BONE BROTH
· Dr. Tuba Günebak
Bone broth or meat broth is considered a source of healing in many societies. It is particularly accepted as a natural treatment in the nutritional therapy of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric illnesses such as infectious diseases, autism, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, depression, and schizophrenia.
BONE BROTH
Bone broth or meat broth is considered a source of healing in many societies. It is particularly accepted as a natural treatment in the nutritional therapy of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric illnesses such as infectious diseases, autism, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, depression, and schizophrenia.
Bone or meat broth is obtained by boiling animal bone or meat in water for a certain period (with or without vegetables). Adding vinegar to the boiling water can also be recommended. The longer and slower it is simmered, the more valuable it is considered.
However, the problem is, how safe is this water when we boil the animal's bone or meat and extract its broth?
Lead, a heavy metal, is a neurotoxin that causes nervous system damage. Animals may be exposed to lead due to environmental pollution (through the food they eat, the water they drink, the air they breathe, and the dust and soil they live in). This heavy metal accumulates in the animal's tissues and can reach risky levels. Therefore, when we boil and drink the bone or meat of such an animal, we begin to carry the same risk of heavy metal accumulation.
In a scientific study (Medical Hypotheses 80(2013) 389-390), broth was extracted from an organic chicken using different methods, and the lead content was analyzed to determine the safest consumption method. According to this study:
- The lead content of the water used for boiling was measured; it was found to be 0.89 units (microg/lt).
- Chicken bone was boiled, and the broth was analyzed; the lead content was found to be 7.01 units.
- Only chicken meat was boiled without bones, and the broth was analyzed; the lead content was found to be 2.3 units.
- Whole chicken meat and bones, including skin and cartilage, were boiled, and the broth was analyzed; the lead content was found to be 9.5 units.
This indicates that the safest method in terms of lead contamination is to boil only the meat and extract its broth.
So, what is the effect of lead contamination on health?
Lead negatively affects the nervous system, blood production, gastrointestinal system, kidney health, hormonal balance, and reproductive system.