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IN PHOTO A man picks up a bowl of soup at the Mother Teresa of Calcutta eating center in Caracas March 17, 2014. The center, located in a back-street of Caracas, is frequented by the unemployed and homeless, as well as those who work but are unable to make ends meet. Shortages of basic products have become the norm in Venezuela over the last year and workers at soup kitchens face an increasingly difficult task of finding staple foods they need to provide a free hot daily meal. Opponents of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government say the queues are a national embarrassment and symbol of failed socialist economics similar to the old Soviet Union. But officials say businessmen are deliberately hoarding products as part of an "economic war" against Maduro. Picture taken March 17, 2014. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Bone broth is the latest diet fad to hit town and has taken over the top spot from the Paleo diet. Celebrities like Shailene Woodley swear by the efficacy of bone broth and apart from being the ultimate thin food, it is said to have powerful healing properties.

Bone broth is the extension of the total Paleo diet, which refers to the diet plan following the eating habits of early human beings that serve raw food, grains and cereals. Bone broth is made from roasting beef, chicken or mutton bones and stewing it over an hour. The minerals and vitamins within the bones seeps in to the broth and along with vegetables, it is touted to be the best breakfast.

This food fad has been made popular by the Hemsley sisters in their cook book, “The Art of Eating Well.” The latest to jump on to the bandwagon is New York Celebrity Chef Marco Canora. His restaurant, “Brodo,” which in Italian means broth, has opened a takeaway counter dispensing this wonder food. Long lines are visible at this joint with customers bringing their thermos to fill it up with broth. Canora says that bone broth can be kept in the refrigerator for over a week and consumed over time.

However, critics and comedians have hauled this new fad over the coals. For many, broth is just the soup with a fancy makeover and celebrity endorsement. Health experts also cautioned dieters against continuing with the fad and stressed the need for a balanced diet. William Percy, from Sanford School of medicine says, “ The body does not absorb collagen as a whole and therefore drinking collagen rich foods will not necessarily improve bone health.” Doctors recommend a diet rich in leafy vegetables as a better alternative to bone broth.

Nonetheless, fads like bone broth has its own fans and this brought about an outcry from medical practitioners. Pete Evans, in his latest book, recommended the baby formula based on this broth. The publishers, Pan MacMillan, have since the dropped this book after doctors and dietitians slammed the recommendations. For commoners, however, this is the latest elite fad like Quinoa or joji berries and many feel that it would fade with time.

For questions/comments regarding the article, you may email the writer at honeygeorge74.ibtimes@gmail.com.

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