While the beauty industry offers ever more expensive and invasive solutions for a youthful appearance, something is quietly brewing on the stovetop that has worked for centuries without any bombastic promises. It is traditional bone broth – a simple yet powerful drink that dermatologists and nutritionists are rediscovering today - collagen soup
At first glance, the humble collagen soup hides one of the most powerful allies against the signs of aging: collagenThis structural protein is essential for firm, supple, and radiant skin, but it's quickly lost as we age. Instead of replacing it with pills or injections, we can put it back into our bodies the most natural way possible—with a daily cup of homemade collagen soup.
Collagen – the elixir of youth that evaporates (too quickly)
Collagen is like that favorite person at a party – everyone wants it, but over time, less and less is left. After the age of 25, our bodies start to reduce its production, and by the age of 60, we lose up to 80 % natural reservesThe result? Wrinkles, dry skin, and that “I can’t regenerate overnight anymore” feeling.
Fortunately, collagen isn't just found in expensive serums and supplements that we have to mix with water three times a day like a magic potion. Nutritionists warn: one of the most natural sources of collagen is classic bone broth, the one our grandmothers cooked for hours, with all their love – and without TikTok.
Collagen Soup: Liquid Gold in a Pot
When we cook bone broth, during the long simmering process, the cartilage and connective tissues break down and are released into the broth. collagen, which remains even after the meat and vegetables are removed. That is why many poetically – and quite rightly – call it liquid gold.
By cooking animal bones, joints and cartilage for a long time, amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline – the basic building blocks of collagen – are released into the water. At the same time, important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium are extracted from the bones, which further support cell regeneration and overall vitality of the body. The slow cooking process also forms other substances such as gelatin, which acts as a natural lubricant for joints and supports gut health.
It's simple to make, but it does require some planning. You need quality bones—preferably from organically raised animals—water, basic vegetables (carrots, onions, celery), a little apple cider vinegar, and a few hours of low-temperature cooking. The end result is a thick, nutritious broth that can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for later use.
To prepare you only need:
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- meat with bones (chicken, beef, lamb – depending on your culinary preferences),
- water,
- vegetables of your choice (carrots, onions, celery - the classics),
- and a pinch of patience (yes, this ingredient is key).
To speed up the breakdown of collagen, add a few tablespoons apple cider vinegar – a small trick with a big impact. Chicken soup will be ready sooner, while beef and lamb require a little more time. But more hours of cooking means more nutrients – and more beautiful skin.
It is important to simmer the broth for a long time – at least 6 to 12 hours for poultry, and up to 24 hours for beef or lamb bones. The longer cooking time allows the nutrients to fully release into the liquid. Adding an acid, such as apple cider vinegar, helps break down connective tissues and increases the bioactive content of the final drink.
A soup that doesn't stop at the skin
If you think bone broth is just for beauty, think again. This traditional drink isn't just for the outer glow – it is rich in minerals, amino acids and proteins, which support the immune system, improve digestion, and accelerate body regeneration. This is a wellness drink before there was a wellness trend.
In addition, you can use the soup:
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- as a base for other dishes (risottos, stews, sauces),
- or simply drink it as a warm beverage – for breakfast, dinner, or whenever you feel like a liquid hug.
Why choose Botox when you can have this soup?
In a time when we are bombarded with new beauty treatments more complicated than instructions for assembling an Ikea wardrobe, it is refreshing to know that true beauty can come from the kitchen. Collagen bone broth is not just a nostalgic treat, but a serious ally in the fight against time – natural, nutritious and (which is almost radical these days) affordable.
So, the next time you're wondering what to do for your skin, forget about injections and take a look at what's lurking in your pantry. Your grandmother would be proud—and honestly, so would your skin.
