What is “bone broth,” the elixir of youth loved by celebrities?

Salma Hayek, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kourtney Kardashian and even Kylie Jenner say they drink it every day. It is also increasingly appearing in beauty and wellness sections, sold by brands that make it more desirable (like Jarmino for the most popular, or young French brands like Atelier Nubio and Jolly Mamma). : However, this new fad is far from a recent invention. If it has existed since the Stone Age, then “bone broth” (“bone broth” in French) has been transformed from a prehistoric food status into a trendy and coveted “magic drink” by Hollywood stars in their quest for eternal youth.

Collagen treatment

As its name suggests, bone broth is made primarily from animal carcasses such as chicken, beef, or pork. Some people also make it with fish bones. Cooking them produces collagen, “our body’s most abundant structural protein, which is essential for building tissue. From the age of 25, its natural reserves start to decrease in our body,” explains Pauline Benaroch, a nutritionist who worked with the Jolly Mama brand on the preparation of its organic bone broth Maman Poule.

“Studies have proven that collagen treatments can have a positive effect on the skin. It can help improve its quality, especially elasticity, and slow down the signs of skin aging,” confirms Dr. Camille Le Carre, a nutritionist from the Paris region, who notes that, however, “you should consume at least 10 grams of collagen per. daily for at least two to three months for the treatment to be effective, which is usually not the dose contained in the bone broth we make at home. Its amount will be insufficient to improve the health markers of skin, nails, hair or reduce wrinkles. You need to supplement with collagen, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to create a strong foundation that protects the skin.

In comparison, of the bone broths that can be purchased ready-made, Jolly Mama contains 6 grams of collagen per daily serving, while Jarmino and Atelier Nubio broths contain 10 grams per daily serving.

Postpartum ally

That’s not all. Ideal in winter when the temperature drops and the skin feels dry, “regular use of bone broth helps to hydrate the skin thanks to its high mineral content, magnesium and potassium,” adds Dr. Le Carré. Pregnant women or young mothers will also find some benefits in it. “The bone broth treatment is very interesting during and after pregnancy,” continues nutritionist Pauline Benaroch, a specialist in perinatal nutrition, “because the collagen it contains helps improve skin elasticity as the belly grows.” After childbirth, it also helps to avoid stretch marks and promotes healing, which applies to those who, for example, have had a caesarean section.

Boring recipe

For home cooking enthusiasts, it is possible to make your own »bone broth» yourself, quite simply by collecting meat carcasses or chicken legs from the butcher, for example. The secret of making it according to the rules of art. “You have to cook them for hours and hours on low heat. This is what allows us to extract as much collagen as possible,” explains Pauline Benaroch. According to the expert, “the advantage of choosing ready-made broth is that it saves us this long and tedious step. Then you can store the preparation in the refrigerator, where after cooling it will take on a jelly-like form. This frozen tissue testifies to the richness of collagen.’

Some people drink it in the morning when they wake up, like Kylie Jenner, or at lunch, like Gwyneth Paltrow. Then anyone can mix it with other ingredients to add flavor. For example, Salma Hayek likes to add a tablespoon of apple cider, while Halle Berry prefers it with a little salt, ground pepper and crushed garlic.

While there are no specific contraindications to bone broth treatment, Dr. Camille Le Carre still recommends some precautions for those who try the homemade version. “In addition to the risk of allergies, the possible presence of endocrine disruptors contained in bones can be problematic for some people who suffer from hormonal disorders,” warns the doctor. “Indeed, if the bones used for the broth are not of good quality, the preparation may be too rich in hormones, heavy metals or antibiotics that are of animal origin.” Therefore, it is best to choose organic carcasses, if possible, from natural grass-fed cattle or free-range poultry. In any case, it’s always recommended to get advice from a dermatologist or your doctor before trying a new diet or adding nutritional supplements to your routine.