Humans have long been enjoying animal bone marrow for centuries. Most recently it has gained popularity as a gourmet treat in fine dining and trendy cafes. It is basically a type of spongy tissue present in the center of bones.
The bone marrow of cows, lambs, and moose is particularly sought after - roast it, make soup, grill. It is not only popular for its flavor but also the advantages that come with it. Here we will talk about 12 such bone marrow benefits that will make you crave it even more.
Ever wonder how some people seem to never catch a cold? Bone marrow might be their secret weapon. It's packed with nutrients that essentially give your defense mechanism a power boost.
Remember how our grandmother used to say bone broth was medicine, and she wasn't wrong. The zinc and selenium in the bone marrow are crucial in fighting off infections.
When you consume bone marrow, you are feeding your body's defense team. The stem cells present in it produce white blood cells which are critical for protecting your body against dangerous pathogens.
These compounds stimulate the immune cell production. This in turn makes your body more resilient to common illnesses.
There is a protein type called collagen which is found all through your body. Luckily bone marrow is rich in this protein. It is crucial in order to keep the skin healthy and well maintained.
It enhances skin elasticity and keeps it hydrated - this lessens wrinkles thereby supporting a younger look. Plus bone marrow is full of healthy fats that nourish skin cells and help them repair.
In an 8 week study of 69 women supplementing with 2.5-5g of collagen, it improved skin elasticity and kept it hydrated.
In addition, bone marrow is full of nutrients such as vitamins A and K2. Vitamin A promotes skin cell turnover and regeneration, and therefore skin that is healthier and cleaner.
Vitamin K2 helps improve circulation and may prevent dark circles under the eyes.
3. Supports Joint Health
Ever wondered how bone marrow can help keep your joints healthy? Well, it's actually pretty amazing.
Bone marrow contains several natural compounds that work together to help your joints stay in good shape. For instance, glucosamine, found in cartilage, helps to reduce inflammation and ease those achy feelings.
When you eat bone marrow, you are giving your body this helpful compound that combats joint pain. It is particularly good if you are active or dealing with joint issues.
But that's not all - bone marrow is also packed with collagen, which helps maintain strong, flexible joints. Also, it can support the production of joint cartilage, contributing more to smooth joint function.
Athletes who've tried collagen supplements have found it really helps with joint pain, and getting it naturally through bone marrow can be even better.
Let's be real – managing weight is tough. Bone marrow can be a surprising ally in this battle. Though rich and fatty, it is packed with healthy fats that actually boost metabolism and promote satiety.
The high protein content helps to build lean muscle mass, contributing to the ability of your body to burn fat authentically. Bone marrow carries conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that can reduce body fat and prevent the storage of fats.
Processed foods leave you hungry whereas bone marrow makes you feel full and satisfied for longer. It provides a steady source of energy that keeps hunger pangs under control and cuts back on unwanted munching.
Bone marrow can be strategically added to a balanced weight management approach as a source of nutrient-dense, metabolism-supporting calories.
Gut health is no joke, and bone marrow works wonders for your digestive system. Its high collagen helps heal and protect the gut lining. This lowers inflammation and supports overall intestinal wellness.
The gelatin in bone marrow helps break down proteins while supporting the growth of beneficial gut microorganisms. By healing leaky gut syndrome, these natural compounds improve how well your body takes in nutrients.
We also get crucial amino acids like glycine from bone marrow. They help produce digestive enzymes that make the processing of food easier.
A lot of people who have digestive problems often find comfort by including bone marrow in their diet. It’s a natural nutrient dense way to provide support for a healthful digestive tract.
6. Decreases Inflammation
Short term inflammation is considered an important part of your body's defense mechanism. But chronic inflammation can be challenging and can contribute to various conditions: diabetes, heart disease, even cancer.
We get a protein referred to as glycine from bone marrow. Multiple test tube research found that it has potent anti-inflammatory properties which could help in lowering body inflammation.
CLA, another crucial compound in bone marrow, has been observed to decrease several inflammation indicators within the blood.
In a 2-week study, 23 men took 5.6 grams of CLA every day. The results demonstrated that it effectively decreased specific proteins involved in inflammation.
Adding to its benefits, adiponectin also plays a central role in regulating inflammation and immune function.
7. Lower The Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome-Related Disorders
Bone marrow with its rich adiponectin, helps protect us from metabolic disorders. This is a potent hormone that works within our body to regulate fat metabolism and maintain healthy blood sugar.
People who tend to have higher levels of adiponectin typically face lower chances of developing such conditions as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related other issues.
The remarkable aspect of bone marrow is its significant concentration of this protective hormone. When we consume bone marrow regularly, we're essentially providing our body with a natural tool to fight against metabolic syndrome-related problems.
Medical studies have consistently highlighted how maintaining good adiponectin levels through dietary sources like bone marrow can help prevent these metabolic disorders.
This traditional food source proves its worth in our modern battle against lifestyle-related health challenges.
Eating bone marrow may support healthy heart due to its rich nutrient profile, consisting of omega-3 fatty acids. It helps reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, and promote cardiovascular health.
The collagen and glycine in bone marrow help reduce arterial stiffness, improving blood circulation. Bone marrow also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and boost good cholesterol (HDL).
Adiponectin, a hormone that keeps your fat metabolism under control and improves your insulin sensitivity, provides further support to bone marrow’s positive effects.
Higher adiponectin content is linked to a lowered threat of heart disease. By promoting a healthy lipid profile and lowering inflammation, bone marrow, alongside adiponectin, can contribute to better heart health.
Simply make a healthy soup with bone marrow, ideal for cold nights, or strive for different recipes.
The connection between bone marrow and quality sleep stems from its unique nutritional composition. This nutrient-dense food contains essential compounds that naturally support our sleep cycle.
The high glycine concentration in bone marrow significantly enhances sleep quality. This amino acid helps our body work with its natural sleep mechanisms to manage our sleep-wake cycle and lead to more restful sleep.
Observational research suggests that glycine might possibly shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and enhance total sleep efficiency.
Bone marrow, with its wholesome fat, additionally improves the absorption of sleep-promoting nutrients, making it an amazing addition to our diet plan to help us sleep better.
Sometimes, we can incorporate bone marrow in our meals as a natural way to enhance sleep without dietary supplements or medications.
10. Supports Hormone Production
Bone marrow contains natural fats and nutrients that help support hormone balance. It provides essential building blocks that the body uses to produce hormones.
Healthy fats from bone marrow pass through the bloodstream to the glands responsible for hormone production. It is just like how a car requires good oil to run smoothly—our hormone-generating glands need those same nutrients to function nicely.
The cholesterol in bone marrow isn’t dangerous; it’s needed to make testosterone, estrogen, and different hormones that keep you healthy.
Many people report feeling more lively and balanced when consuming bone marrow frequently, particularly as they age and natural hormone production slows.
You can eat it in different ways. One popular way people enjoy it is by roasting it with their preferred seasonings. Pair it with some roasted vegetables to make a complete meal.
Bone marrow is nutrient dense and can contribute to overall fitness, along with brain health. It provides important vitamins: protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins. These are all critical for various bodily as well as brain functions.
The vitamins provide building blocks for neurotransmitters and different brain chemical compounds hence indirectly supporting brain well-being.
When you consume bone marrow, you are also getting a good dose of nutrition B12 -which is beneficial for your nerve cells. This means quicker thinking and better memory.
Those with regular consumption of brain-healthy fats tend to stay mentally sharp as they age, studies have found.
However, it’s necessary to emphasize that for optimal brain health, a balanced diet, regular exercise and other factors are necessary. Bone marrow can be part of a healthy diet, but it is not a complete brain health plan.
For years, strength trainers and athletes have recognized how bone marrow helps muscles bounce back after tough workouts. The secret lies in its rich mix of proteins and amino acids that muscles need to recover and grow stronger.
When you exercise hard, your muscle fibers develop tiny tears that need repair – this is where bone marrow's nutrients come into play.
Its natural collagen helps strengthen the tissues connecting your muscles, while its zinc content actively builds new muscle tissue. What makes bone marrow special for muscle recovery is how it fights exercise-related inflammation.
Professional athletes often eat bone marrow before competitions or after intense training sessions because it provides lasting energy for muscle repair. The iron it contains helps deliver oxygen to tired muscles, speeding up their recovery.
Bone marrow has stood the test of time as one of nature's most nourishing foods. Ancient civilizations valued it highly, from Native American tribes who preserved each part of buffalo marrow to European cultures that considered it a delicacy.
Traditional Chinese medicine has long used bone marrow to bolster the body, especially during recovery from illness.
In present-day kitchens, bone marrow has seen a strong revival. Top restaurants now feature roasted bone marrow as a premium dish, while home cooks are rediscovering its rich taste and health perks.
The nutrients present in bone marrow - vitamins A and B12, zinc, iron, and crucial fats - make it a powerhouse food that supports our well being.
Preparing bone marrow is simple. The most common method involves roasting marrow bones till the middle turns gentle and spreadable. French cuisine pairs it with toasted bread and parsley salad, whilst Asian cooking incorporates it into healing broths.
Many butcher stores now particularly sell them because of growing demand.
This conventional food's staying power is not just about nutrition - its wealthy, buttery flavor has earned it a place in fine dining and home cooking alike.
As more people are searching for natural, nutrient-dense foods, bone marrow continues to prove its worth on our plates.
For more insights to support its health benefits, here are the bone marrow nutritional facts for one tablespoon (14 grams) of raw caribou bone marrow:
Calories: 110
Protein: 1 gram
Total fat: 12 grams
Vitamin B12: 7% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
