Chicken soup—is it really good for the soul? What do we actually know about this traditional and favourite comfort food?

For many, a cup of chicken bone broth has a comforting and nutritious effect—especially during cold and flu season. As well, it has always been an excellent base for many delicious recipes. Recent research shows that this comforting cuppa may have more to offer than just amazing flavour and warmth. The many nutritional and healing properties inside that bowl have been shown to be beneficial to your gut, skin, immune system, joints, and even overall health.

The choice to use chicken bones was not just for their deliciousness, but for the amazing effects of the type 2 Collagen that is found specifically in chicken. We start with USDA-approved cage-free chickens, free of any hormones and antibiotics and simmer the bones bit by bit to ensure that the maximum nutrients are released—creating an amazing elixir of nutrient-dense goodness.

Through the process of simmering, the beneficial nutrients such as collagen, gelatin and 19 amino acids (glycine and glutamine to name two) are released. Alongside those nutrients are the minerals magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, and sulfur. These minerals are often hard for our bodies to gain from our daily diet and this is an excellent way to get them. Our bone broth protein is very easy to use as well as to digest, containing over 15 grams of protein in 2 tablespoons and is free of whey (dairy), eggs, soy, artificial flavors, and gluten.

Immunity Booster

Recent studies show that daily consumption of bone broth might be linked to a decrease in the inflammatory response in the body and an improvement in the integrity of the digestive tract, which can increase the absorption of nutrients from food. These benefits could lead to a significant improvement in allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel conditions, chronic fatigue, stress, skin conditions, bloating, weight gain, thinning hair, food sensitivities and autoimmune disorders.

Skin, Joint, and Bone Health

There are many types of collagen in our body that perform various roles. Type 2 collagen is stored in our connective tissues and plays a large part in joint and cartilage health. It is also linked to supporting our body’s inflammatory response, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, asthma, and allergies.

Good for the Gut

Testing the theory “chicken soup cures all,“ research has shown that consuming bone broth while you are sick improves the immune response via the digestive tract, where about 70% of our immune system is located. Having a healthy, supported gut should increase immunity and add to overall health.

Nutrition in Bone Broth

Our broth contains 19 easily absorbable amino acids, the building blocks of protein and the essential macronutrient needed for cell regeneration. Protein is essential for muscle growth as well as to prevent muscle wasting and breakdown, a common symptom we encounter as we age.

Protein has been shown to help stabilize blood sugars and prevent hypoglycemia. This is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from Diabetes and metabolic disorders. It plays an important role in regulating our ghrelin levels, the satiety hormone found in the stomach which enables the feeling of fullness and plays a beneficial role in weight loss.

The powerhouse nutrients found in bone broth known as Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are responsible for collagen and elastin production. Often found in various supplement forms, they are known for their role in arthritis prevention and relief. These nutrients are also the key to anti-aging, strong ligaments and cartilage, nails and skin firmness. However, they can also be quite expensive and are often not from eco-friendly sources.

Glucosamine is a known component of joint health and strength alongside Hyaluronic Acid which is naturally found in our body and has recently become quite popular in the health and beauty industry. It is known for its amazing properties associated with anti-aging, skin smoothing, cellulite reduction properties and skin firmness.

Chondroitin Sulfate is an essential nutrient that keeps our joints lubricated as well as an important building block in cartilage and has been shown to have preventive roles in Osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage breakdown in our joints as we age.

Amazingly the research continues to grow and show the benefits of healing the body through food. Bone broth is an inexpensive way to create easy, nutrient-dense and flavourful healing elixirs with many health benefits. Bone broth is a healthy and nutritious tradition that is just a scoop or two away.

Boned Butternut Squash & Sage Soup

Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious, smooth soup using our Bone Broth. Not only is the recipe quick and straightforward, it’s also good for you!

Prep 20 minutes | Cook 40 minutes | Easy | Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Organika’s Coconut Oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 2 scoops of Organika’s Bone Broth in 32 fluid ounces of liquid
• 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped sage
• 2 medium organic / local potatoes, cubed
• 1 medium organic / local butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed

Directions

1. Melt coconut oil in a large pot, and cook the onion, celery, carrot, potatoes, sage and squash for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Pour enough of the Organika Bone Broth liquid to cover vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
2. Transfer the soup to a blender, and blend until smooth. Return to pot, and mix in any remaining broth to attain desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

The key to good food is to enjoy it. By having good quality, slow food fast like the Bone Broth, you can take the time to be creative in the kitchen and feel better; so you can have fun cooking—and take the time to enjoy the food!