Foods that Heal: Bone Broth

     Ahh, that steamy bowl full of good health.  I have been reading lately about the benefits of real broth and the ways that it can improve the function of  the body.  Hardly anyone makes real broth any more. We have been tricked into thinking that the bones and fat are not good for you, and that  convenience foods are healthy.  Years ago, when an animal was butchered for meat, people would use every single part of the animal's body.  Not a single part was wasted.  I was recently reading "Little House on the Prairie" to my children. We read a chapter about the entire Ingalls  family coming down with what was known as "fever -n- ague", now believed to be a mosquito borne illness.  Laura remembers waking up while sick to see a neighbor lady tending the family, and the only thing they ate was broth.  Now, this wasn't the canned stuff that is sold at the store.  This was real, honest to goodness, bone broth.  In this book, the family's main fare consisted of prairie chicken and rabbit, so it was most likely made from one of those.  They roasted the animal, ate the meat, used the feathers or fur, and made broth from the bones and feet.   The family recovered from the illness, and I'm sure, the broth contributed to their health!
     Knowing the difference between the canned version of broth and the real McCoy is very important.  If you were to pick up a can of "broth" at the store you would find ingredients like mono sodium glutamate and chemicals that are added that are more harmful than good. They also remove the most important ingredient: fat.  Most broths on the shelf tout "Fat Free" on the label, but we have discussed before the importance of good fat in your diet!  You need a balance of good things to keep you healthy, and real bone broth contains these important ingredients.
     Real bone broth is very easy to make and very inexpensive, almost free!  Some of the most healthful recipes use only the scraps of things that you would normally throw away after a meal.  For instance, after serving your family a roasted chicken or roast beef, save the fat, bones and leftovers, throw them into your crock pot, cover with water and a splash of vinegar and leave on low for several hours or up to 2-3 days.  You may have to add more water in the process, but the result will be a mineral rich broth that you can use by itself or add to soups and other recipes. As you make it more and more, you may find other vegetable scraps that may add flavors that you like.  Eating some of this nutritious liquid every day can fend off many illnesses and heal many problems.
     Let's explore some of the benefits and ailments that can be healed by consuming bone broth on a regular basis:


- bone broth contains gelatin, a colloidal substance that attracts digestive juices to itself and prevents gastrointestinal bugs from attaching themselves to the intestine and causing damage.  If you make bone broth, you will notice that, when refrigerated, it solidifies and turns to a gelatin-like substance.

 -bone broth contains minerals such as calcium, silicon, sulphur, magnesium and trace minerals that are in a form that is easily assimilated into your system.  During the cooking process, the vinegar helps to draw out the minerals from the bones, and these minerals are essential to proper human nutrition

-gelatin can also detoxify the blood.  Bone marrow is where the blood cells are produced, and drawing out the nutrient rich marrow can help increase red blood cell and hemoglobin counts and help to increase the absorption of calcium

-broth also contains Chondroitin Sulfate, which is used as a supplement for joint pain. It lines the blood vessels and plays a role in lowering cholesterol and heart attacks

-bone broth also keeps you looking young.  It contains a key ingredient for healthy skin.  This ingredient is the backbone for helping your body produce collagen and therefore improves the smoothness of skin.  Why pay mega bucks for collagen in a cream, when you can make your own for almost nothing?


   There are so many other benefits of bone broth, there is no doubt in my mind that it is one food item that should be consumed in some way every day, whether alone in a mug first thing in the morning, or as the basis for a  delicious soup in a meal. I made my batch this week and am going to keep it up to improve the health of our family.
     The best recipes for bone broth include vinegar (apple cider), because it helps to draw the nutrition from the bones.  I have found it difficult to break the bones before adding them to the crock pot.  I have read that you can use the same bones over and over again until they dissolve completely!  It may help to ask at your local butcher shop for some soup bones.  They would be very inexpensive and already cut up to expose the nutrient rich marrow. I have also read that chicken feet are a very healthy part to use to make bone broth.  Interesting. 
     I have not included any recipes for bone broth in this post.  You can google the topic and find many different and delicious recipes or just experiment with your own. All in all, bone broth can benefit anyone and bring healing to many ailment. Try it for a time and see, you may be amazed at how simply and inexpensively you can heal!

FEATURED RECIPES BEEF AND BEAN BURRITOS Total Time: min  Effort: Easy View Recipe CAMPBELL'S® CHICKEN CHEESE STEAK SOUP Total Time: min  Effort: Easy View Recipe CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA Total Time: min  Effort: Medium View Recipe SERVING IDEAS • For more flavorful dishes, use Swanson broth instead of water, when simmering vegetables, rice, potatoes or pasta • When roasting, baste with Swanson broth for moist, tender, flavorful meats • Swanson broth also makes a great soup starter • Visit SwansonBroth.com More Campbell Soup Collections - Classics can be used as an ingredient in many flavorful dishes. See our selection of delicious recipies made with Campbell Soup Collections - Classics. Details PREPARATION Do not dilute. Pour contents into saucepan. Heat slowly until hot, stirring occasionally. STORAGE Shelf Life: 2 YEARS; USE BY DATE ON THE TOP OF EVERY CAN Storage Temperature:  HANDLING GUIDELINES PROMPTLY REFRIGERATE ANY UNUSED PORTION IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER. POINT-OF-SALE MATERIALS Campbell has a wide variety of merchanding and POS support options to suit your establishment requirements.  Customizable POS options are available via Print-on-Demand system. GETTING STARTED To find out more about our POS & Merchandising Support options, contact your Campbell's representative OR call (800) TRY-SOUP (879-7687) and ask about how your operation can benefit from our POS & Merchandising support. MERCHANDISING SUPPORT Campbell's is your trusted business partner and has the tools to help build a highly-profitable operation: from equipment, merchandising items to paper & reusable cups and lids.  Visit our Branded Solutions section for more info. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES - Branded Solutions Brochure (PDF) • Download - Current Promotions • Details FEATURES AND BENEFITS Swanson(R) broth is the perfect ingredient for all of your favorite recipes! Bring everyday cooking alive with mouthwatering flavor that's 99% fat-free.Swanson broth also means that you won't have to spend hours creating a mealfrom scratch. Just open a can and savor the rich, wholesome taste of Swanson broth. PACKAGING DETAILS Pack & Size:   12/ 49- 1/ 2 oz. Case Weight:   42.62 LB Cube:   0.918 FT Case Size:   17 IN x 12.875 IN x 7.25 IN (L x W x H) UPC:   0-51000-09772-9 SCC-14:   10-05100-00977-26

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Foods that heal: Avocado

     On my journey into new areas of health and healing,  I have found a new favorite food.  I had very seldom eaten avocado in the past.  Occasionally I would have some in a dip or guacamole, but I never considered it health food.  With my new diet that I have been on, I have been encouraged to eat avocado.  So, let's explore the benefits of this fine food!

     At one time, doctors discouraged the consumption of avocados due to their extremely high calorie content. An average avocado contains over 730 calories and packs a huge dose of fat, at 30 grams per serving.  What we are beginning to understand is that these kinds of calories and fat are good for you and your brain!  Remember, your brain is made up of fatty tissue and needs fat to keep it healthy.   Many health conscious  moms are now using avocado regularly in their infants diets because of the super healthy nutrition found in them.
     The fat content in avocados actually helps your body function in a more efficient way. Those who suffer from diabetes related illnesses often  tend to develop high levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat that may contribute to heart disease.  When you replace bad carbohydrates with good fats, especially those found in avocado, the dangerous fats in your bloodstream tend to decline. Also, the oleic acid found in this fruit  helps to control many of the symptoms of diabetes. In addition, the oleic acid can also help your body get rid of excess cholesterol!
     Avocados are high in potassium, which is great for helping those who suffer from high blood pressure. In fact, one serving of avocado contains about 15% more potassium than a banana!
     One of the tricks in dealing with avocados is determining when they are ripe. When you find them at the grocery store, choose ones that feel very firm, almost hard.  I bring them home and store them in the fridge.  I keep one on the counter until it feels soft underneath the tough, leathery skin.  Then I halve it, take out the pit and the skin peels off very easily. 
     Since I have been trying to include avocado in my diet, I have tried many different recipes to make it palatable, instead of just a chore to eat. I have made many recipes for guacamole and avocado dips, which were good, but who wants to eat dip all the time?  Well I happened upon a recipe for a healthy version of the shamrock shake--of all things!  And the main ingredient? Avocado, of course, to make it a beautiful shade of green, and fill it with all sorts of nutrition.  The added bonus: my kids love it!  I am so pleased to find a good way to use this amazing fruit.  Enjoy!

Healthy Shamrock Shake

Add to blender:
1 3/4 cups milk (I use non-pasteurized, fresh milk. You can also use almond, rice or coconut milk)
1 avocado, peeled and pitted
2 1/2 to 3 Tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup
1 cup ice cubes (I used about 8 cubes)
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract ( I used a few drops of peppermint oil)

Combine in blender until smooth. Enjoy!

Variations:  We tried it with orange oil instead of the peppermint.  The result tasted just like an orange dreamsicle (though green!).  I have also added berries or yogurt to make it more like a smoothie.