Immune boosting, gut healing chicken soup has long been celebrated for its soothing qualities and health benefits, particularly for digestion and recovery from illness. This recipe not only leverages the natural collagen and minerals from the bones but also incorporates antimicrobial herbs like oregano to boost its health properties.
Benefits of Pasture-Raised Chicken
Pasture-raised Chickens that roam freely and eat a natural diet produce meat that is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Choosing a pasture fed bird free from antibiotics and growth hormones ensures that you’re consuming a cleaner product that’s better for both you and the environment.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole pasture-raised chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 12 cups water
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Himalayan/ sea salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (to help extract minerals from the bones)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Add apple cider vinegar; this helps leach minerals from the bones into the broth.
- Cook the Chicken: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Add Aromatics: After skimming, add one chopped onion, 4 cloves of minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, or until the chicken meat is fully cooked and falls off the bone.
- Remove the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the pot. When it’s cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones. Set the meat aside and return the bones to the pot.
- Simmer the Bones: Continue simmering the bones for another 2-3 hours, uncovered, to extract collagen and minerals. Add more water if necessary to keep the bones submerged.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Add the remaining onions, garlic, carrots, celery, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Final Preparation: Remove the bones and bay leaf from the soup. Add the reserved chicken meat back to the pot and heat through.
- Serve: Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
This chicken soup is not only comforting and delicious but also packed with nutrients from the pasture-raised chicken and bone broth, enriched with natural collagen and minerals. The addition of antimicrobial herbs like oregano not only enhances the flavor but also provides additional health benefits, making this soup a perfect dish for maintaining good health and supporting digestive wellness.
Enhanced Nutritional Benefits of Minerals from Bone Broth in Chicken Soup
Bone broth, especially when made with bones from pasture-raised chickens, is an excellent source of minerals that are crucial for overall health. This nutrient-rich broth provides a variety of minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are released from the bones during the long simmering process. Here’s how each of these minerals can contribute to your health:
Calcium
Calcium is well-known for its role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. However, it also plays a crucial role in blood clotting, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Consuming bone broth is a natural way to boost calcium intake, especially important for those who do not consume dairy products.
Magnesium
Magnesium supports over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis. It also helps regulate muscle and nerve functions, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Magnesium in bone broth can contribute to better sleep and reduced symptoms from conditions like chronic pain and migraines.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus works in conjunction with calcium to help build strong bones and teeth. It also contributes to proper cell functioning and helps maintain the body’s energy stores. Ensuring adequate phosphorus intake is vital for the health of your bones and for energy production.
Potassium
Potassium is essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. It’s particularly important for heart health, helping to regulate heartbeat and blood pressure. Consuming broth made from bones can be a natural way to increase your potassium intake, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and electrolyte balance.
Collagen and Gelatin
In addition to minerals, the collagen and gelatin extracted from the bones during the broth-making process provide additional health benefits. Collagen supports gut health and skin elasticity, while gelatin can help with joint health and improve digestive function by binding to water in the gut, aiding in easier food transit.
How to Maximize Mineral Extraction
To maximize the extraction of these minerals, it is beneficial to add a mild acid to the broth, such as apple cider vinegar, as suggested in the recipe. This helps break down the bone and release the minerals into the broth. Simmering the bones for an extended period, as indicated in the chicken soup recipe, also ensures that you draw as many nutrients as possible into the broth.
Conclusion
By integrating bone broth made from pasture-raised chicken into your diet through dishes like chicken soup, you not only benefit from a delicious and comforting meal but also gain the numerous health advantages provided by the minerals and collagen. This makes it not just food for the body, but also nourishment for overall health and well-being, supporting everything from bone density to cardiovascular health.
In dedication to your radiant health,
Marlien