Some may know the nutritional value of bone broth, and others may eat it for its delicious taste, but those who have experienced low-carb diets - such as the keto diet - may well realize the amazing benefits of this broth or "bone soup".

Bone broth is a liquid that contains fermented bones and connective tissue. The bones of cow, chicken or fish are sometimes used to cook it, but it takes many hours to reach the required stage to obtain its nutritional benefits that make it a natural food supplement for many.

How to cook bone broth

Bone broth only needs a good amount of meat available in meat stores, a little vinegar and plenty of water, and a lot of patience, because it needs at least 4 to 6 hours to cook on low heat to enjoy a good flavour.

Boiling bones in water with some vinegar helps release nutrients from the marrow into the bones, as well as break down other tissues in the water. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of bone broth:

vitamins

The bones themselves are rich in vitamins, including calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, and the fermentation of connective tissue in bone broth provides the body with natural compounds from cartilage, as tissues and bones also contain collagen.

Cooking collagen turns it into gelatin, which supplies the body with amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins for muscle building and skin purity as well.

Bone marrow contains easily digestible vitamins (pixels)

bone marrow

Bone marrow contains easily digestible vitamins (iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, and the fatty acids selenium, zinc, and magnesium).

joint protection

Many - whether the elderly or young people - suffer from problems in the cartilage of the joints, which tends to wear down or shrink either due to exertion, excess weight or lifting heavy weights, which is followed by other health problems, so bone broth contributes to an increase in gelatin in the joints.

A 2017 review, which appeared in Sports Medicine, notes that in vitro and animal studies show that gelatin supplements increase the amount of collagen in tissues, and that this may help protect joints.

Gelatin supplements increase the amount of collagen in the tissues and this may help protect joints (dpa)

Fight osteoporosis

Collagen may also help people with osteoarthritis. A 2016 study in the Journal of Nutrition revealed the effects of collagen in people with osteoarthritis symptoms in their knees. The results of the study showed that collagen can relieve knee joint symptoms, such as pain and stiffness. In people with osteoporosis.

Reducing infections

Some of the amino acids in bone broth that may be beneficial for digestion include an amino acid called glutamine.

According to a 2017 study in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, glutamine supplementation helps treat inflammation and irritation of the intestinal mucosa.

Helps sleep

The amino acids in bone broth may also help improve sleep in some people. A 2015 study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology reported that the amino acid glycine is a safe treatment option for improving sleep.

People who take glycine before bed may feel they sleep better and experience less fatigue during the next day.

People who take glycine before bed may feel they sleep better (Getty Images)

Weight loss

Bone broth may also help you lose weight, as it is high in protein that helps you feel full for longer without consuming more calories.