What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Bone Broth Every Day

Bone broth has been a cultural staple for thousands of years, used both to flavor dishes and as traditional medicine. “Traditionally, bone broths provide a warming element to meals along with comfort, especially in times of illness where they play a role in traditional medicine, reflect resourcefulness by using the whole animal and often serve as a centerpiece for family and cultural rituals,” says Cindy Chou, M.S., RDN.

In recent years, ready-to-drink bone broth has surged in popularity as a wellness beverage, touted for supporting gut, joint and immune health. But does it actually provide health benefits, or is it just another social media trend? To help break down the science, we spoke with dietitians to explain what bone broth is and explore its potential benefits.

Stock vs. Broth

Before learning the benefits of bone broth, it’s helpful to understand how it differs from traditional broth and stock.

The terms “stock” and “broth” are often used interchangeably, though they’re technically different. Traditional broth is made by simmering meat for several hours, while stock uses bones and is richer and thicker.

Bone broth, despite its name, is closer to a stock. It’s made by simmering bones, often for upward of 24 hours, extracting collagen, gelatin, amino acids and minerals into a nutrient-rich liquid that can be sipped on its own or used as a soup base. It’s usually strained more than stock for a smoother consistency.

Today, bone broth is widely available in both liquid form and powdered form at grocery and health-food stores.