Bone Broth & Top 12 Cancer Fighting Foods

Is bone broth considered a cancer fighting food? 

There's been quite a bit of talk about the various benefits and advantages of drinking bone broth, including the ability to ward off diseases. We are exposed to lot of pollution on a daily basis that cause free radical damage.  Over a period of time, this exposure can lead to a number of negative health problems like cancer growth. Science has shown that different types of cancer and other terminal diseases - like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and Chrons - could be kept at bay and controlled if our diet is primarily composed of healthy, antioxidant-rich foods. 

While it is too premature to draw conclusions on whether or not bone broth can actually prevent cancer and such diseases, there are many reasons to believe that there are health benefits to consuming bone broth as part of your regular diet. Cancer can be a curable disease provided it is diagnosed early. However, a better option for prevention is to proactively manage and prevent the birth and multiplication of cancer cells before they grow. The following information on bone broth and other ingredients that have been linked to cancer prevention may be useful to you and your family in helping prevent dreaded diseases.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is known to increase the immunity of the body and also dampen the negative impact of free radicals. It helps improve digestion - especially for those suffering from Chrons, IBS, and other autoimmune related disorders - and is also a rich source of collagen. For these same reasons bone broth makes a great post-workout recovery beverage - helping to heal and mend aching muscles, joints, and aging cartilage - because of these reasons, too. Many scientific and health studies show that the ingredients of BRU bone broth have a direct correlation with good health and helping prevent diseases, alongside helping to heal from illnesses such as cancer.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the bioactive ingredient in turmeric, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, and anti-cancer properties. A 2009 study conducted by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, found that curcumin extract effectively differentiates between cancer cells and normal cells while activating cancer cell death (apoptosis). Turmeric is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritus by reducing joint inflammation and providing long-term pain management.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and most recently, to help treat cancer. A new study published in PLoS revealed a component within ginger, known as 6-shogaol, can be just as effective compared to conventional chemotherapy in targeting the root cause of breast cancer malignancy. Ginger suppress inflammation - especially within the digestive tract - and supports the body's natural pain relief processes and its component 6-Gingerol has been shown to significantly inhibit the generation of nitric acid. The potassium content of ginger provides detoxification support and promotes electric energy production while the manganese in ginger protects the lining of the heart’s blood vessels as well as the urinary tract. This root is also used as a natural "morning sickness” aid because it reduces nausea, alleviates motion sickness, and reduces fever.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a power-house for immunity and is essential for the overall function and health of the body. Found in leafy greens, carrots, berries, and brassicas, Vitamin C can eliminate abnormal cells while protecting healthy ones, which is why so many of us drink orange juice or take a 'Emergen-C' when sick! Although there is no conclusive evidence that it fights cancer, its antioxidant capabilities make it an essential component for a healthy body.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and considered non-essential, meaning all can be found in small quantities within the human body. There are about 19 amino acids found in bone broth that help increase your body's ability to build the most abundant - and important - protein in the human body: collagen.

Glycine

Glycine is well known for its ability to suppress inflammation throughout the body, and especially in the gut. Research on glycine shows the potential to prevent ulcers, which can be associated with forms of stomach cancer.  This amino acid protects the gastric mucosa against chemically and stress-induced ulcers, and therefore reduces gastric secretions that can form ulcers.

Glutathione

Often referred to as "The Master Antioxidant" in the homeopathic community, glutathione is made up of three amino acids: glutamine, cystine and glycine. This amino acid plays a vital role in building cartilage, and is used to help treat the effects of arthritis as well as injuries from endurance sports, like running. Current research supports its antioxidant beliefs and therefore makes glutathione an essential ingredient to maintaining joint and bone health. 

L-Lysine & L-Proline

L-Lysine and L-Proline are two main building blocks of collagen and elastin. L-Lysine actively prevents the digestion of collagen and is directly involved in the development of antibodies and therefore, our immune system. Your body boosts Proline production during times of injury and wound healing, like after surgery, and is a necessary component for proper healing. Proline also helps hardening of arteries, and is recommended as a supplement to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Chemotherapy relief

Drinking bone broth is highly encouraged during chemotherapy as it is a nutrient-dense, easily digestible, healing drink that can seal the gut lining and restore vital nutrients to the body. In some cancer treatment centers, patients are often provided with bone broth to ward off the adverse reactions experienced during chemotherapy, like nausea, weakness, and low energy. 

Bone broth also helps boost the immune system in chemo patients who are left weak and vulnerable to diseases due to radiation exposure. Since bone broth supplies the body with collagen, amino acids, and various minerals and vitamins essential to cellular repair and growth, drinking the beverage daily can help regenerate healthy new cells to keep the body strong.

So, can bone broth help fight cancer?

Unfortunately, there is no clear scientific evidence of bone broth - as a beverage or supplement - that proves it helps to fight cancer. Only the ingredients that define bone broth have the evidence to support such claims. This gap in information nonetheless has opened up new avenues for cancer research, though, and certainly shouldn't stop you from making bone broth a key part of your daily diet! When bone broth is cooked with 100% organic beef and chicken bones and then combined with cancer-fighting super foods such as cruciferous vegetables, spices, and roots, it can only have a positive impact on your health. 

Rebuild from inside.

The BRU Cru

Please note that we are not doctors nor experts on diseases. If you have any questions or concerns about cancer or cancer treatments, consult your physician first.

Forget The Juice Cleanse, This Is Why You Need Protein In Your Detox Plan.

A lot of people ask us, “what’s the difference between your bone broth reset and a traditional juice cleanse”? Traditional juice cleanses are promoted as a healthy way to purify the body but in reality, can lead to lean muscle loss, malnutrition, and unstable sugar levels. They are restrictive dietary regimens designed to provide the bare minimum nutrition so your body kick starts starvation mode (which can actually slow your metabolism) and flushes pounds (mostly water weight). A short term solution for immediate weight loss that, unfortunately, does not lead to long term weight goals.

For us at BRU, a good cleanse is less about weight loss and more about health gain. 

Freeing your body of toxins, resetting your glucose levels, and healing your digestive system are the main pillars of a BRU Reset, providing the foundation for successful eating habits long after a short-term detox. Our physician approved BRU Bone Broth Reset is founded on the principle of intermittent fasting so you can safely cleanse the body while nourishing your body and improving your metabolism. Each of our BRU Bone Broth 3 day, 5 day, or 7 day diets incorporate lean protein, fresh-pressed vegetable and root juices, and whole foods so you can effectively detoxify without feeling deprived. Here’s how...

1. Only cleanses that incorporate protein allow for toxins to effectively be eliminated from the body. Protein is converted into amino acids which grabs on to dangerous toxins and drags them kicking and screaming out of the body. Yay protein! If you do not incorporate protein, toxins will be released from your tissues but won’t be excreted out of the body creating an unhealthy environment that could cause more damage than good. Just take a look at why protein is so vital to a healthy cleanse.
2. Combining fresh-pressed vegetable juice AND bone broth, provides your body with amino acids and detoxifying minerals and vitamins to function properly. Amino acids are needed to build and repair the various proteins used in the growth, repair and maintenance of body tissues. They play countless roles in health and immunity, and are essential to keeping you healthy during this “cleansing” time when you may feel less than normal.
3. By restricting your diet, you have the opportunity to discover what ails you. Since most cleanses eliminate dairy, wheat, gluten, and processed sugar, you can learn if any of these foods don’t agree with your body. “[Eventually] reintroducing them can help define which foods are causing problems for your body,” says Woodson Merrell, M.D, Chairman of the Department of Integrative Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center and Author of The Detox Prescription.
4. Incorporating a limited amount of fat retains energy. Fats provide your body with energy (something you will really need when limiting caloric intake) and move vitamins A, D, E and K through the bloodstream. By adding a tablespoon of healthy fat (think grass-fed or medium fatty chain coconut oil) to your bone broth in the morning, you jump start your energy, balance hormones, and boost cognitive function. This is a very important component to an effective cleanse as you are seriously limiting calories (a.k.a energy!).  Try frothing a cup of BRU BROFFEE (our best version of bone broth meeting cold brew coffee) with a tablespoon of coconut oil for a delicious paleo drink.
5. A regimen based on Intermittently fasting -a ketogenic diet- promotes fat loss. Intermittent fasting is not a diet but a pattern of eating designed to toggle between the fed state (i.e. directly after you ate when insulin levels are high) and the fasted state (8-12 hours after you ate when your body burns reserved fats). Furthermore, research has shown that those who incorporate a ketogenic diet form cells that have the ability to cope with stress and, maybe even resist diseases, see a decrease in inflammation, and improvement of asthma-related symptoms.
6. Your appetite will calm down. Although juicing doesn't actually shrink the stomach, it resets your eating intentions and changes the way you think about food. You will feel satiated with less food immediately after a cleanse and more importantly, it will have a lifelong psychological effect that many people need to experience in order to change their eating behaviors and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
7. Eliminating sugar controls insulin levels, remedies skin issues, and sheds fat. Sugar is one of the most calorically dense and least nutritive elements you can eat, making the decision to eliminate it from your weight loss-cleanse a no brainer. So why would you want to drink mostly fruit juice during a cleanse? It spikes blood sugar and insulin levels and disrupts neurotransmitters in the brain, causing fogginess and according to a UCLA study, even memory loss. Sugar is also highly inflammatory for your intestines and epidermis and attributed to stomach pains and acne. BRU Bone Broths contain neither fruit based juices or added sugar, relying solely on the naturally derived plant-based sugars from pressed  root vegetables like carrots and beets.
8. A nourishing cup of warm liquid can help quash the less than desirable effect of purification. Similar to withdrawal, and completely dependent on your level of “toxicity,” some people may feel ill (think flu) during the first few days of a cleanse. You body is dumping toxins into the bloodstream for elimination which can make you moody, light headed, and nauseous. Enter in Grandma’s proverbial phrase “chicken soup cures your soul.” A warm cup of broth, compared to a cold fruit juice, can quash queasiness and provide the restorative and soothing properties your body is yearning for.  
9. A detox experience can help you become a more mindful eater. So often do we rush through meals to get to the next, more important task in our life that we forget to think about what we are putting in our body. A healthy cleanse where we are forced to think about what we are -and not- eating and drinking can lead to more self-awareness. Whether you complete a 3, 5, or 7 day cleanse program, this learning experience can become part of your everyday eating habits.
10. A healthy cleanse can lead to a lasting ritual of self-care.
    Life has its ups and downs, and sometimes we all just need a “reboot.” Especially if you care of children or other loved ones. It is well documented that the health of parents greatly affects the health of future generations, and health is largely determined by diet. Planning a cleanse, and actually taking the time to perform a cleanse, can be the first step to resetting your body and mind in a more healthful, positive direction.

So, is souping the new juicing?

We think so! With the BRU Bone Broth Reset approach, a cleanse morphs from a short term -and possibly unsafe- weight loss diet, to a clarifying process for mind, body, and gut. You are creating the opportunity for healthy change. Kudos to you! Dropping inches from our Bone Broth Reset is simply the cherry on top, so to speak.

Happy Brothing!

Sip warm. Feel good.

The BRU Cru

Thinking about a cleanse this year? While our bone broth cleanse is physician approved, we always recommend talking to your doctor before embarking on a restrictive diet. Feel free to print out BRU Reset regimen here to bring in to the office and have a healthful conversation.

Bone Broth & Bone Health

Can bone broth help prevent osteoporosis?

Photo by Nino Liverani on Unsplash

Roughly 54 million Americans have either osteoporosis or low bone mass by the time they turn 50 years old. Out of these millions of people, 80% are female - making this disease a fundamental issue in women’s health. Factors such as cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and simply aging (yes, we mean the ‘M’ word here) can all make bones become more brittle. The good news is that you are never too young or old to start taking care of your bones! Maintaining a healthy diet and eating plenty of foods - like bone broth - containing gelatin, vitamins, and minerals is the #1 way to prevent osteoporosis. And for all of our athletes out there - even help speed up the healing process of a bone fracture.

How exactly can bone broth help my bones?

Consider this: 65% of the mineral mass in bones are calcium and phosphorus. When you gently simmer bones for over 24 hours like BRU does, you naturally extract these minerals from the bones to the liquid form of bone broth.  Not only is bone broth rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and B vitamins, but it is a highly concentrated form of gelatin.

Gelatin contains collagen, which is one of the materials that make up cartilage and bone. Many doctors prescribe collagen supplements for arthritis, joint pain, and osteoporosis because of the benefits gelatin can provide for inflammation and associated pain. In one research study, people taking gelatin (around two grams daily) experienced less inflammation, reduced pain in the joints or muscles, better recovery, and even improved athletic abilities compared to those taking a placebo. In this scenario, bone broth is nature’s drinkable bone-strengthening supplement.

So why not just take a supplement?

Taking a supplement is a viable option to ensure you receive necessary vitamins and minerals, especially if it has been advised by a doctor. But it is important to recognize that your body is like a machine, and it has been expertly designed to extract minerals and vitamins from natural sources of food. Like bone broth, whole foods are complex forms of nutrition containing a mixture of micro and macro nutrients to help your body stay healthy.

And who can say they prefer to swallow a supplement over eating a delicious meal? Bone broth doesn’t have to be just boring bone broth. Adding fresh-pressed vegetable juices and spices to create new flavors, or making a brothy soup, or even inventing new smoothies all offer exciting ways to drink bone broth. We even recommend adding a Tablespoon of coconut oil to your BRU beverage so that you are more satisfied and nourished. Call us crazy, but we will take sipping on a steamy and gut-cleansing mug of bone broth over taking a pill any day.

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Wait. Is coconut oil/fat good for my bones?

Sort of. Gone are the days of fat being bad (thank God.) Adding a tablespoon of saturated fat, like grass-fed butter or coconut oil to your bone broth beverage can help your body absorb antioxidants and minerals more efficiently. Take vitamins A, D, E, and K. Consuming these vitamins without enough fat “is like putting gas in the car but not having anyone in the driver's seat.”

A healthy amount of fat can increase energy, fight off dangerous levels of LDL (a.k.a- bad cholesterol), and of course, make your food taste better. Adding grass-fed butter to your meals is a staple in the Paleo diet, and has become ever so popular with Bulletproof. Not only can you customize your bone broth beverage and get a luscious texture from this addition, but your body has a higher chance of acquiring the benefits from of all those whole foods you worked so hard to prepare and eat. A win, win for your taste buds and bones!

Bring awareness!

Although May is officially National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, every month is the perfect month to increase bone health. So, whether you are a casual drinker or a daily consumer, BRU encourages you to ‘bone up’  against osteoporosis with a cup of liquid nourishment.

Rebuild from inside.

-The BRU CRU