How to Make the Healthiest Bone Broth (And Why It’s So Good for Your Health)

If you follow functional medicine, holistic health, or ancestral nutrition, you’ve probably heard bone broth called “liquid gold.” And for good reason—properly prepared bone broth is one of the most nutrient-dense, gut-healing, immune-supportive foods you can make at home.

But not all bone broths are created equal. The way you prepare it determines the nutrient content, flavor, and therapeutic benefit.

Today, I’ll show you how to make the healthiest, most mineral-rich bone broth, plus break down why it’s so good for your health (backed by physiology—not hype).

Why Bone Broth Is So Good for Your Health

1. It supports gut healing and reduces inflammation

Bone broth is rich in gelatin, collagen, and amino acids like glycine, proline, and glutamine—nutrients known to support the gut lining.
These amino acids help:

• Repair and seal a damaged gut lining

• Reduce inflammation

• Support digestive enzymes

• Soothe the GI tract

For anyone dealing with bloating, IBS, reflux, food sensitivities, or a history of antibiotic use, bone broth is a gentle, daily support tool.

2. It boosts joint, bone, and connective tissue health

Bone broth contains collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin—nutrients your joints love.
Consuming these regularly can support:

• Joint lubrication

• Cartilage strength

• Recovery from workouts

• Reduced stiffness and pain

As a chiropractor, I love bone broth for patients dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain or post-injury recovery.

3. It strengthens hair, skin, and nails

Collagen and gelatin help improve:

• Skin elasticity

• Hydration

• Wrinkle depth

• Nail strength

• Hair thickness

You can think of bone broth as “internal skincare.” It gives your body the building blocks it needs to repair and rebuild tissue.

4. It supports immune function

Bone broth provides easily absorbable minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and trace minerals your immune system relies on daily.
Plus, its amino acids help calm the nervous system and support healthy sleep—two things your immune system needs to function well.

5. It’s easy to digest and nutrient-dense

For anyone recovering from illness, digestive upset, or stressful seasons, bone broth delivers minerals and amino acids in a form your body can absorb instantly.

It’s also a fantastic way to support hydration—especially in the winter when people forget to drink enough water.

How to Make the Healthiest Bone Broth at Home

This is more than just simmering bones in water—these steps maximize the nutrients and the flavor.

1. Choose high-quality bones

For the healthiest, most nutrient-dense broth, choose:

• Grass-fed beef bones (marrow bones, knuckles, oxtail)

• Organic chicken bones (carcass, wings, feet for extra gel)

• Pasture-raised turkey bones

• Wild-caught fish bones (for a lighter broth)

The better the animal’s diet, the more nutrient-dense the bones.

2. Use the apple cider vinegar trick

Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the pot before cooking.
This helps pull minerals like calcium and magnesium out of the bones.

Let the bones soak in cool water with the vinegar for 20–30 minutes before you begin simmering.

3. Add mineral-rich vegetables and herbs

For extra nutrients and flavor, include:

• 2–3 carrots

• 2–3 celery stalks

• 1–2 onions

• Garlic

• Parsley

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Black peppercorns

• A bay leaf

Avoid cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage) because they can make broth bitter.

4. Simmer low and slow

This is the key.

Stovetop: 12–24 hours
Slow cooker: 18–36 hours
Instant Pot: 2–3 hours (still very good!)

Low heat keeps gelatin intact and prevents nutrient destruction.

5. Use the “gel test”

Once chilled, your broth should thicken or gel.
This means it has a high collagen content.

If it doesn’t gel, don’t worry—it’s still very nutritious, but next time add:

• More joint-rich bones (feet, knuckles, wings)

• Longer simmer time

6. Strain, store, and use daily

Strain your broth and store it in:

• Glass jars

• Ice cube trays (great for cooking)

• Freezer-safe containers

It lasts:

• 5 days in the fridge

• Up to 6 months in the freezer

How to Use Bone Broth Every Day

Here are simple ways to get it in your routine:

• Sip 8–12 oz warm with sea salt in the morning

• Use it as the base for soups

• Cook rice or quinoa in broth instead of water

• Add it to sauces

• Blend it into mashed potatoes

• Use it post-workout for joint recovery

Final Thoughts

Bone broth is one of the simplest, most powerful foods you can add to your diet. It supports your gut, joints, immune system, skin, sleep, and overall healing. And once you learn how to make it the right way—using quality bones, slow simmering, and the right mineral boosters—it becomes a staple you’ll rely on all year.