Why Vegetable Mineral Broth Is Healthier Than Bone Broth - Center for Nutrition Studies (2024)

Why Vegetable Mineral Broth Is Healthier Than Bone Broth - Center for Nutrition Studies (1)

Soups and broths have been a regular feature in cooking since before historical records. In fact, one of the oldest books in Chinese medicine is Dr. Yi Yins Soup Classic.[1] In the West we can look to Hippocrates, the Father of Western medicine. He was fond of recommending barley soup to his patients. What we know is that when a person is ill, they may find it easier to drink a restorative soup than eat a full meal. Soups have been used for many reasons.

The bone broth fad, which consists of boiling bones and tissue as a strengthening tonic, is a little strange for a number of reasons:

  • A number of nutritional studies show that animal source fats and protein are harmful to health.
  • Heavy metals and other toxic compounds ingested by animals–including those raised for food– have a tendency to accumulate in fatty tissue.
  • The history of boiling bones and other tissues that are difficult to eat undoubtedly began as a way of gleaning every possible bit of nutrition from the body of animals killed for food–either hunted or farmed–in times of food shortages.

In my experience, whole, nutritious vegetables are all that’s needed for some of the most healing and restorative soups and broths you can make. The broth below is a favorite with my clients. It contains ingredients that are energizing and extremely nutritious. Three ingredients in the broth may be unfamiliar to some readers. They are specific foods that are used in the traditions of China and Japan and have some fascinating qualities. As a long-time teacher and health counsellor of macrobiotics, I use these fantastic ingredients in many of my soups and broths.

Kombu Seaweed

According to Professor Arasaki of the University of Tokyo, sea vegetables contain more minerals than any other food. All the 56 elements essential for human health are present in sea vegetables, including many trace minerals that are often lacking in modern produce due to demineralization of the soil. This may be why the people of Okinawa seldom show signs of mineral depletion and live long lives.[2]

According to Professor Arasaki of the University of Tokyo, sea vegetables contain more minerals than any other food.

Scientists at McGill University in Canada showed that sodium alginate—one of the chemical compounds found in kombu—removes radioactive elements and heavy metals from the system.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are well known for their use in traditional medicine. Among the many mushrooms that have been tested for unique chemical properties, they have always stood out. In 1936, Dr. Kisaku Mori established the Institute of Mushroom Research in Tokyo. Until his death in 1977, he worked with scientists from around the world to document the medicinal effects of shiitake.

Mori’s work gained significant attention, particularly in Japanese medicinal circles, and beginning in the 1960s, scientists launched an extensive search to uncover the secret of shiitake mushrooms’ legendary healing powers. Their studies—about one hundred—all focused on shiitake mushrooms’ ability to rapidly lower serum cholesterol, as well as its potent antitumor, antiviral, and antibiotic properties.

Shiitake mushrooms were also found to have antifungal and antioxidant properties,[3][4] and to reduce toxicity in the liver. [5]

I offer all my clients and students a big mug of my fabulous broth at all my classes and workshops. You can join me in the kitchen in this video and make a big pot of this delicious and nutritious drink for yourself and your family. I also keep this broth on hand as a soup stock.

Deepen your knowledge with our Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate.

Marlene’s Vegetable Mineral Broth

A vegetable broth made from organically grown vegetables can be an excellent source of essential electrolytes. Ionic minerals are the key to maintaining good health. The broth is a wonderful, filling snack that will also provide you with many healthy nutrients that will help you feel great. The recipe can be varied to suit your taste.

Vegetable Mineral “Bone” Broth

References

  1. Sho H, ‘History and characteristics of Okinawan longevity food’ Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 10 (2001):159
  2. Sho H, ‘History and characteristics of Okinawan longevity food’ Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 10 (2001):159
  3. The plant defensin RsAFP2 induces cell wall stress, septin mislocalization and accumulation of ceramides in Candida albicans Karin Thevissen , Patricia de Mello Tavares, Deming Xu , Jill Blankenship, Davy Vandenbosch, Jolanta Idkowiak‐Baldys, Gilmer Govaert, Anna Bink, Sonia Rozental – 05 March 2012 – https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2012.08017.x
  4. Nutrients. 2017 Sep; 9(9): 1014. Published online 2017 Sep 14. doi: 10.3390/nu9091014, PMCID: PMC5622774 PMID: 28906451 Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Diabetes , Saleem Ali Banihani
  5. Toxicol Res. 2012 Sep; 28(3): 165–172, doi: 10.5487/TR.2012.28.3.165, PMCID: PMC3834419, PMID: 24278606 – Effects of White Radish (Raphanus sativus) Enzyme Extract on Hepatotoxicity – Sang Wha Lee, Kwang Mo Yang, Jung Ki Kim, Byung

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Why Vegetable Mineral Broth Is Healthier Than Bone Broth - Center for Nutrition Studies (2024)

FAQs

Is vegetable broth healthier than bone broth? ›

Although it's true the collagen and gelatin (which are good for healthy skin and nails) found in bone broth are missing from this vegetarian version, this recipe meets a myriad of nutritional needs and is full of magnesium, potassium and numerous trace minerals.

What does Mayo Clinic say about bone broth? ›

Bone broth is a good choice to include in your diet along with all the other foods that fight inflammation. Organic chicken or beef bone broths (or make your own) have many beneficial nutrients that will help improve bones and joints, along with all the other benefits.

Is there any scientific study on bone broth benefits? ›

There is no research using bone broth on its own to fix real gut or digestive issues. There is strong research showing glutamine, glycine and gelatin benefits for severe gut issues like IBS, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They do this by helping to regenerate the mucosal lining of your intestinal wall.

What is the healthiest bone broth to buy? ›

What is the healthiest bone broth on the market? The healthiest bone broth on the market is the Organic bone broth made by Bluebird Provisions because it is the highest protein with 12 grams with 300 mg potassium and no added filler ingredients. It is also low in sodium and tastes absolutely delicious.

Which broth is healthier? ›

Chicken has more hydrating electrolytes

Properly made chicken broth has three times more potassium, chloride, magnesium and phosphorus than beef broth. It generally has more electrolytes than beef.

Does vegetable broth have collagen? ›

Broth is made mainly from meat, vegetables and herbs and takes less time to cook. Broth is usually the base for chicken soup. Vegetable stock and broth are popular plant-based options, but they do not include protein or collagen because there are no bones or meat included.

What is the downside of bone broth? ›

While bone broth is generally considered safe to consume, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Lead contamination. Some studies show elevated levels of lead in bone broths, which can be harmful to health if consumed in large amounts. Bacterial contamination.

What do doctors think of bone broth? ›

While bone broth can be a nutritious addition to the diet and is generally considered safe to consume, there are some concerns that should be noted,” Wohlford says. These include the risk of consuming too many heavy metals, which can seep into the broth from the animal bones during the cooking process.

What happens when you drink bone broth every morning? ›

Stabilise Your Mood. The first benefit of bone broth in the morning will undoubtedly put a smile on your face, literally. Broth contains an amazing amino acid called glycine. Glycine has been shown to naturally increase our bodies' serotonin, which stabilises mood, wellbeing and all those general feelings of happiness.

Does bone broth really heal the gut? ›

The nutrients in bone broth: collagen, gelatin, glycine and glutamine, have all been shown to sooth gut irritation and inflammation, strengthen the gut barrier and reduce the presence of LPS in the blood (16, 17, 18).

How long does it take to see the benefits of drinking bone broth? ›

"If you're trying to get the benefits of bone broth, it makes sense to eat a serving of it daily over the course of six to eight weeks to assess the benefits," Dr. Means says.

Is bone broth an anti-inflammatory? ›

Consuming broth that is high in collagen can help replenish our collagen levels and keep us looking younger for longer. If you're looking to reduce inflammation, bone broth is the answer. It's packed with beneficial amino acids, like glycine and arginine, which have impressive anti-inflammatory properties.

Which bone broth has the most collagen? ›

“While beef bone broth and chicken bone broth are healthful, beef bone broth has more collagen per serving. It is also better for gut health, for immunity, for sleep, and for mood. And it's better for skin and nails,” Schiff says.

What is the best broth for your gut? ›

Beef bone broth is a little better known for its gut-healing benefits, while chicken is recommended for electrolytes and skin health. Many opt to mix the two together to soak up optimal nutrition benefits. If that's not an option, we recommend switching it up every few weeks.

Why do you add apple cider vinegar to bone broth? ›

Then add apple cider vinegar, which is added primarily because the acidity breaks down the collagen and makes it more abundant in the broth. You can also sub lemon juice, but we prefer apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.

Are there health benefits to drinking vegetable broth? ›

Vegetable broth contains vitamin A that helps to improve the eyes, enhancing vision, and helping to avoid eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataract. The calcium from vegetables helps to strengthen the bones, helping to avoid osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Is bone broth healthier than regular broth? ›

"While, in general, the experts we spoke with agreed that there is very little research showing that bone broth is better for you than traditional stock or broth, consuming it daily can help supply your body with protein, collagen, and other nutrients that make up a healthy diet.

What is a good substitute for bone broth? ›

However, you can always make a vegetable broth instead. I can make a broth of root vegetables, it's rich and very healthy. If you want to darken the color boil onions with the skin still on. A good substitute for bone broth can be made from beans or peas, shredded cabbage and onion.

Is vegetable broth hydrating? ›

A good broth is nourishing, hydrating, and easily absorbed by people of all ages, making it ideal fare for those recovering from illness. Rather than taxing the digestive system, broth, along with fresh pressed juices and teas, offers nutritious hydration as the body to concentrates on healing.

References

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