Bone Broth: The Elixir of Youth for Skin, Hair, and Joints

Discover the Harvard-approved power of bone broth! Collagen, minerals, and a homemade recipe that promotes beauty, health, and anti-aging – naturally.

Dear readers, we have already written about collagen and we will definitely write more – because for us big girls Collagen is in the TOP TEN. And today's topic is one of the gadgets that helps us keep our skin, joints, and hair running at full speed.

But we now know that it was about something more. About the home elixir of youth, beauty and strength. While today's ads scream "collagen powder per liter," our grandmothers simply boiled it. And guess what? Harvard is now proving them right. Yes, seriously!

Bone broth is making a comeback these days, and not just among biohackers and fitness fanatics. According to Harvard Medical School, a cup of quality bone broth contains 8 to 10 grams of protein, which is more than regular chicken broth. Plus, it's packed with collagen, minerals, and amino acids that your body loves—especially as you age and naturally start to lose it.

Do you know modern DIY recipes like "make collagen candies at home" and the main ingredient is... gelatin? Yes, gelatin is not just jelly on a cake - it is cheap biohacker bomb full of protein and amino acids. It contains glycine, which promotes sleep, heals inflammations and helps the body detoxify – so while you sleep, your body works like it’s on the night shift. Plus, it has satiating effect and can regulate ghrelin levels (the hunger hormone), making it a secret ally in weight loss. And as a bonus? It helps with digestion, supports the liver, and is also budget-friendly. This is no "weak decoction," but joint nutrition from the convenience store!

• Bones – ideally beef knuckles, chicken skeleton, legs or marrow bones.
• Vegetables – onions, carrots, celery.
• Vinegar – such as apple cider vinegar – helps to “pull” collagen from bones.
• Spices – thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper.
• Water – enough to keep everything submerged.

Cook slowly and long... make it a real grandma's long-drawn-out broth. The result will be a golden elixir that you can drink by the cup or use as a base for other dishes.

Gelatin and collagen are almost like sisters – they have same amino acids, same goal, just a different nature. While hydrolyzed collagen dissolves even in cold water and is like a quiet introvert in dietary supplements, gelatin is kitchen extrovert – cooks, gels, thickens. When mixed with water, it forms a gel, which is ideal for desserts, sauces and sauces. The bioavailability and effects are similar, so neither is worse – just choose whether you want it “in your pocket” or “in the pot”.

Bone broth!!! – number one, because the collagen in it is already pre-digested. The body absorbs it quickly and efficiently, without unnecessary losses. It is natural nutrition for the skin, joints and intestines.

Salmon with skin – omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while protecting collagen from breakdown. And salmon skin? A little collagen treasure trove.

Egg whites – they contain the amino acid proline, which is one of the basic building blocks of collagen. If you don't like pure egg whites, you can still have scrambled eggs – still better than nothing.

Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits) – Vitamin C is key for collagen production. Without it, you can eat all the collagen you want and it won't be absorbed.

Forest fruits – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries… in addition to vitamin C, they also contain antioxidants that protect collagen from free radicals. Plus, they taste great.

Kiwi and peppers – sounds inconspicuous, but they have more vitamin C than citrus fruits. Red peppers in particular are superheroes of collagen cuisine.

Seeds and cashews – zinc and copper are minerals that “glue” collagen together. So a handful of nuts a day? Not only for joy, but also for beauty.

Seafood (oysters, shrimp, mussels) – more luxurious items, but they contain zinc, copper and protein. Just include them occasionally – the body will take what it needs.

Collagen is the reason you have smooth skin, flexible joints, and strong tissues. But as you age, your body produces less of it, so it's time to to give it back – even with a spoon. It helps reduce wrinkles, improves skin elasticity and accelerates wound healingIt won't prevent aging, but it can slow it down.

Before you reach for an expensive powder, try focusing on your daily diet. Collagen isn't just about supplements - it's about lifestyleRegular exercise, enough protein, no chronic stress and a sensible diet are the best foundation.

It's best to make broth from ingredients that have a story – ideally from an organic farm, a local farmer or straight from your own garden. Let it have not only taste, but also soul. While cooking, don't forget to regularly skim the brown foam from the surface – then the broth will remain beautifully clear and will not have a bitter undertone. If you then pour it into jars and store it in the fridge, it will easily last you a whole week – always ready to warm up and caress. I prefer to drink it in the morning, warm and smooth, instead of tea – before my first coffee. And I do this my way too. But I'll write about my special coffee next time. 😉