I am willing to guess over the last year or so, you have read or heard of someone touting the benefits of bone broth. Here is some insight into that topic.When looking at integrative medicine, the following statement is often times a summation of that practice; the best of age old wisdom and modern day discoveries. And this is exactly the way I feel about bone broth, it’s ingredients, supplements which have spurred from it, and of course, all the benefits.Bone broth has been a staple of ancestral cultures, as they made a point to use every part of the animal, for health, sustainability, and avoiding waste. On the plains of ND, those animals were most likely buffalo and deer. The benefits of bone broth first caught my attention from a study out of the University of Nebraska. Researchers found that patients who were consuming homemade and simmered chicken soup were experiencing increased immunity, digestive health, and relief from arthritis.At first, they thought it was the antioxidants from the vegetables, which were providing the benefits, but then realized it was the collagen from the chicken bones.Benefits of bone broth include immune support, digestive health, reducing food sensitivities, reduce inflammation, and supports healthy skin. It’s no wonder it has been a food staple and remedy for centuries.Collagen is a protein found in animal’s bones, skin, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and bone marrow. As we get older, our joints naturally experience wear and tear, and we become less flexible. Collagen helps form elastin and other compounds within skin that are responsible for maintaining skin’s youthful tone, texture and appearance. It has also been linked with reducing the visible signs of wrinkles, puffiness and various other signs of aging. Some have even found a decrease in cellulite when consuming foods and supplements containing collagen.The way the best bone broth is made is by simmering the bones, ligaments, etc., for up to a day or more, which leads to the release of the beneficial ingredients including collagen, amino acids, glutamine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.You can make your own bone broth, buy it from a natural grocer or take a powder concentrate. Always look for organic, as well made from grass fed animal bones.If bone broth is not your thing, or you rather take a higher concentrated dose in nutritional supplementation, the best collagen sources are from either hydrolyzed collagen or UC-II (undenatured collagen).The hydrolyzed collagen is the best for hair, skin, and nails, and provide good support for joint health. If joint health and support is your main concern, such as in cases of arthritis, then I recommend the UC-II. Stop by the pharmacy to see if you have any questions about product selection. Please visit my website at www.irsfeldpharmacy.com to find this and other archived articles in the blog section. Until next time, be vigilant about your health!!