Bone broth is a traditional, slow-cooked stock made from animal bones and 
connective tissue - usually chicken, beef, or fish. While it’s been used in 
cooking for generations, it’s now widely recognised for its nutritional value and 
potential health benefits, particularly for gut and joint health. 

Making bone broth at home is relatively simple. A basic recipe includes around 
2kg of bones, 5 litres of water, and about 40ml of apple cider vinegar. This is 
gently simmered for at least 12 hours, allowing time for nutrients to be released 
from the bones and connective tissues. Once cooled, the broth is strained to 
leave a clear, nourishing liquid. You can add herbs, vegetables, and spices 
during cooking to enhance the flavour. The apple cider vinegar plays an 
important role in helping extract minerals from the bones. 

If time is a factor, there are also convenient options available, including 
powdered, paste, and ready-made bone broth. These can be easily added to 
soups, meals, or simply enjoyed on their own as a warm drink. 

Nutritionally, bone broth offers a wide range of benefits. It contains important 
minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, along with trace 
minerals that support overall health. When fish bones are used, it may also 
provide iodine, which is important for thyroid function. 

The marrow released during cooking adds further nutrients, including iron, zinc, 
selenium, boron, and manganese. It also contributes beneficial fats, such as 
omega-3 and omega-6, along with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and 
vitamin K2. 

One of the key components of bone broth is collagen. As it cooks, collagen 
breaks down into gelatine, which is easy to digest and may help support the gut 
lining. Gelatine also contains the amino acid glutamine, which plays a role in 
maintaining the health and function of the intestinal wall. Because of this, bone 
broth is often considered supportive for people experiencing digestive issues. 

Bone broth may also support joint health. It naturally contains compounds like 
glucosamine and chondroitin, which are commonly associated with cartilage 
support. In addition, amino acids such as proline and glycine contribute to the 
maintenance of connective tissues, including ligaments and tendons. 

Even without specific health concerns, bone broth can be a beneficial addition to 
Even without specific health concerns, bone broth can be a beneficial addition 
your diet. It’s easy to incorporate, gentle on digestion, and provides a 
concentrated source of nutrients that support overall wellbeing. 

For more information about bone broth, drop into Go Vita, Your Health Shop at  
5 North Street, Batemans Bay. You can also call us on (02) 4472 9737 or visit us 
online at www.govitabatemansbay.com.au. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 
2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita’s Nutritionist Sofia chat about health 
and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.