Vegan Bone Broth Alternative (Collagen-Boosting Veggie Plate)

Flipping through a magazine, I came across a blurb recommending consuming bone broth for beauty benefits. When animal bones are simmered, the piece explained, they release collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine. Collagen, of course, is a major beauty buzzword thanks to the role it plays in keeping skin supple and smooth, including cellulite-free. While the body produces it own collagen, it does so less and less as we age, prompting many to find ways to ingest collagen via supplements and now, bone broth. Ever skeptical (and, you know, vegan), I gave my best side eye to the photo of bone broth powder and pointedly flipped to the next page. But it got me thinking—is there a vegan bone broth alternative? Yes and no. Collagen is an animal product (as are bones!), so there’s not some special vegan bone water out there (sorry). There are, however, an abundance of plants that support the body’s production of collagen—many of which are featured in this beautifying vegan bone broth alternative recipe. This vegan bone broth alternative includes a cornucopia of veggies that are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E as well as antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect the body from free radicals while supporting collagen production. These superstars include cabbage, avocados, red bell peppers, beans, sweet potatoes, garlic, carrots, and tofu. Yep! Soy is a source of genistein, a plant hormone that increases collagen production in the dermis. We’re probably not missing much by giving bone broth a pass. Experts aren’t completely sold that ingesting collagen actually gives you better skin, and it is unclear how bioavailable this out-sourced collagen is, meaning—who knows if your body can actually use the collagen in supplements or bone broth beyond its function as an animal protein. So why not boost your own supply and enjoy a good meal while you’re at it? I hope you like this vegan bone broth alternative!