GUT-HEALING VEGETABLE BROTH

6 July, 2020 Doctor farm

BÍ KÍP TIÊU DÙNG

Diets such as Paleo, GAPS, SCD and many others related to gut healing, all have one thing in common. They are NOT vegan friendly, at all.

Apparently, animal products are absolutely essential for gut healing, which I find very hard to believe or understand. After searching forums, all I can find is people frustrated with the lack of choice for veggies and vegans and people encouraging them to compromise their ethics, as this is “the only way”.

Bone Broth is Nothing Special

Turns out, the most beneficial nutrients and electrolytes in bone broth can be found in vegan-friendly sources and the one thing that sets itself apart, the thing that is impossible for vegans to find a veggie replacement for is the collagen.

Collagen? I’ll make my own, thanks

Our bodies can’t even digest collagen whole. We simply absorb the nutrients from our food which provides our bodies with the building blocks it needs to naturally create collagen, if and when it needs it.

Eating collagen does not equal having more collagen. As put in this article from TIME magazine, “Just as the dietary fat you swallow doesn’t directly translate to body fat, swallowing collagen doesn’t become collagen in or between your bones.”

Vegan Bone Broth Alternative

My version contains lot’s of nutritional goodness that is great for overall health but particularly focuses on plenty of gut-healing properties. Feel free to switch up, leave out or add in any ingredients you like, to suit your diet and taste.

The main stars are:

Wakame seaweed: Great source of omega 3 – one of the best for vegans, great for intestinal health, full of vitamins and minerals (particularly good source of iron, calcium, magnesium and iodine). Not suitable for SCD diets, leave out as necessary.
Shiitake mushrooms: Gives the most amazing, comforting flavour. Full of vitamins and minerals (great source of vitamin D – especially if sun dried, zinc and B vitamins). Contains all essential amino acids. Prebiotic.
Coconut oil or olive oil: Healthy fats with a good omega ratio that help absorb nutrients. 
Turmeric: Powerful anti-inflammatory plus adds delicious flavour and a beautiful colour.
Spinach or kale: Full of vitamins and minerals (particularly high in Vitamins K, A and C, magnesium and calcium). Also a good source of protein and omega 3. Prebiotic. 
Coconut aminos: Mainly used for flavour but also gives the benefit of it’s amino acids. May not be suitable for some diets as it’s considered a sugar, so leave out if necessary.

Like I say, you can totally add whatever ingredients you like. I was worried the seaweed might be overwhelming, as I don’t like sea flavours, but it wasn’t really noticeable and the little bit that was noticeable was actually delicious. It paired wonderfully with the mushrooms, ginger, chilli and coconut aminos for an Asian-style flavour. SO good and wonderfully comforting.