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Beauty

15th Dec 2023

Experts reveal surprising skincare benefits of leftover Christmas turkey

Sophie Collins

Turkey

Do what with the turkey??

Skincare experts are claiming that utilising turkey leftovers from our Christmas dinner could serve up a major skincare boost.

The festive season is in full swing and Christmas Day is just days away which means one thing; people will be starting to plan and shop for the big meal.

Not only is turkey the traditional meat of choice for a Christmas dinner, but it’s been revealed by the skincare experts at SpaSeekers.com that the leftovers from the meal can “actually be saved and re-purposed as a drinkable broth for a surprising skincare boost”.

Videos detailing the benefits of bone broth have been doing the rounds online with over 48 million combined views on TikTok.

Unlike many skincare trends on the internet, skincare experts are actually all in agreement that making a broth from your turkey carcass could be “a great way to achieve glowing, more youthful skin, just in time to see in the new year”.

The benefits of bone broth

So what are the benefits of drinking bone broth?

Jason Goldberg, director at SpaSeekers.com says: “Bone broth is rich in collagen, a structural protein which is found in skin, cartilage and bones.

“Drinking bone broth has been shown to increase the levels of amino acids that the body needs to produce collagen, thereby increasing the elasticity of your skin, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

“This is because collagen increases skin cell turnover, helping to keep the skin looking youthful, glowy and vibrant.”

He went on to say that: “Not only this, but drinking bone broth can also help to support healthy digestion, thanks to the high amounts of glutamine found in the broth – an amino acid which has been shown to improve the function of your gut lining.

“The benefits of drinking bone broth are reported to range from improving joint pain and stiffness, to supporting healthy sleep – so it’s well worth spending the time transforming your leftovers.”

How to make bone broth from leftover turkey

If you’re now interested in reaping the benefits of bone broth this Christmas, the experts at SpaSeekers.com have shared the following instructions for those looking to make it at home:

  • Place the turkey carcass in a pot
  • Add seasonings and vegetables of your choice (onion, celery, carrots are popular choices)
  • Cover the turkey bones with water and simmer for a minimum of eight hours – either in a slow cooker, or on the stove
  • When the broth is ready, strain over a container to remove the vegetables and bones
  • Drink warm and store for up to five days in the fridge – or up to a year in the freezer

Mr Goldberg, concluded by saying: “Making bone broth from your leftover turkey dinner is a great way to reduce waste and is an easy way to give your skin a boost over the festive period.

“After indulging in all the festive treats and drinks our skin is often in need of a bit of TLC, and making this simple bone broth could not only help your skin appear more youthful and glowy, but also give your digestive system a much-needed reset.

“Keep in mind though that the nutritional value of the broth will vary depending on the types of bones used, and how long they’re cooked for. Joint bones such as feet and/or knuckles provide best results, and cooking low and slow will enhance the nutritious value of the broth.”

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