Bone broth’s secret to glowing skin, strong hair and a healthy gut
In Nairobi’s nutrition and wellness circles, bone broth is no longer just a grandmother’s remedy. It is being embraced by young professionals, wellness influencers, and health-conscious parents alike.
Bone broth, ‘thufu’ or ‘supu’, the nutrient-dense liquid made from slow-simmering animal bones and connective tissues, is enjoying a revival, not just as a culinary staple, but as a potent ally for beauty and gut health, as some people might testify.
In fact, in Nairobi’s nutrition and wellness circles, bone broth is no longer just a grandmother’s remedy. It is being embraced by young professionals, wellness influencers, and health-conscious parents alike.
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With roots in traditional diets from across the globe, including African, Asian, and Paleo traditions, bone broth is now being hailed as a holistic tool for achieving radiant skin, luscious hair, and improved digestion. But what is behind the hype?
We spoke to Wincate Wangari, a Nairobi-based clinical nutritionist and functional health coach, to unpack the science and benefits behind this ancient brew.
The secret is in the simmer
Bone broth is made by boiling bones, typically from beef, chicken, goat, or fish, for anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.
The long-simmering process extracts collagen, gelatin, amino acids (like glycine and proline), and key minerals including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
“The slow simmer allows for the breakdown of collagen and connective tissues in the bones,” explains Wangari. “What you’re left with is a concentrated source of nutrients that directly benefit the gut lining, skin, joints, and hair.”
Wangari notes that while people often turn to creams, supplements, and serums, beauty and digestive health truly begin from within, and bone broth fits naturally into that approach.
For radiant skin: collagen and hydration from within
Collagen, the protein most abundant in our skin, is essential for elasticity and firmness. But our bodies' natural collagen production begins to slow down in our mid-20s, leading to visible signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging.
“Bone broth is one of the richest natural sources of collagen,” says Wangari. “Drinking it consistently helps replenish what the body is losing. Over time, this can result in more hydrated, plump-looking skin and reduced inflammation that contributes to breakouts and dullness.”
She recommends pairing bone broth with vitamin C–rich foods like leafy greens, citrus, or bell peppers to help the body better absorb and use the collagen.
For stronger hair and nails: nutrients that fuel growth
Hair and nails are made primarily of keratin, a protein built from amino acids.
Bone broth delivers key amino acids like glycine, proline, and arginine, which help form the building blocks of strong, resilient hair and nails.
“Women experiencing hair thinning, postpartum hair loss, or brittle nails can benefit from adding a cup of bone broth to their daily routine,” Wangari advises.
“It won’t be an overnight fix, but over time, it supports healthier growth from the root.”
She also highlights zinc, found in animal bones, as critical for hair follicle function and sebum production, both important for hair health and shine.
For gut health: healing from the inside out
Beyond its beauty benefits, bone broth is especially revered for its impact on gut health, something Wangari says is often overlooked in conventional diets.
“The gut lining is made of cells that are constantly regenerating, and they need nutrients like glutamine and gelatin to do that,” she explains.
“Bone broth offers both, and can be incredibly soothing for people with IBS, leaky gut, bloating, or even food sensitivities.”
In her clinic in Nairobi and Nanyuki, Wangari frequently recommends bone broth to clients experiencing poor digestion, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune symptoms.
“When the gut is inflamed or compromised, it affects everything, from your mood to your skin to your immunity.”
She emphasizes that bone broth can be especially beneficial when breaking a fast or during recovery periods, thanks to its gentle, easy-to-digest nature.
Making it at home vs buying it
While store-bought options are available in major Nairobi supermarkets and local nyama choma and mutura joints,
Wangari strongly encourages making broth at home for purity and cost-effectiveness. “You don’t need anything fancy,” she says.
“A few beef or chicken bones, onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and water, let it simmer for 12 to 24 hours and you’ve got a superfood in a cup. Boiling it for 2 hours does not extract all the minerals. It needs to sit for at least 8 hours.”
Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or turmeric can boost flavour and antioxidant content.
For those curious about incorporating bone broth into their routine, Wangari recommends starting with one cup a day, in the morning, before meals, or even as a warming evening beverage. She also recommends incorporating it in a baby's diet, to help boost immunity as well.
Bone broth is beyond having good nails and good hair, it is deeply restorative.
It helps repair the gut lining, strengthens joints, supports immunity, and reduces chronic inflammation. For women going through hormonal shifts like postpartum recovery or perimenopause, it can be a gentle but powerful food.
Its amino acids support liver detoxification, improve sleep quality through glycine, and even help balance mood.
In essence, bone broth is not just a beauty tonic, it is a full-body healer that nourishes the skin, gut, mind, and joints from the inside out.
“You’ll likely feel the gut benefits first, less bloating, more regularity, better appetite control,” she says. “The skin and hair benefits show up over time, especially when the broth is part of an overall clean, nutrient-rich diet.”
Bone broth is far from a passing trend. It is a functional, nutrient-packed beverage that supports the body’s foundations, from the inside out.
Whether you are dealing with postnatal recovery, gut sensitivities, hair loss, or premature skin aging, it could be the natural, nourishing solution your routine is missing.
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