Can you eat chicken bones?
In this short article, we will provide an answer to the question, “Can you eat chicken bones?” with an in-depth analysis of cooking chicken with bones and the health benefits associated with the chicken bones.
Can you eat chicken bones?
No, you can not eat chicken bones. But, you can definitely extract and benefit from the essential nutrients present in chicken bones. The best way to extract all the nutrients present in chicken bones is bone broth.
Cooking chicken with the bones may be more time-consuming but it is undoubtedly more advantageous for our health. Additionally, cooking chicken with the bones reduces waste and also makes any recipe tastier.
Benefits of cooking chicken with bones
Bones are rich in essential amino acids such as proline and glycine. It contains many minerals along with collagen. Amino acids and collagen are essential for the formation of our own collagen and are required for many important functions of the body.
Our bodies require minerals for various purposes such as bone health, oxygen transport, hormone health, enzyme function etc. Since our bodies can not manufacture minerals, we have to acquire them from food. Cooking chicken including bones is an easy, flavorful and inexpensive way to get all of the beneficial nutrients.
Some of the health benefits of cooking chicken with bones in meat are described below:
More Nutrients
Bones are rich in nutrients that are essential for our bodies including sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other micronutrients. It is these nutrients that give the bone broth its nutritional value.
Cooking chicken with bones also releases the bone marrow into the meat which increases the nutrient value of the meat. Bone marrow is a fatty substance that is rich in nutrients and is considered a superfood.
Promotes joint health
Bone broth contains gelatin, which is broken down into collagen when consumed. This is particularly important for joint health.
Cartilage in the joints tends to contract over time adding more pressure on the joints, because of the added pressure, joints become damaged.
Eating bone broth is a good way of adding gelatin to your diet, which may help protect the joints and reduces the risk of osteoarthritis.
Supports Gut Healing
In addition to micronutrients, one of the major benefits of chicken bones is their high concentration of glycine, collagen, and gelatin. These are vital for the health of the digestive system and immune system, and also help to decrease inflammation in the body.
Gelatin contains glutamine that helps to maintain the function of the digestive system and has been associated with preventing and healing the condition of leaky gut.
Bone broth has also been found beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Promotes better sleep
The amino acids particularly glycine, present in bone broth is also found to promote better sleep quality in some people.
Promotes weight loss
Proteins present in bone broth promotes weight loss. Drinking bone broth may be a useful way to add more protein to your diet and feel more satisfied with the meal without consuming too many calories as proteins make you feel fuller for longer.
Adds Flavour
Not only do bones add beneficial nutrients, but they also add a good amount of flavour to the meat. When you cook chicken with the bones, the bone marrow and other elements from the bones enhance the flavour of the meat, which can not be obtained with a boneless cut.
How to make bone broth
Bone broth is prepared by boiling the bones and connective tissue of the chicken together. It is a highly nutritious and healthy drink.
To make bone broth, you will need 3–4 pounds of bones and tissues from chicken with 1 gallon of water, 1 ounce of vinegar. You can keep saving bones from the chicken you cook in different recipes.
Now, boil the ingredients together in a slow cooker or in a large pan, then reduce to a low flame and allow it to cook for 10–24 hours. Let it cool afterwards. Strain using a cloth or strainer and pour into smaller storage containers.
The longer you cook the bones, the better the broth will be with more taste and nutrients. You can also add salt, vegetables, and spices such as thyme to enhance the flavour of the broth.
The addition of vinegar is essential as it helps to extract all of the important nutrients out of the bones and into the water, which is ultimately what you will be consuming.
Other FAQs about Chicken that you may be interested in.
What is the best way to heat up rotisserie chicken?
How do you reheat a rotisserie chicken?
Conclusion
In this short article, we have provided an answer to the question, “Can you eat chicken bones?” with an in-depth analysis of cooking chicken with bones and the health benefits associated with the chicken bones.
