What is the benefit of bone marrow from beef and other animals – 3 proven properties

Bone marrow has become a real delicacy in expensive restaurants and unusual eateries. It contains a huge amount of nutrients and vitamins, and scientists claim that it has important beneficial properties.

We will look at the benefits and harms of eating bone marrow, as well as share tips on how to add it to your diet.

What kind of product is this?

Bone marrow is a type of spongy tissue that is located in the very center of bones in the spine and hips.

The product contains a large amount of stem cells. They turn into red blood cells, white blood cells, which, in turn, perform the function of transporting oxygen. Moreover, they Strengthen the immune system and take part in blood clotting ( 1 ).

Animal bone marrow (most often beef, lamb or moose, but sometimes chicken) is a real delicacy that has been adopted by many types of cuisines. It has a very unusual taste, giving off a slight sweetness. It is often served with toast or used as a broth for soup.

Composition and calorie content

Bone marrow contains a huge amount of nutrients. It contains a lot of fat, slightly less protein and vitamin B12.

Composition of 1 tablespoon (about 14 g) of raw product ( 2 , 3 ):

• 110 kcal;
• Fats – 12 g;
• Proteins – 2 g;
• Vitamin B12 – 7% of the daily value (d/n);
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) – 6% of d/n;
• Iron – 4% of d/n;
• Vitamin E – 2% of d/n;
• Phosphorus – 1% of d/n;
• Thiamine (vitamin B1) – 1% of d/n;
• Vitamin A – 1% of d/n.

First of all, the product is characterized by a high amount of B vitamins, which play an important role in the activity of the body and helps to generate a lot of energy ( 3 ).

The bone marrow also contains a large amount of collagen. Collagen is a natural protein found in our body. If you use it on a regular basis, the skin condition will improve significantly, and joint pain will decrease ( 4 ).

It is also worth noting that the bone marrow that was obtained from cows, goats or sheep contains conjugated linoleic acid. This is one of the types of fats that helps to reduce inflammatory processes and improve immunity ( 5 , 6 ).

Bone marrow provides the body with other key compounds, including glycine, glucosamine and chondroitin ( 7 , 8 , 9 ).

3 useful properties

Although there are no studies that directly assess the effects of bone marrow consumption on human health, many studies have been conducted on the benefits of the compounds contained in it. In particular, collagen, glycine, glucosamine, and conjugated linoleic acid have been well studied for their health effects.

1. Supports joint health

Experts believe that the compounds present in the bone marrow lead to improving the condition of joints .

Glucosamine can be used as an example. This compound is found in cartilage and is widely used as a natural remedy for osteoarthritis. This is due to the fact that glucosamine perfectly reduces existing inflammation and eliminates joint pain ( 10 ).

It is important to note that collagen also contributes to the restoration of articular cartilage, thereby maintaining normal joint function ( 11 ).

A study was conducted that lasted six months. 147 people who are actively involved in sports were added 10 g of collagen to their diet every day. As a result, the pain in the joints, which arose as a result of their active activity, became less intense ( 12 ).

2. Reduces inflammation

It is worth noting that a small inflammatory process is an integral part of the body's defense system. But at the same time, if the inflammation becomes chronic, diseases may occur against its background, including heart problems, diabetes mellitus and even cancer ( 13 ).

A useful type of protein, glycine, was found in the bone marrow. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Studies have been conducted that have proven that glycine reduces inflammatory processes ( 14 , 15 , 16 ).

There is another compound in the bone marrow – conjugated linoleic acid (or CLA for short). Thanks to it, it is also possible to reduce the inflammatory process in the blood.

A 2-week study was conducted in which 23 men participated. They ate 5.6 g of the aforementioned acid per day, which led to a decrease in the level of proteins involved in the inflammatory process, namely: C-reactive protein, as well as the alpha factor of tumor necrosis ( 17 ).

It is also worth noting that this delicacy contains a large amount of adiponectin. It belongs to a type of protein hormone that plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory processes and the functioning of the immune system ( 18 , 19 ).

3. Improves the condition of the skin

An important role in skin health is played by a certain type of protein &8212; collagen, which is found in our body.

A study was conducted in which 69 women participated. For 2 months, 2.5-5 g of collagen was added to their daily diet. As a result, the skin is more elastic and moisturized ( 20 ).

The same study was conducted on mice. During the same 2 months, collagen was added to their diet. As a result, the antioxidant activity in the skin has increased, which means that the damage and aging of the skin will not be as intense ( 21 ).

A few words about the reliability of research

It is worth noting that all the studies described above were conducted using additives. They contained a certain number of individual compounds, which are also found in the bone marrow.

In order to be completely sure that regular use of bone marrow will achieve the above results, additional research is necessary.

How to use it correctly?

The delicacy can be purchased at farmers' markets, health food stores and meat departments.

Any animal's bone marrow can be used. But if you have never tried this delicacy, it is best to stop at beef. This is due to the size of the bones, besides it can be found almost everywhere.

It also makes sense to ask the butcher to divide the bones into relatively small fragments, since self-cutting takes quite a long time.

To cook the bone marrow, you will need to preheat the oven to 230 degrees, place the bones there and leave there for 15 minutes. After cooking, the bone marrow is easily extracted from the bones.

It is most often served with various toasts. It can also be consumed together with familiar dishes, for example meat, bread or baked vegetables.

You can also make broth or a base for soup from bone marrow. To do this, it is recommended to purchase a whole bone. You can additionally not extract the bone marrow from it.

It is necessary to cook the bone for 24-48 hours over low heat. This is the only way to extract all the useful substances.

It is worth noting that there are also dietary supplements based on bone marrow. They are produced in the form of liquid, powder and even capsules. This method of consumption will be more convenient compared to extracting it from the bone. Supplements are freely available on the Internet or in pharmacies.

The main thing from the article

• Bone marrow is good for health because it contains valuable compounds, including glycine, collagen, glucosamine and conjugated linoleic acid.
• These compounds improve the condition of the skin and joints, reduce inflammation.
• This product is easy to find in a store or on the market and cook at home.