Regarded as a delicacy in numerous nations, bone marrow is often seen as a mere byproduct in America, leading to a significant undervaluation of its health advantages. Regrettably, this misconception has persisted for years. Many traditional societies recognize bone marrow as an incredibly nourishing food. Discover the remarkable health benefits of bone marrow!
Bone marrow is a traditional superfood that has been transformed into a gourmet delicacy. It offers a wide range of health benefits such as regulating blood sugar levels, promoting the formation of stem cells, improving skin health, supporting joint health, and boosting immunity.
In his book “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration”, Weston Price wrote, “For the Indians living inside the Rocky Mountain Range in the far North of Canada, the successful nutrition for nine months of the year was largely limited to wild game, chiefly moose and caribou. During the summer months the Indians were able to use growing plants. During the winter some use was made of bark and buds of trees. I found the Indians putting great emphasis upon the eating of the organs of the animals, including the wall of parts of the digestive tract. Much of the muscle meat of the animals was fed to the dogs. It is important that skeletons are rarely found where large game animals have been slaughtered by the Indians of the North. The skeletal remains are found as piles of finely broken bone chips or splinters that have been cracked up to obtain as much as possible of the marrow and nutritive qualities of the bones. These Indians obtain their fat-soluble vitamins and also most of their minerals from the organs of the animals. An important part of the nutrition of the children consisted in various preparations of bone marrow, both as a substitute for milk and as a special dietary ration”(6th Edition, page 260). Fat: An Appreciation of a Misunderstood Ingredient, with Recipes
What is Bone Marrow?
Bone marrow, a fatty, gelatinous substance located in the center of bones, is a highly nutritious source of energy that attracts various animals when they hunt. Rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and alkylglycerols, bone marrow plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system by delivering oxygen to cells. Additionally, it is beneficial for gut health, brain function, bone strength, immune response, and the healing of injuries and fractures.
Incredible Health Benefits of Bone Marrow
Essential Fatty Acids
Bone marrow primarily comprises monounsaturated fat, with a smaller proportion of polyunsaturated fat and conjugated linoleic acid, renowned for its potent cancer-fighting properties. It serves as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for optimal brain function. Additionally, bone marrow provides a rich supply of glycine, an amino acid utilized in the synthesis and restoration of proteins within the body. Insufficient intake of fatty acids can lead to delayed wound healing, various skin ailments, a compromised immune system, and more..
Vitamins and Minerals
Bone marrow possesses a range of essential microelements, including calcium, iron, phosphorous, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, and other mineral-rich compounds. Additionally, it contains Vitamin A in its entirety. Notably, these trace elements within the bone marrow are naturally present in the optimal condition and concentration for the body. Insufficient levels of these microelements can result in anemia, compromised immune function, chronic fatigue, weakness, and the development of severe cardiovascular and other ailments. Pregnant women, in particular, require higher quantities of these minerals and vitamins. Consequently, bone marrow fortifies the immune system, enhances cardiovascular and renal health, stimulates hormonal secretion and sexual function, improves memory, sleep, emotional well-being, perception, comprehension, and the instinctive and conscious reflection of an individual.
Lipids
Bone marrow is rich in alkylglycerols, which play a crucial role in the production of white blood cells within the bone marrow. These alkylglycerols not only safeguard the body against infections but also contribute to maintaining the health of cells during severe immune conditions like cancer. In cases of cancer, the level of alkylglycerols increases within tumor cells to regulate their growth. Additionally, alkylglycerols can also be found in breast milk.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance to opt for bones sourced from grass-fed, healthy animals like grass-fed cows, organic poultry, bison, and lamb, as conventionally raised animal products may contain toxins that accumulate in the fatty areas of bones, including bone marrow.
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Additionally, the easiest source of marrow is a high quality bone broth. This is my favorite bone broth company – find it here
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