The tradition of boiling animal bones until the water becomes a thick, flavorful broth is hardly a new one. Bone broth dates back to ancient times, but over the past few years, this collagen-rich beverage has been elevated to superfood status .

Restaurants that exclusively sell bone broth have popped up in major cities, and you can buy it in powdered or broth form at most major grocery stores. Devotees claim its collagen-rich properties have given them stronger hair and nails, glowing skin and improved their mood. Plus, who can say no to a savory, steaming hot beverage in the freezing cold winter months?

If youre just drinking bone broth for the taste, thats one thing. But bone broth isnt cheap: If that $5 latte seemed expensive, try buying the same amount of bone broth for $11. If youre sipping bone broth for the health benefits, is it really worth it?

Yes, bone broth does have some solid nutrients.

First, the good news: If youre drinking bone broth for its nutritional benefits, its not for nothing. Nutritionist Tamar Samuels told HuffPost that the health benefits of bone broth come from several key nutrients that arent abundant in the standard American diet. Bones are one of the best food sources of collagen and several other nutrients, including iron, calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and thiamin (B1), she said.

She added that the gelatin formed from collagen in bone broth has several health benefits, such as improving sleep and boosting mood. And its better for you than regular chicken or beef broth, which are made with meat in addition to bones.