Looking for a meal to help you beat the winter sicknesses? Bone broth could be for you.

Dr Anatalia Moore, a GP working on behalf of Pho Restaurants - which has a branch in Burgate, Canterbury - has explained how bone broth can help us feel healthier and happier.

“Throughout the generations, drinking bone broth has always been the go-to if you are feeling under the weather and this 'liquid gold' dish has so many benefits it's easy to see why," the GP explains.

"The deep rich flavour of bone broth is not the only thing that is achieved by many hours of careful simmering. This process also ensures nutrients are released from the bones and bone marrow and the addition of herbs and grains towards the end further contributes to its nutritional value."

Although bone broth tastes similar to standard broths, it actually contains a lot more protein, which will help you feel fuller for longer and therefore help you avoid snacking and maintain your weight.

In addition, the amino acids found in bone broth can contribute to your body's ability to produce and repair collagen, which will help improve the health of your joints, skin, hair and nails.

The amino acids, such as glutamine and glycine, can also help reduce inflammation and maintain gut health, which in turn helps your gut absorb more nutrients.

Dr Moore continues, "These amino acids can also help promote better sleep, which is the key time during which our bodies and minds repair and this in turn helps reduce inflammation and aid immunity."

Another benefit of bone broth is the fact that it is hydrating.

"Of course, much of the broth is also water which comes with its own health benefits," Dr Moore states.

"It is important that adults take between 2-3L of water in a day, and by staying hydrated it allows the vital processes throughout the body to run smoothly."

Bone broth is one of the main components of the Vietnamese dish pho, which also features noodles, vegetables and protein.

Praising the dish, the GP says, "The immediate hydration after a meal of bone broth, combined with the fact it contains gut-friendly amino acids and that pho commonly combines a variety of other ingredients including herbs and fresh vegetables means that, as a meal this tends to be very gut-friendly. A healthy gut means we are more likely to feel happier and healthier as a whole, in both our mental and physical health."

Bone broth is available to buy online at outlets such as Ocado, but for the best results, have a go at making you own. There are plenty of recipes online, and videos on YouTube.