Bone Broth: so much more than a simple broth!

Bone broth, or "bone broth" is a salted liquid obtained by slowly simmering animal bones, bone marrow, and cartilage in water for a long time.

Sometimes flavouring ingredients are added, such as:
herbs,
vegetables (according to one study [1], the calcium concentration in a bone broth made with vegetables is 26 times higher than that of a broth made without vegetables),
spices,
apple cider vinegar (according to one study [2], acidified broths contain a greater quantity of minerals released from bones, cartilage, and marrow),
or even aromatics (garlic, onion).

The bone broth cooking process is slow: compared to meat broth, which simmers for 3–6 hours, bone broth must simmer for 16 hours to 2 days before being strained and enjoyed. This cooking process breaks down all the nutrients found in bones, such as collagen, which is released from the bone in the form of gelatine after hours of simmering in water [3].

Gelatine is a protein made from collagen dissolved through slow, low-temperature cooking. It is the gelatine that gives bone broth its consistency. The fact that the broth is "gelled" is proof of the presence of glycine.

Did you know? Bone broth has existed since prehistoric times — hunter-gatherers would prepare the inedible parts of animals (bones, feet, shanks) into a broth that they would then drink.

Bone broth is not only incredibly nutritious, but also eco-friendly. It's a way of making use of waste whilst doing yourself some good!

The bone broths organic Jolly Mama

We have ready-made broths for you, ultra-rich in natural collagen that is directly absorbable by the body: 

Mama poule, chicken-based, with nearly 6g of collagen per pot.

Mama beef, beef-based, with nearly 15g of collagen per pot. 

Bone broth is a concentrate of minerals (notably calcium and phosphorus) and vitamins (notably B vitamins). It is rich in essential and non-essential amino acids (collagen, glutamine, glycine and proline) that are important for building and repairing bones, as well as for increasing muscle mass. This is also why it is popular with people who have high protein needs, such as athletes, pregnant women or those in the postpartum period. 

All these nutrients are highly absorbable, easy to digest, and have excellent bioavailability. [4]

Collagen

Bones, bone marrow and connective tissues are largely made of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body, accounting for a quarter of the body's proteins, and is found in many tissues (skin, ligaments, muscles, bones, blood vessels, connective tissues, etc.) [5].  

Collagen is produced naturally by the body until your twenties; after that, production begins to decline and the body can no longer replenish it quickly — reserves are gradually depleted without being replaced. By the age of 35, only 80% of our collagen reserves remain [6]. Various factors can also accelerate collagen breakdown, including sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and certain hormones.

Collagen is made up of long protein chains, themselves composed of various essential and non-essential amino acids.

Our range of collagen food supplement in powder form will help you replenish this protein. With Mamaload cocoa flavour, Déca Mama coffee flavour, or Collagène Mama neutral flavour, there is something for every taste.

Be aware that not all collagens in supplements are equal! If you are wondering which collagen to choose, you should choose one of marine origin, with a low molecular weight (type 1) and guaranteed free from heavy metals. 

Chondroitin 

Chondroitin is a component of cartilage, naturally produced by the body. It contributes to the formation and maintenance of cartilage tissue, providing elasticity and strength to the joints. It is often associated with glucosamine in its function. [13]

Minerals
 

The bones in bone broth provide minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

Bone marrow provides iron, zinc, selenium, boron and manganese. 

B vitamins (niacin and riboflavin)

These B vitamins are involved in metabolism, helping the body break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats to produce energy — making them essential for our bodies.

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, also supports the production of keratin — a protein essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. [14]

Bone broth is traditionally used for...

Regenerating the intestinal lining
 

During cooking, collagen transforms into gelatine. By absorbing water and helping to maintain a thick layer of mucus that keeps bacteria at bay, it forms a film that strengthens the intestinal lining and increases the digestibility of food, making it easier to digest. Gelatine may therefore be effective in cases of intestinal permeability [15] ("Leaky Gut Syndrome"). Glutamine also plays a role in this effect, as it prevents dietary toxins from entering the bloodstream and helps repair the intestinal lining. [16]

Improving skin and hair quality

Rich in collagen, bone broth plumps the skin, improves its elasticity and supports hair regrowth. The star ingredient here is collagen, along with vitamin B2, which supports keratin production! Together they help increase the elasticity and hydration of skin, hair and nails. [17]

And for even greater effectiveness, combine your broth with our postpartum hair treatment Mama Hair or our capsule for hair growth Hair Essentials.

Supporting liver health
 

Glycine is an antioxidant and detoxifier and is therefore thought to support healthy liver function [18]; it may help in the formation of bile acids that break down fats and support better digestion. 

Fighting inflammation
 

Glycine and proline are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, making bone broth beneficial for protecting against chronic inflammatory conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's, etc.). [19] [20]

Strengthening joints, muscles and bones
 

Here, collagen plays a role in repairing joints, muscles and bones, while proline and glycine help to build them, strengthen the connective tissue in the body (bones, skin, cartilage, blood vessels) and restore joints and muscles. Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds found in cartilage; they are recommended, respectively, for joint problems [21] and osteoarthritis [22]. 

Improving sleep
 

Glycine again! It improves sleep quality [23] and reduces feelings of fatigue [24]. It gives you the boost you need to get through the day! It is also a neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety and calm brain activity. Alongside this, our sleep supplement Mama Dreams will give you a helping hand.

Supporting the immune system
 

Bone broth is traditionally given to vulnerable people to improve their physical condition and their resistance to infectious diseases. It is also possible to add herbs that enhance this effect, such as ginger, turmeric or thyme. [25]

Staying hydrated
 

And let's not forget that bone broth is also made with water (not just bones), so it provides complete hydration for your whole body! 

Bone broth is very nourishing and ideal during breastfeeding. It is rich in minerals such as 
calcium (for strong bones and teeth, muscle contractions and vitamin metabolism), magnesium (essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and vitamin D), phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and potassium are essential minerals for baby's strong and healthy bones.

Please note: The mineral content of breast milk is not dependent on maternal intake, but it is important to eat well to avoid deficiencies (our body draws on its reserves).

For your information: if you would like to find out more about bone broth and its benefits for baby, you can read the Jolly Mama article on "Bone broth — the benefits for baby”.

Bone broth holds many benefits, whether you are pregnant, in the postpartum period, breastfeeding or not! It contains numerous minerals, including collagen, which is beneficial for bones, tissues, joints and hair.

Easy to digest, it is gentle on the intestines, which can be particularly important during these different periods.

Bonus: it is delicious, enjoyed warm on its own, stirred into a homemade soup in place of water, or used in a ramen!