The Best Bone Broth Recipe for Collagen-Boosting Benefits

Easy to make collagen bone broth - my stomach saviour!!!

Did you know that collagen is the most abundant protein of the body making up over 80% of our skin?

Collagen, or the fountain of youth, has garnered widespread attention for its array of health benefits, captivating skincare and wellness enthusiasts all over the world. From collagen bars in Paris to collagen chocolate this super substance is honestly everywhere.

But does it really work?

Some studies have show that yes it does, because collagen occurring naturally in the body serves as the body's fundamental building block, collagen is integral to maintaining the structural integrity of various tissues essential for vitality. However, our collagen decline is a natural aspect of aging, beginning around age 25 and accelerating in later years. As natural collagen production declines supplementation has become a sought after way to combat visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Renowned for its ability to promote skin health, collagen enhance elasticity, hydration, and smoothness while facilitating wound healing (think acne and hyperpigmentation). 

Beyond its cosmetic allure, collagen plays a crucial role in digestive health, improving the gut lining, and reducing inflammation. Rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, collagen supports digestive function and fosters the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Collagen also directly promotes hair follicle growth through amino acids and proteins while reinforcing the scalp's dermis and helping to fight free radicals using antioxidants which damage the hair. Notably, collagen is an anti-aging protein and can even prevent age-related hair loss. Additionally, collagen supplementation alleviates joint discomfort by fortifying cartilage and enhancing flexibility. Its impact extends to hormone regulation, addressing issues like fatigue and mood swings. Collagen is really useful to add to your routine in as many forms as possible to ensure you get a decent amount each week (its hard for me to follow a daily routine around it so I instead focus on a weekly goal) because it helps to support so many different processes in the body. I never really appreciated the importance of it but during my recent shifts in skin, digestive and even hair needs I focused on adding as many easy changes as I could to my diet and routine to support optimal health.

I have been integrating collagen into my wellness routine since I started my digestive and skin health journey and I have seen the difference. I incorporate it in two ways, firstly with my morning coffee or matcha I use Agent Nateur’s Holi(mane) marine collagen and pearl powder supplement (find it in my shop) which has been amazing for my hair (I had some hair loss in Nov/Dec 2023 due to stress). This type of collagen is a supplement meant to add to the bodies naturally occuring quantity of collagen. 

My second way to include collagen in my diet is with this amazing bone broth recipe as suggested by my naturopath to focus on healing my mild leaky gut and minimizing any new intolerances from being created. This type of collagen is different than a collagen peptide supplement because bone broths contain gelatin (a form of collagen) as well, this will Collagen is truly non-negotiable for me in the pursuit of optimal health, the important thing is consistency but it has huge potential in delivering transformative benefits that radiate from within.

My second way of incorporating collagen is through my super easy bone broth recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole organic or bio chicken (about 3-4 pounds)

• Water

• Thyme, sage, rosemary (optional=

Instructions:

1. Boil the Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

2. Initial Boil: Once the water is boiling, let the chicken boil for 20 minutes. This helps to remove impurities and start the cooking process.

3. Discard Water: After 20 minutes, carefully pour out the water from the pot, removing any foam or impurities along with it.

4. Second Boil: Refill the pot with fresh water, covering the chicken completely. Allow the chicken to start boiling and then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer gently for 5 hours.

5. Simmer on Low Heat: Allow the chicken to simmer on low heat for the next 5 hours, ensuring it cooks slowly and thoroughly.

6. Strain the Broth: Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining solids.

7. Cool and Store: Allow the broth to cool slightly before transferring it to containers. Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Use the chicken for really delicious chicken salads, chicken sandwiches or any other chicken dish as the boiling has ensured that the whole chicken is super tender and easy to use in any dish.

8. Enjoy: Use your homemade chicken bone broth as a nutritious base for soups, stews, sauces, or enjoy it on its own for a comforting and nourishing beverage. I personally like to drink it in the morning with some salt and it just reminds me of chicken soup that my grandma used to make for me. If you don’t love the taste of bone broth you can also boil your rice, cook your quinoa or any other food in the bone broth to maximize benefits and have your grains or carbs absorb some of the collagen. When you eat the rice you will not even notice the taste but you will reap all the benefits of the colalgen. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before drinking.

I like to have a full week of collagen-rich bone broth in the fridge or freezer if I can and this allows me to have control over the additional supplementation I can add to all my meals. If I have a weekend of eating out a lot I also love to have this on hand in case my stomach starts acting up. Its truly a quick fix when you need something soothing. Between this bone broth and my Agent Nateur marine collagen powder I feel this has honestly changed my skin and hair. I highly recommend you try one or both of these ways to include collagen in your routine and see how it makes you feel.