Broth has been revered for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its nourishing and healing properties. I enjoy drinking bone broth when I'm unwell or feeling particularly tired and run down. What is the difference between Chicken and beef bone broth, according to TCM?
In TCM, each type of bone broth is believed to have specific qualities and benefits. Let's delve into the differences between chicken and beef bone broth from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Yin and Yang Energies:
In TCM, foods are classified as either Yin (cooling) or Yang (warming).
Chicken is considered a Yin ingredient, while in contrast, beef is considered Yang1.
Therefore, based on these classifications, chicken bone broth is believed to be cooling and nourishing, while beef bone broth is seen as warming and strengthening2. The specific energetics of each broth can influence how they are used for different individuals and health conditions. If someone has too much heat in the body, a TCM Practitioner would recommend Chicken bone broth. On the other hand, if another patient was had a lot of cold signs, beef would be recommended because of its warming and strengthening properties.
Constituents and Nutritional Profile:
Both chicken and beef bone broths share similar health benefits, however, their nutritional profiles do differ to some extent. Chicken bone broth tends to contain higher amounts of collagen, which supports skin health, joint health, and digestion3. Beef bone broth, on the other hand, contains more minerals and amino acids such as glycine and proline, which support liver detoxification, immune function, and wound healing45.
Impact on the Body:
In TCM, each type of bone broth is believed to have different effects on the body. For example, Chicken bone broth is typically recommended for individuals with weakened digestive systems or those recovering from illness, as it is considered gentle and easily absorbed by the body6. It is often used to nourish Yin and replenish strength. Alternatively, Beef bone broth, with its warming properties, is believed to invigorate Yang energy, increase Qi circulation, and support overall vitality7.
Taste and Cooking Methods:
The taste of chicken bone broth is often described as lighter and milder compared to beef bone broth, which has a richer and more robust flavor8. In TCM, taste is considered an important aspect of food therapy. The lighter taste of chicken bone broth makes it suitable for those with weak and very delicate digestion, in comparison, the heartier taste of beef bone broth is thought to strengthen the digestion and warm the body.
To sum it all up,
chicken bone broth and beef bone broth both offer valuable health benefits according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. The difference is subtle in how it is recommended to a patient. Chicken bone broth is cooling, nourishing, and beneficial for the digestive system, while beef bone broth provides warming, strengthening, and immune-boosting properties. Understanding the energetics and nutritional differences between chicken and beef bone broths allows for a personalised approach when applying them as therapeutic foods in TCM.
Sources:
- Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and modern nutrition. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books. ↩
- Rosenthal, J. (2018). The yin yang philosophy in Chinese cooking. The Spruce Eats. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/yin-and-yang-in-chinese-cooking-695006 ↩
- Asserin, J., Lati, E., Shioya, T., & Prawitt, J. (2015). The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(4), 291-301. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12174 ↩
- Straub, R. H., Schäfer, T., & Cutolo, M. (2016). The multiple facets of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 12(7), 429–441. doi: 10.1038/nrrheum.2016.75 ↩
- Elam, M. L., Johnson, S. A., Hooshmand, S., Feresin, R. G., Payton, M. E., Gu, J., . . . Arjmandi, B. H. (2015). A calcium-collagen chelate dietary supplement attenuates bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(3), 324-331. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2014.0100 ↩
- Yang, A. (2016). A handbook of Chinese healing herbs: An easy-to-use guide to 108 Chinese medicinal herbs and do-it-yourself remedies. New York, NY: Tuttle Publishing. ↩
- Yeap, S. S. (2017). Handbook of Chinese medicine and Ayurveda: An integrated practice of ancient healing traditions. Singpore: Springer. ↩
- Balliett, M., & Burke, J. R. (2012). Evaluation of a commercial maple syrup on the quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: a pilot study. The Open Rheumatology Journal, 6, 315-319. doi: 10.2174/1874312901206010315 ↩
