Humans have been enjoying delicious and nutritious animal bone marrow for centuries. It has a sweet, rich taste and a hearty texture, and is used mostly to flavor broths and soups. Recently, it has become a main course item at gourmet restaurants around the world.
A spongy tissue found in the center of bones, the marrow is mostly concentrated in the spine, hip, and thigh bones. Its stem cells produce red and white blood cells. These cells move oxygen throughout the bloodstream, assisting with tasks like blood clotting. As bone marrow has gained popularity in top kitchens around the world, scientists and doctors have begun to take a closer look at the following health benefits it presents: One study showed that the fat tissue in bone marrow contains a hormone called adiponectin. This hormone helps break down fats. It can maintain insulin sensitivity, and it has been linked to lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular (heart) disease, and other obesity-associated cancers. High levels of adiponectin are directly linked to a decreased risk of getting diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. The study found that people who were overweight tended to have lower levels of adiponectin, but levels of the hormone rose as they shed pounds. Bone marrow is full of collagen, which improves the health and strength of bones and skin.
It is also rich in glucosamine, a compound that helps against osteoarthritis, relieves joint pain, and reduces inflammation in the joints. Glycine and conjugated linoleic acid are both abundant in bone marrow, and they’ve been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s. Bone marrow contains high levels of fat and calories, but it also has nutrients like vitamin B12. Bone marrow also contains significant portions of your reference daily intake (RDI) of the following nutrients and minerals. Although bone marrow is an excellent source of different vitamins and minerals, it’s also high in fat. If you’re going to add bone marrow to your diet, make sure to do so in moderation to avoid weight gain.
