Bone broth may not be as nutritious as you may think. It may actually contain heavy metals and harsh chemicals that can harm the body
Bone broth has become trendy in modern wellness culture, with many people claiming that it has amazing health benefits. Made by slowly simmering animal bones and flesh for hours, bone broth is purported to be full of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium
Proponents of bone broth claim that it has health benefits such as:
- Promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails (due to the collagen content)
- Reducing joint pain
- Helping digestion
- Strengthening the immune system
However, bone broth may not be as nutritious as you may think. Not only is the protein content quite low, but there is also no evidence that the collagen obtained from bone broth actually helps the body in any way.
What are the potential risks of bone broth?
Bone broth, if not prepared with standard manufacturing protocols, may contain heavy metals and harsh chemicals that can harm the body.
Added lead
Lead is a heavy metal that may settle on vegetables and plants grown on lead-contaminated soil, and cattle may graze on such contaminated vegetables or plants. Therefore, there is a danger of lead contamination in several varieties of bone broth, as well as a risk of lead poisoning. Lead is stored in the bones and may leach into the bone broth.
Glutamic acid sensitivity
According to some studies, bone broth may be high in glutamate. Glutamate may cause adverse effects such as anxiety, restlessness, low energy, mental exhaustion, sleeplessness, and concentration problems, although there is no scientific evidence to prove this.
Other side effects
- Stomach upset
- Increased bowel movements
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome (may trigger IBS)
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Nausea
What is bone broth protein?
Bone broth protein is a dietary supplement that claims to provide your body with the health benefits of bone broth and protein in the form of a convenient powder.
It is made by boiling animal bones, ligaments, tendons, and other nutrient-dense animal components under high pressure and continuous heat, then later dried at lower temperatures and concentrated into powder.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no scientific research regarding the effects of either bone broth or bone broth protein. When it comes to overall health, nothing can replace a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
QUESTION
According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See AnswerReferences
Essential and toxic metals in animal bone broths: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533136/
The Surprising Truth About Bone Broth: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/bone-broth-benefits/
