Bone Broth for Optimal Health and Athletic Performance

For adults and student athletes of all ages, recovery is crucial for maintaining performance, reducing the risk of injury and illness for long-term health. A well-rounded recovery strategy includes both proper nutrition and rest. Bone broth can be a wonderful  addition to the busy family or student athlete’s pantry for its recovery benefits. Here are five evidenced based reasons to incorporate bone broth in your weekly routine.  

1. High in Protein

Protein is essential for repairing muscles that are damaged during exercise to help them recover and build up stronger. Bone broth is naturally rich in protein, making it a simple and effective way to help boost you toward your daily protein goal. A single serving of bone broth provides 15-20 grams of protein, which supports muscle repair and growth, reduces muscle soreness, and helps you get stronger over time. This is a convenient way for athletes to boost their protein intake between meals and while on the go, with no refrigeration needed. 

2. Rich in Nutrients for Muscle Repair

Bone broth is loaded with key nutrients that aid in muscle recovery, beyond  protein. One of the most notable is collagen, which plays a critical role in maintaining the health of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. Training can put stress on these tissues, but collagen helps to repair and strengthen them, reducing the risk of injury and promoting recovery. 

In addition to collagen, bone broth contains amino acids such as glycine and proline, which further support tissue repair and overall muscle recovery. This can help athletes recover faster between two-a-day workouts or back-to-back tournament games. 

3. Supports Joint Health

Your joints endure a lot of high-intensity movements during training, whether it’s running, jumping, cutting, or lifting. Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, two compounds that are commonly taken as supplements to support joint health. These nutrients help cushion the joints and maintain cartilage, keeping you training and competing while minimizing pain and stiffness. Bone broth can also be anti-aging, as it promotes skin elasticity and hydration, reduces inflammation, and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. 

By incorporating bone broth into your diet, you are giving your joints the support they need to stay healthy, reducing your risk of short- and long-term injuries. Sure, you could take supplements for this. But bone broth has these benefits PLUS all the others mentioned above and below. Real food is always the way to go! 

4. Easy to Digest & Promotes Gut Health

Bone broth is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, making it a great option after hard workouts that might have affected your appetite. It can also benefit gut health by supporting the integrity of the gut lining. Bone broth contains gelatin, which helps improve the health of the digestive tract, promoting better nutrient absorption and reducing the risk of digestive discomfort. For athletes who need to refuel quickly, bone broth is a light, yet nutrient-dense option that delivers the nutrition your body needs. 

5. Hydration & Electrolyte Replacement 

Bone broth provides a boost of hydration along with electrolytes, like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes are vital for muscle function, nerve transmission, and maintaining fluid balance, especially after sweating during a tough workout. 

Drinking bone broth after training can help replace electrolytes you lost during your workout. It will support optimal hydration and can prevent muscle cramps. Treat it like soup as a warming, hydrating beverage in the winter! 

Take-Home Points

• Bone broth is a versatile and nutrient-dense option for student athletes looking to enhance their recovery.
• Bone broth can help you perform at your best with the following health and performance benefits:
  • High protein content
  • Muscle-repair nutrients like collagen
  • Joint support
  • Gut health benefits
  • Hydration and electrolyte replenishment 
• Incorporate bone broth into your post-workout routine to boost your health, wellness, and overall recovery!

Are you ready to incorporate bone broth into your routine? If you are looking to make your own, here is our tried and true Nourishing Beef Bone Broth recipe. If you’d like to buy a bone broth, check out the Kettle & Fire options. You can’t go wrong either way!

To save money on any third-party tested momentous supplement use code WendiIrlbeck at checkout! Or click HERE to save 15% off the NWW recovery stack!