Health benefits of drinking bone broth

A centuries-old recipe is now becoming a hot health trend.

More people are now drinking bone broth.

It claims to help boost your immunity and even help relieve achy joints.

There's even a restaurant that opened in New York called "Brodo" specializing in the trendy broth.

Action News talked to a local chef about how to make it yourself and she explains some of the potential benefits.

Registered Dietitian and chef Katie Cavuto says more of her clients have been asking about bone broth.

"Bone broth is exactly what it sounds like. It's a traditional broth made by cooking bones for a really long time," says Cavuto.

There's no scientific evidence but Cavuto says many believe the collagen extracted from cooking animal bones and drinking it as a broth can boost immunity, decrease inflammation and improve bone and joint health.

Regardless of whether this is true, we do know bone broth is rich in nutrients like Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium.

To make it at home, use high quality chicken, beef, pork or lamb bones.

Cavuto made a broth with some beef marrow bones.

First, you'll pre-cook the bones by adding water and bringing the pot to a boil.

Next, skim the fat, drain the water and then start again using a slow-cooker.

"Turn it to high to get up the temperature, then turn to low and allow to simmer," says Cavuto.

You can add vegetables like carrots, celery and onion for extra flavor without adding sodium.

Then you'll have to wait. Chicken bones have to cook for at least 24 hours and all others must cook for 48 hours.

Once ready, all ingredients are strained leaving a clear drinkable broth.

"I think one of the greatest things about bone broth is there are all these so-called benefits and the best thing is there is very little risk," Cavuto adds.

Obviously it is a time commitment. But it's that slow-cooking that they say helps brings out the nutrients in the bones.

Cavuto suggests that you can always make a pot and freeze some for later.