10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Meat On the Bone: Nature’s Original Collagen Boost and Multivitamin

Our ancestors never shied away from cooking and eating meat on the bone—and for good reason. Long before anyone spoke of collagen, amino acids, or gut health, families knew that slow-cooked roasts, stews, and soups made from bone-in cuts nourished body and soul alike.

In today’s world of boneless convenience, it’s easy to forget the remarkable benefits hidden in those bones. Let’s rediscover why cooking and eating meat on the bone is one of the simplest ways to reclaim real nourishment.

Watch the video below, and then scroll down through this post for even more tips and insights you won’t want to miss!

🥩 The Benefits of Eating Meat Cooked on the Bone

Eating meat on the bone delivers collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals that support your joints, skin, digestion, and immunity—while adding deeper flavor and greater satisfaction to every meal. It’s the traditional way to eat for wellness, economy, and gratitude.

1. Rich in Collagen and Gelatin

Cooking meat on the bone allows collagen from the connective tissues to dissolve into the meat and the broth, forming gelatin.

• Supports joints, skin, hair, nails, and gut lining.

• Helps reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

2. Provides Bone-Derived Minerals

Slow cooking gently releases small amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals—all in a natural, easily absorbed form.

• Think of it as mineral nourishment, not a supplement.

3. Better Amino Acid Profile

Meat cooked on the bone provides a richer variety of amino acids—especially glycine and proline.

• Supports liver function, connective tissue repair, and detoxification.
• Glycine also promotes restful sleep and a calm nervous system.

4. Supports Gut Health

The gelatin and amino acids that develop when cooking meat on the bone help seal and soothe the gut lining.

• A traditional food for healing the digestive system.

• Promotes nutrient absorption and reduces gut inflammation.

5. Strengthens Joints and Bones

Collagen-rich cuts support cartilage and joint health naturally.

• Helps maintain flexibility, mobility, and strong connective tissue as we age.

• A true ‘food as medicine’ from ancestral diets.

6. Deep Flavor and Tenderness

Bones act like natural flavor conductors!


• Marrow, cartilage, and connective tissue enrich the meat with depth and richness.

• The result is tender, juicy, and deeply satisfying meals.

7. Promotes Satiety and Balanced Eating

Bone-in meat is naturally higher in fat and gelatin, which help regulate appetite.

• You feel full and nourished, not overfed.
• Encourages slower, more mindful eating—a return to the rhythm of the traditional table.

8. Honors the Whole Animal

Cooking meat on the bone reflects respect for the animal and reduces waste.

• After cooking, bones can be reused to make broth—extracting every bit of nourishment.

• It’s sustainable and rooted in gratitude that the animal made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be nourished, just as our ancestors practiced.

9. Boosts Immunity Naturally

The amino acids and trace minerals support immune function and tissue repair.

• A wholesome, restorative food—especially during illness or recovery.

10. Budget-Friendly and Highly Nutritious

Bone-in cuts are often more affordable than boneless ones.

• One purchase provides two meals: the main dish, then a nourishing broth from the leftover bones.

• Economical, nutrient-dense, and delicious—true ancestral wisdom.

Video References

In today’s video, I reference an article from the Cleveland Clinic (not John Hopkins) on Seed Oils: Are They Actually Toxic? The article talks about how these common cooking oils are often found in ultra-processed foods and can contribute to inflammation in your body.

Disclaimer

Note: I am not a doctor or medical professional. This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose any type of illness. If you are not feeling well, please seek professional medical attention and medicine. And if you are thinking of supplementing your treatment with home remedies, be sure to talk to your medical professional about them. It’s important that you get the medicine and treatments you need to get back to good health.

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Delicious Ways to Enjoy Meat Cooked on the Bone

Cooking meat on the bone is an old tradition that deserves a proud place in every modern pioneer kitchen. You’ll find that cooking with bone-in cuts opens the door to some of the most comforting dishes a home cook can offer. From slow-simmered soups to hearty roasts, here are a few of my favorite recipes that showcase just how delicious and nourishing meat on the bone can be.

• How to Make a Traditional Bone-In Pot Roast
• How to Make French Peasant Boeuf Bourguignon
• How to Make Easy Beef and Barley Soup

And don’t waste the bone marrow! Be sure to try these two recipes for the unforgettable flavor of this scrumptious “steak butter”.

• Easiest Roasted Bone Marrow Recipe
• How to Make Cream of Bone Marrow Soup

Eating meat cooked on the bone nourishes from the inside out. These traditional cuts provide natural minerals and amino acids that support joints, skin, gut health, immunity, and overall wellness. They offer deep flavor, satisfaction, and a connection to the timeless wisdom of traditional cooking.

I’d Love to Hear from You!

Let me know in the comments below what meats you have cooked on the bone or plan to cook. And be sure to stay tuned for my follow-up video and accompanying blog post: 10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Chicken on the Bone!

Get Bone In Meats from Shirttail Creek Farm

• Shirttail Creek Farms is offering my sweet friends $10 off any order over $100 with this link and discount code MARYSNEST

In addition to Bone-In Chuck Roasts, you can find lots of nutritious meats and products to help you make the most healthy and gelatinous beef bone broth:

• Grassfed Beef Broth Bones (Knuckles)
• Pastured Chicken Feet
• Grassfed Beef Shanks (Osso Bucco)

They also offer Pastured Stewing Hens, you want to make my Old Hen Broth & Pastina Soup recipe.

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Kitchen Academy Videos

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I look forward to having you join me in my Texas Hill Country Kitchen!

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