Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about a third of its protein composition. It’s one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is also found in many other body parts, including blood vessels, corneas, and teeth. Collagen protein is a critical element for bone and muscle health.
With age, however, our collagen production decreases, resulting in weaker connections. This is one of the reasons why our skin wrinkles, our joints become less stable and our tendons and ligaments become more prone to injury. These injuries occur from repetitive motion, wear and tear, and overexertion whether at the gym, work or playing sports. Collagen loss also contributes to the type of bone loss experienced in osteoporosis.
Bone broth provides the gelatin, which is basically cooked collagen, and healthy fats needed to increase absorption of your nutrients as well as helping you burn fat. Long cooked bone broth such as Best of the Bone (slow cooked for 48-50 hours) is packed with elements such as glucosamine and chondroitin which are commonly sold as supplements. Glucosamine and chondroitin benefit joint health and reduce inflammation within the joints, and it is more readily absorbed by the body in a natural form rather than synthetic supplements. Collagen also plays a role in preventing and treating autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease because of its gut healing properties.
Bone broth-absorbed collagen is easier on the digestive tract than sources from solid protein. Collagen is best absorbed with cofactors and these cofactors are also found in bone broth such as essential fatty acids and minerals. Drinking a cup of Best of the Bone each morning increases nutrient absorption throughout the day. In addition, avoiding processed foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates will increase the absorption of collagen. Sugar interferes with your body’s ability to assimilate collagen and repair itself.
