It's not just about the exterior: There are numerous internal benefits to ingesting bone broth that can contribute to a healthier body, inside and out.

Collagen is more than just a trendy beauty supplement — it's also great for the rest of your body, thanks to all its amino acids. For example, the amino acids glycine and glutamine are involved in the production of glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant that supports liver detoxification. Plus, the amino acids are essential to healthy skin.

Health Benefits: Nutrient Absorption

Whittel says that beyond collagen, bone broth is helpful for digestion and intestinal health. Glutamine is the fuel of choice for enterocytes (aka cells that line the intestinal lumen). Healthy enterocytes mean good absorption of nutrients from food, which can improve the health of the whole body.

Health Benefits: Structure and Muscle Relaxation

The various minerals in bone broth aid in hydration plus they act as enzymatic cofactors, reports Whittel. Some of their roles include providing structure (e.g. with bones) and helping to contract and relax muscles.

Image via @kettleandfire

Convinced? Here's everything else you need to know about bone broth, starting with the familiar homemade versus store-bought debate.

Prepackaged versus homemade bone broth depends on a few factors. They include length of cooking time, quantity and quality of bones used and the addition of any acid (e.g. apple cider vinegar).

Scan the ingredient list in store-bought broths. Shacter says that the only ingredients should be: bones, water, salt, vegetables, herbs, spices and apple cider vinegar. Watch out for anything with yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, autolyzed yeast, and/or flavoring. She says that these products aren't the real deal. Whittel advises that those who opt for store-bought bone broths select organic options, if possible.

According to Shacter, it's always suggested to choose organic pasture-raised sources for bones in hopes that they will contain less toxic residues such as heavy metals. She points out that some articles say to stay away from bone broth due to heavy metals, but research does not really support that. One research study on the amount of heavy metals in bone broth showed it contained less than five percent of daily recommended levels per serving.

Image via @barebonesbroth

Whittel says that making bone broth is a rewarding experience. And it can be cost-effective as well. Furthermore, there are a variety of ways to make it. Both experts prefer an easier approach of saving leftover bones from an organic, pasture-raised roasted chicken. "I'm less concerned with how exactly the bone broth is made and more concerned with the quality of the meat and bones that are going into making the broth," says Whittel. "As with anything we eat, quality matters. Be sure to select wild or organic, pasture-raised, free-range, antibiotic and hormone-free meat and bones whenever you can." Using a Crockpot to make the broth allows for a low-maintenance approach, as Whittel's recipe highlights.

Image via @osso_good_bones

Ingredients

1 small organic chicken
3-4 chicken feet (optional)
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
2 celery, coarsely chopped
1 small onion, coarsely chopped (can leave unpeeled)
2 garlic cloves (can leave unpeeled and whole)
3 sprigs of thyme
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 bunch parsley, coarsely chopped
Filter water, enough to cover chicken and vegetables

Instructions

1. Place chicken (and optional feet) in a large (6 quart) Crockpot. (If you only have a smaller Crockpot, you can use chicken pieces or just the bones of a cooked chicken.) Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme and apple cider vinegar. Fill Crockpot with enough water to cover chicken and vegetables; leave one to two inches of space at the top so the broth doesn't overflow.

2. Cook on low throughout the day for about eight hours. Within the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the parsley.

3. Turn heat off and when cool enough, strain broth and store in the fridge or freezer. Reserve the meat for soups.

Image via @bonesandmarrowbroth

When using bone broth for its therapeutic benefits, Whittel says that one or two cups each day will provide benefits over time. Those who aren't using bone broth for a particular benefit will get plenty of nourishment from a few cups per week. She adds that since bone broth is a food, it is safe to consume as you would any food. But as always, it's important to listen to your body and follow its cues.

Ways to Enjoy Bone Broth

Not into the idea of having a meaty broth straight up? Shacter says that bone broth is great for adding an extra layer of flavor to various dishes. Use it as the base of soups, gravies or stews, or any other savory dishes. Some creative people even use bone broth as a base in popsicles or to make "gel" shots!

Image via @kettleandfire