Slow Cooker Bone Broth: What are the Health Benefits?

What is Slow Cooker Bone Broth?

Slow cooker bone broth is made by simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs in a slow cooker for an extended period of time. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to release their collagen and minerals into the broth, resulting in a rich and gelatinous liquid. A slow cooker’s consistent low heat helps extract the maximum amount of nutrients from the bones.

Bone broth has a long history dating back centuries, where various cultures consumed it as a healing elixir. In recent years, people have begun to once again realize its health benefits. It is praised for its ability to support gut health, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Bone broth’s newfound popularity, combined with the slow cooker’s convenience, has made it much more accessible.

Nutritional Value

Essential Nutrients in Bone Broth

The slow cooking process allows for the extraction of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the bones. These minerals are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Additionally, slow cooker bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein that provides structural support to the skin, joints, and digestive system. Consuming collagen-rich bone broth may help improve skin elasticity, reduce joint pain, and support gut health. It also contains glucosamine and chondritin, which are known for their joint-supporting properties as well. This process also helps break down collagen into easily digestible gelatin, which further enhances its benefits.

Supports Gut Health and Digestion

Another benefit of slow cooker bone broth is its ability to support gut health and digestion. The gelatin found in bone broth can help to heal and seal the lining of the gut, which may be beneficial for individuals with leaky gut syndrome or other digestive issues. Additionally, bone broth contains amino acids, like glutamine, which can nourish the cells of the intestinal lining and promote healthy digestion. The slow cooking process also breaks down the proteins in the bones, making them easier to digest and absorb.

Comparison With Store-Bought Broth

Store-bought broths often contain additives, preservatives, and high amounts of sodium, which can diminish the health benefits usually found in bone broths. On the other hand, slow cooker bone broth is made from scratch using real bones, vegetables, and herbs, ensuring a pure and natural product. Furthermore, slow cooker bone broth has a richer flavor and thicker consistency compared to store-bought broth. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the collagen to break down, resulting in a much more nutritious broth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Bone Broth

Ingredients and Cooking Process

You’ll have some flexibility in regards to your ingredients, but you’ll definitely need bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices. We suggest using beef or chicken bones, onions, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, and garlic. Place the bones in the slow cooker and cover them with water. Add in the vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor. Set the slow cooker to cook on low heat for at least 12 hours. For a more concentrated broth, cook for up to a full day. The long cooking time allows the bones to release more collagen and minerals.

Tips and Variations for Flavorful Bone Broth

To add a bit of sweetness, include a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or a splash of lemon juice. This will extract even more minerals from the bones. You can also experiment with different, more unique herbs and spices, like turmeric, ginger, or rosemary, to lend the broth some added depth and complexity. For more vegetables, consider adding mushrooms or seaweed. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

To make the most of your slow cooker bone broth, consider freezing it in small portions for future use. This way, you’ll always have a supply of nutrient-rich broth on hand to use as a base for soups, stews, or simply sipping on its own.