Hale Bone Broth founder Melissa Smith explains how slow simmering draws out collagen and nutrients that make bone broth both comforting and nourishing. 
Health & Wellness

The Cozy Science of Bone Broth

Why Your Grandmother Was Onto Something

Community Publisher News

By Melissa Smith, Founder & Owner of Hale Bone Broth

When people ask me why I started Hale Bone Broth, I usually say it began with a pot on the stove and a craving for something that felt both comforting and good for me. You know that feeling when you want a meal that warms you up but also makes your body thank you afterward? That’s what bone broth is all about.

So, what actually is bone broth?

At its simplest, bone broth is just bones, water, and time. We simmer grass-fed beef bones (and sometimes chicken bones), along with organic vegetables and herbs, for more than a day. That long, gentle simmer is what draws out all the good stuff like collagen, amino acids, and minerals and gives the broth that rich flavor and silky texture.

When you chill a high-quality broth and it gels up a bit, that’s the sign you’ve done it right. We call that “the jackpot in the jiggle.”

The nutrients your body loves

I’m not a scientist, but I am a lifelong food lover who believes in understanding what we put into our bodies. Bone broth is naturally rich in:

  • Collagen and Gelatin: These proteins come from the breakdown of bones and connective tissue. They give broth that satisfying mouthfeel and supply amino acids like glycine and proline, which your body uses to support skin, joints, and gut health.

  • Amino Acids: Think of these as the building blocks your body needs to repair, recover, and thrive. They help maintain a healthy gut lining, support muscle recovery, and may even help promote better sleep.

  • Minerals and Electrolytes: Broth also contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, a nourishing way to hydrate and restore balance, especially during colder months.

You don’t need to drink it by the mugful (though many do!). Even using it in your cooking, to simmer rice, blend into soups, or deglaze a pan, gives your meals a nutrient boost.

What the science says (and doesn’t say)

There’s a lot of buzz around bone broth, and while it’s not a miracle cure, research supports some of what traditional cooks have known for centuries: slow-simmered bones create a nourishing, easy-to-digest source of protein and amino acids. Brewing up this ancient elixir takes time, care, and quality ingredients. 

Science is still trying to figure out how to measure exactly how much collagen or mineral content you get from one cup to the next. It varies based on the bones used, how long you simmer, and even the water quality. That’s why at Hale, we take the time to craft our broths in small batches, using consistent ingredients and techniques so what’s in the jar is both delicious and dependable. 

How to make bone broth part of your routine

Here’s the best part: you don’t have to overhaul your diet to enjoy the benefits. Start small:

  • Cook your grains in bone broth instead of water.

  • Use it to thin soups, sauces, or make mashed potatoes.

  • Sip a warm cup mid-afternoon when you need something cozy and sustaining.

It’s about making small, nourishing choices that fit your life, not a trendy fix or a massive lifestyle change.

In the end, it’s about nourishment and connection

To me, bone broth isn’t just food. It’s comfort, care, and community; it’s the kind of thing that brings people together and reminds us to slow down. Whether you’re making a risotto for your family or winding down after a long day, there’s something healing about a pot simmering on the stove.

That’s what inspired Hale from the beginning, crafting something honest and wholesome that makes everyday meals just a little bit better.

About Hale Bone Broth:

HALE BONE BROTH is crafted with pasture-raised, 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. Our small-batch broth is 100% grain-free and made with organic vegetables and spices. You can learn more and purchase here.

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