supplement for bodybuilders, glutamine is a vital amino acid that your body craves in abundance. It fuels the growth of all kinds of cells, from your brain down to your intestines. Athletes and other fitness buffs commonly take glutamine supplements to burn fat, build muscle, and recover faster after workouts. But research indicates that glutamine helps in many other ways too, like boosting immunity and improving mental health. One study showed that critically ill patients have a better chance of survival and recovery when they get more glutamine from their diets. Perhaps most importantly, glutamine helps to maintain a healthy gut, which is essential to overall wellness. It works to repair and rebuild the digestive tract, reducing the intestinal inflammation that often leads to other health problems, ranging from heartburn and bloating to itchy skin and food allergies. Bone broth is a great source of glutamine.
Glucosamine
If you’re suffering from joint pain or weakness, then it helps to get more glucosamine, an amino sugar that fires up the growth and repair of cartilage. Several studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of osteoporosis. Most joint-support pills on the market contain some combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Bone broth gives you even more support. In addition to glucosamine, the boiled-down cartilage in broth also contains chondroitin and multiple other joint-supporting carbohydrates known as glycosaminoglycans. You get all the tools you need for growing connective tissue and easing joint pain naturally. And you get them all in the same cup.
Alanine
An amino acid that supports your muscles, alanine is another popular supplement for athletes. It is also commonly used by the U.S. military during combat training. Multiple studies have shown that it helps to reduce fatigue and improve performance during high-intensity exercise. Recent testing of elite soldiers also showed potential cognitive benefits, such as improved shooting accuracy and better ability to stay focused under stressful situations like active gunfire. You’ll find all kinds of high-dose alanine tablets, capsules, and powders in the supplement aisle, often marketed as a pre-workout aid. An energizing cup of bone broth gives you an even better leg-up before hitting the gym. That’s because it not only contains alanine but also histidine. In your body, these two amino acids combine to form carnosine, an important antioxidant for muscle and brain tissue.
Arginine
This all-star amino acid works to heal wounds, reduce blood pressure, and improve heart health. It may even help to turn things around, so to speak, for men with erectile dysfunction. You’ll sometimes see it combined with other supposed libido-boosters like ginseng and ginkgo biloba in male-targeted sexual-health aids. Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, which is essential for healthy blood flow. It also plays a role in the body’s production of human growth hormone and creatine, making it yet another favorite supplement for athletes and bodybuilders. Whether you need it for the gym or the bedroom (or both), bone broth has the arginine you’re looking for and more. Arginine also makes bone broth a protein-sparing food, meaning it helps your body make more efficient use of all the protein you eat. So, if you’re looking to reduce your meat consumption, arginine-rich broth can help you accomplish this without sacrificing the nutritional benefits.
Hydration Drinks
If you’ve ever gulped down a sports drink after exercising, or sipped on a hydrating fluid like Pedialyte while recovering from illness, then you’ve effectively taken a sodium supplement. Your body needs sodium for proper brain and muscle function. But this vital substance can be depleted when you sweat or lose fluids during sickness. That’s why most sports drinks contain sodium and other replenishing electrolytes. Unfortunately, many of these same beverages are also loaded with added sugar. So they’re really not much healthier than soft drinks. Bone broth is a much better choice. It is incredibly hydrating, providing a modest dose of sodium and other important electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium — but without any added sugar to ruin a good thing.
