Does Bone Broth Increase Cholesterol Levels? The Facts

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a typical store-bought beef bone broth contains a negligible amount of cholesterol, often less than 2.5mg per cup. Understanding these nutritional facts is key to addressing the common concern: does bone broth increase cholesterol levels?

Quick Summary

This article explores the relationship between consuming bone broth and blood lipid levels. We analyze the minimal dietary cholesterol and fat content, discuss the role of amino acids like glycine, and provide practical tips for making or selecting low-cholesterol versions.

Key Points

Minimal Cholesterol: Bone broth contains very little dietary cholesterol, which for most people, has a negligible effect on blood cholesterol levels.
Low in Saturated Fat: When prepared correctly by skimming the fat, bone broth is naturally low in saturated fats, which are the main culprits for raising bad cholesterol.
Beneficial Amino Acids: Amino acids like glycine in bone broth may offer cardiovascular benefits by supporting healthy blood vessels and potentially helping to regulate cholesterol.
Easy Preparation: Homemade bone broth allows for complete control over the fat and salt content, enabling you to create a very heart-healthy version.
Minimal Impact: For healthy individuals, the potential for bone broth to increase cholesterol is not a cause for concern, but those with existing conditions should consult a doctor.
Nutrient-Dense Liquid: The primary value of bone broth lies in its high protein, mineral, and amino acid content, not its minimal fat or cholesterol.

Bone Broth and Cholesterol: A Nutritional Breakdown

Concerns about bone broth increasing cholesterol levels often stem from a misunderstanding of how dietary cholesterol affects blood cholesterol. While bone broth is made by simmering animal bones, the resulting liquid is typically very low in fat and cholesterol, especially when chilled and skimmed of the solidified fat layer. The nutritional composition is more heavily concentrated with protein, minerals, and amino acids rather than fats that would influence cholesterol. Factors like the type of bones used, the cooking duration, and whether the fat is removed can affect the final nutritional profile.

The Role of Amino Acids and Glycine

Beyond its low fat content, bone broth contains amino acids like glycine that may actually support cardiovascular health. Glycine is a non-essential amino acid known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect blood vessels. Some research has even shown that supplementing with glycine can help regulate blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Therefore, the beneficial compounds within bone broth may offer protective effects that counteract any minor cholesterol intake.

Dietary Cholesterol vs. Blood Cholesterol

For years, dietary guidelines focused heavily on limiting dietary cholesterol to manage blood cholesterol. However, modern scientific understanding has shifted, recognizing that for most healthy individuals, dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. The primary culprits for raising 'bad' LDL cholesterol are typically saturated and trans fats. Because bone broth is naturally low in these types of fats, it poses little threat to healthy cholesterol levels, especially when prepared correctly.

Making a Low-Cholesterol Bone Broth at Home

Creating a heart-healthy bone broth at home is simple and gives you full control over the fat content. The key step is to chill the broth after cooking. As it cools, the fat rises to the surface and solidifies, forming a cap that can be easily spooned off before reheating. Choosing high-quality, lean bones from grass-fed or pastured animals can also help minimize the fat content from the start.

To make a low-fat bone broth:

Use bones with less meat and skin attached.
Simmer for a moderate amount of time (12-24 hours) rather than excessively long periods.
Chill the finished broth completely to allow the fat to rise and solidify.
Skim off the solid fat layer before storing or consuming.
Avoid adding extra fatty ingredients during the cooking process.

Comparison of Different Bone Broth Types


Feature	Beef Bone Broth	Chicken Bone Broth	Store-Bought Broth	Homemade Broth
Saturated Fat	Generally low, can be higher if fat is not skimmed.	Typically very low.	Varies; check nutrition label.	Controllable; low if fat is skimmed.
Dietary Cholesterol	Low, often around 2.5mg per cup.	Very low, sometimes less than 1mg per cup.	Varies widely by brand and processing.	Minimal to low, depending on skimming.
Protein	High (8-10g per cup).	High (8-11g per cup).	Can be lower or higher; check label.	High, with full control over ingredients.
Glycine	Rich source from collagen breakdown.	Rich source from collagen breakdown.	Variable; depends on quality and process.	High, with longer cooking times.
Sodium	Can be higher, depending on salt added.	Can be higher, depending on salt added.	Often high; check for 'low-sodium' versions.	Fully adjustable based on added salt.

Conclusion: Does Bone Broth Impact Cholesterol?

For the vast majority of individuals, consuming bone broth will not increase cholesterol levels in a clinically significant way. The amount of dietary cholesterol present is minimal, and its effect on blood cholesterol is negligible, especially compared to the more impactful saturated and trans fats. By choosing lean bones, skimming the fat, and being mindful of your overall diet, you can enjoy bone broth's health benefits without worrying about your cholesterol. However, those with specific medical conditions should always consult a healthcare professional. For more information on heart-healthy eating, consider visiting the American Heart Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can generally drink bone broth if you have high cholesterol. The fat and cholesterol content are typically very low, and if you skim the solidified fat off the top after chilling, it will be even leaner. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor or a dietitian about your specific dietary needs.

Bone broth typically has a positive or neutral effect on blood lipid levels. Its low fat and cholesterol content, combined with beneficial amino acids, means it is unlikely to negatively impact blood lipids. Some components, like glycine, are even thought to have protective cardiovascular effects.

Both beef and chicken bone broths are generally low in cholesterol. Some analyses suggest chicken broth may have slightly less, but the difference is typically negligible. The fat content, and therefore potential cholesterol, is more dependent on how the broth is prepared than the type of bones used.

For a heart-healthy bone broth, use lean bones, and after simmering, chill the broth completely in the refrigerator. The fat will rise and harden, allowing you to easily scrape it off the surface before reheating and consuming.

Store-bought bone broth can vary. Some brands process their broth to remove fat, resulting in a product very low in cholesterol. Others may contain small amounts. It is important to check the nutritional label of any specific product you purchase.

The fat in bone broth is a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats, but the total amount is typically very small. For most people, consuming this fat is not a concern, but individuals managing high cholesterol can easily remove it by chilling and skimming the broth.

While some bone broth includes marrow, consuming concentrated bone marrow itself can lead to higher cholesterol due to its saturated fat content. However, in a finished broth, the amount of fat derived from marrow is significantly diluted, and a majority can be removed by skimming.