How Much Protein is in Homemade Beef Bone Broth?

Bone broth has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. One of the main appeals of bone broth is that it is high in protein. But how much protein is actually in homemade beef bone broth? In this article, we’ll break down the protein content and benefits of beef bone broth.

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for an extended period of time, usually 10-24 hours This long cooking time helps extract nutrients like collagen, gelatin, minerals, and amino acids from the bones into the broth

Beef bones used for broth often include marrow bones, knuckle bones, oxtails, and femurs. These bones contain a high amount of collagen which turns into gelatin when slowly cooked, giving the broth thickness and body. The connective tissue in beef bones also contains amino acids including glycine, proline, and glutamine.

Protein Content in Beef Bone Broth

The protein content of homemade beef bone broth can vary depending on the specific bones used and cooking time. However on average one cup of beef bone broth contains

• 7-10 grams of protein

This protein content comes mainly from the collagen in beef bones that gets broken down into gelatin and amino acids during the long simmering process.

Compared to commercial beef broth which contains 1-3 grams of protein per cup, homemade bone broth is significantly higher in protein.

Amino Acid Profile

In addition to overall protein, homemade beef bone broth contains certain amino acids that are particularly beneficial.

These include:

• Glycine – supports digestive and metabolic health
• Proline – helps form connective tissue and heal joints
• Glutamine – crucial for immune health and gut function

Glycine makes up about 1/3 of the amino acid content in beef bone broth. This amino acid is not common in many foods but is readily available in homemade broth.

Benefits of Bone Broth Protein

The protein in beef bone broth provides some unique benefits compared to protein from other food sources

• Easily absorbed – The protein in bone broth is broken down into amino acids during cooking so it is easy for the body to absorb. Many people who suffer from gastrointestinal issues find bone broth protein gentle and tolerable.
• Anti-inflammatory – Glycine and proline specifically help reduce inflammation in the body which can relieve joint pain and improve digestion.
• Supports metabolism – The amino acid glycine helps the body convert glucose into energy and aids detoxification.
• Improves gut health – Glutamine helps maintain the intestinal wall lining and prevent leaky gut syndrome.
• Supports skin, hair, and nails – The collagen broken down into gelatin provides the building blocks for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Making Beef Bone Broth

To get the most protein from your homemade beef bone broth, follow these tips:

• Use marrow bones and knuckle bones which are high in collagen. You can also add oxtails, short ribs, or soup bones.
• Simmer the bones for 18-24 hours. This long cooking time ensures you extract as much protein and collagen from the bones as possible.
• Add an acid like apple cider vinegar to help break down the collagen and extract nutrients from the bones.
• Strain the broth through a mesh strainer after cooking to remove all bones and solids. Chill the broth in the fridge until the fat rises and congeals on top, then scrape it off before using the broth.

Homemade beef bone broth offers a substantial dose of protein in each serving. Compared to commercial broths, it provides amino acids that support the immune system, gut health, joints, and metabolism. With 7-10 grams of protein per cup, beef bone broth can be a nutritious addition to soups, stews, sauces, and even enjoyed on its own. To maximize the protein content, choose high-collagen bones like marrow and knuckles and simmer them for at least 18 hours.