Pastured Chicken broth is one of the most nourishing things you can feed your body! It contains minerals of bone, cartilage, and marrow. Additionally, it contains the minerals of vegetables as electrolytes, which are easily assimilated. When there is acidic wine or vinegar added, it helps to draw out these minerals, specifically calcium, magnesium and potassium. It wasn't that long ago that nearly every meal contained at least some portion of homemade bone broth, whether from chicken, fish, beef, etc. There was absolutely a reason for this. For one, every part of the animal was used, every time. For another, it was well known that broth had amazing nutritional benefits. For a third (and fourth and fifth), this stuff tastes AMAZING, is very versatile, and it makes you feel good. Unfortunately, since the creation of MSG (and other laboratory created substances), we have been able to artificially flavor our meats, sauces, and pretty much everything else in the standard American diet. There's a hint of the meat flavor, and it's very satisfying (and also addicting) but it lacks the nutrients, all of the vitamins and minerals. Basically, it lacks ALL of the good stuff (and contains a LOT of not-so-good stuff). That being said, it DEFINITELY matters where your chicken comes from, and what it was eating while still alive. Many battery-raised chicken will not produce a broth that gels (from all the amazing collagen found in pastured chickens). They will also lack the quantity of many of the minerals and vitamins that come from a varied diet full of greens, bugs and anything else they can find on the land. Pastured really does make perfect. When you are under the weather and you hear that you need some chicken soup, THIS is the stuff that you're supposed to have! But why? Bone Broth inhibits neutrophil migration; that is, it helps mitigate the side effects of colds, flus and upper respiratory infections. It's also jam packed full of amazing benefits, like vitamins, minerals, and gelatin, just to name a few. "Why is chicken soup superior to all the things we have, even more relaxing than "Tylenol?" It is because chicken soup has a natural ingredient which feeds, repairs and calms the mucous lining in the small intestine. This inner lining is the beginning or ending of the nervous system. It is easily pulled away from the intestine through too many laxatives, too many food additive... and parasites. Chicken soup... heals the nerves, improves digestion, reduces allergies, relaxes and gives strength." -Hanna Kroeger, Ageless Remedies from Mother's Kitchen Here are a few other things that Bone Broth helps with: - helps heal your gut - supports your immune system - great for your hair, skin, and nails - amazing for joint health - rich in protein - helps get the toxins out And, did I mention it tastes AMAZING?! Nothing warms the body and the heart more than family gathering around the table with a steamy pot of fragrant chicken soup. So get out the stock pot (or crock pot) and get some Bone Broth going to heal your family. If you want, do like I do, and make a BIG batch (double, even triple the recipe), then freeze the extras, so you can have that pot of soup whipped up in about a half an hour!!