If you’re wondering why I eat gelatin daily, there are several reasons why! Learn more about the benefits of gelatin here.
I just re-read one of my favorites books, The Gelatin Secret by Sylvie McCracken of Hollywood Homestead. I was so inspired by this book, I decided to write a post for you outlining the 9 reasons why I eat gelatin daily.
This post is a broad overview of what I learned from The Gelatin Secret. Sylvie’s book dives much deeper into each one of these categories. And she provides tons of delicious, everyday recipes, so you can easily incorporate gelatin into your daily life!
How I incorporate gelatin daily
I include gelatin in my diet daily. I either eat soup, drink broth or supplement with gelatin powder. You can get my recipe for slow cooker chicken broth HERE and slow cooker beef broth HERE.Don’t want to make your own? Buy pasture-raised broth HERE.
We also use gelatin to make homemade jello, gummy treats, and desserts, like pannacotta. I use THIS gelatin for these types of recipes because it is made from healthy, pasture-raised animals.
I also supplement with collagen peptideson most days. Just add a tablespoon of it to my tea or coffee, it doesn’t have any flavor. We also use it in smoothies in the place of protein powder. The difference between this one and the one I mentioned above, is that this one does not gel. So you can add it to hot and cold drinks. I use THIS collagen because it is made from healthy, pasture-raised animals.
What is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, the major component of the connective tissue of animals. It is made by cooking down the parts of the animal that are rich in collagen – bones, connective tissues, and hides of animals.
Collagen is important because it gives our skin its elasticity (i.e. fewer wrinkles 😉 ). Collagen actually makes up about 1/3 of the protein in the human body. So yeah, it’s important stuff!
Gelatin Balances Out A Diet Heavy in Muscle Meat
According to The Gelatin Secret,
“Today, most people just consume the muscle meat of the animals they eat. While collagen makes up about 50% of the protein in animals, only about 6% of muscle tissue is collagen. Muscle meat also consists of different amino acid combinations than found in collagen.
As Dr. Ray Peat explains, the switch towards a muscle-meat only diet has caused a change in the amino acid profiles of our diets. We get too much of the amino acids tryptophan or cysteine (found in muscle meat), which can result in metabolic problems. By adding gelatin back into our diets, we can get back to the diet nature intended for us.”
The two main amino acids which make up collagen are glycine and proline. They are both found in real gelatin. With real gelatin, I am referring to broth made from healthy animal parts, as well as gelatin powder from pasture-raised animals. So, not the J-E-L-L-O stuff that we most often associate with gelatin.
Unfortunately, the store-bought broth does not offer these same benefits, as it is usually not made with real gelatin, but uses emulsifiers instead, and many use artificial flavors.
GELATIN IS GOOD FOR BONE HEALTH
Calcium is often touted as the key nutrient for healthy bones. But, did you know that bones are mostly made up of collagen? Most American diets are very low in collagen and high in calcium. And rates of osteoporosis are quite high here. So maybe calcium isn’t the only nutrient we need to keep our bones healthy and strong.
Gelatin is one of the most effective ways to get more collagen into our bodies. Bone broth is a great way to get gelatin and it has additional minerals that are necessary for maintaining healthy bones, such as calcium and magnesium. In addition to gelatin and minerals, bone broth also offers high amounts of other amino acids.
In The Gelatin Secret, Sylvie McCracken writes, “For example, bone broth contains the amino acid lysine which helps calcium absorb into bones and aids in tissue regeneration.”
GELATIN IS GOOD FOR JOINT HEALTH
Sylvie McCracken writes,
“The evidence shows that consuming gelatin can increase the amount of cartilage in the joints of animals. Rebuilding cartilage is a slow process though as only some of the consumed gelatin gets added to collagen tissues. So, you can’t just take a shot of gelatin and expect to heal your joints overnight. But, gelatin can produce relief from joint pain almost immediately.”
Most of the time when we experience joint pain, chronic inflammation is present. Gelatin can help arthritis and joint pain because it can help reduce inflammation. Glycine, one of the basic components of collagen has a very strong immunosuppressive effects. In other words, it is capable of stopping inflammation.
GELATIN SUPPORTS THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
70,000,000 people every day suffer from some form of digestive issues. These are just the ones that have symptoms. Digestive issues can be the culprit of many other symptoms that we don’t often associate with the gut, such as headaches, lethargy and even many modern day diseases.
Having a healthy digestive system is key to maintaining overall health. Our digestive system has to be working properly, so we can break down food and absorb the nutrients.
To develop a really healthy digestive system, we need to eat a diet void of toxins and loaded with nutrient-dense foods. The Gelatin Secret dives deep into how to repair and maintain a healthy digestive system.
In addition, gelatin is one of the best foods for digestive health. Sylvie writes, “It basically acts like spackle and fills in holes in the gut lining.”
GELATIN FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Gelatin is not some magic weight loss pill. However, it has properties that can help regulate blood sugar levels. If you are struggling with weight loss, blood sugar issues or sugar cravings, gelatin is definitely worth a shot.
Sylvie dives deep into how gelatin can support the body with weight loss and I found that section of her book particularly fascinating!
GELATIN FOR THE BRAIN
Gelatin can help calm the body and balance cortisol levels. Sylvie writes, “The research shows that the glycine in gelatin has a calming effect on our nerves which can promote sleep and reduce stress.”
Drinking broth or taking gelatin before bed, can help improve sleep quality and can even improve daytime sleepiness. Unlike medications that mask symptoms, real food solutions actually balance and align the body!
This is a complex topic, but although muscle meats are nutritious, a diet that consists of only muscle meats will be deficient in other important amino acids, such as glycine. As we talked about earlier, glycine is an important amino acid found in gelatin. This imbalance of amino acids can eventually lead to an imbalance of cortisol levels.
GELATIN FOR SKIN, WRINKLES, AND CELLULITE
Most skin issues are connected to the digestive system. As your gut heals, you will also notice improvements in your skin. In addition, collagen is what gives our skin its elasticity. As the collagen breaks down, the skin becomes thinner and wrinkles start to form.
We can help slow this process, by consuming collagen and increasing the collagen levels available to be absorbed by our bodies. In other words, consuming collagen helps reduce the breakdown of collagen.
The following is an over-simplified explanation, and Sylvie explains it in much greater detail in her book. Cellulite is caused by inadequate amounts of collagen in the body. By boosting the levels of collagen in our bodies, we should be able to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
GELATIN FOR HAIR AND NAILS
Sylvie writes,
“Hair growth starts inside follicles that are within the skin. Follicles are basically a sheath of collagen which holds and nurtures the hair from the root. At the very base of the follicle is something called the papilla which is also made from collagen.”
Collagen is necessary for keeping each strand of our hair, healthy, strong and thick. You won’t see immediate results with your hair, as the increased collagen in your diet will impact the fresh healthy hair that is growing. With time, you should notice a nice difference.
The nutrients, Zinc, Biotin and Iron play a crucial role in healthy finger nails. Since, gelatin helps heal the digestive system, it will in turn help us more effectively absorb these nutrients. My nails have gotten so much healthier, stronger and shinier since following a Paleo diet rich in collagen.
GELATIN FOR TEETH HEALTH
If you made it this far, you are probably noticing a theme around a healthy gut. Did you know that tooth health is directly related to diet and proper nutrition?
To really cure tooth decay, you’ve got to heal all parts of the teeth, not just clean the enamel like we do with brushing and flossing. The tooth is really healed from the inside out. Gelatin helps us absorb more nutrients by healing our guts. In addition, some components of collagen have been shown to repair gum tissue.
Are you ready to get your gelatin on?
Download The Gelatin Secret now to learn all about the health benefits of gelatin and find, easy, everyday recipes to help you incorporate gelatin in your life daily!
FAQs
What happens if you eat gelatin everyday? ›
and Warnings. When taken by mouth: Gelatin is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. But taking high doses of 15 grams daily might increase the risk for side effects, including sore throat, swollen gums, and mouth sores.
What happens if you eat gelatin? ›When eaten in foods, gelatin is considered safe by the FDA. We don't know how safe it is to take high doses of gelatin supplements. Some experts worry that gelatin has a risk of being contaminated with certain animal diseases. So far there have been no reported cases of people getting sick in this way.
Why is gelatin good for your gut? ›Gelatin Heals Your Gut.
Gelatin also absorbs water and helps keep fluid in the digestive tract, promoting good intestinal transit and healthy bowel movements. Gelatin-rich soups and broths are also one of the key components of the GAPS diet, which has been designed to heal the gut and promote healthy digestion.
Gelatin is very rich in glycine, which has been linked to brain function. One study found that taking glycine significantly improved memory and certain aspects of attention ( 2 ). Taking glycine has also been linked to an improvement in some mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Does gelatin help joints? ›Ease achy joints: The body can use gelatin's amino acids to rebuild collagen, cartilage, and connective tissues in joints. Research shows that athletes who take gelatin experience less pain in their joints.
Is gelatin good for your heart? ›Gelatin May Lower Your Risk for Cardiovascular and Other Diseases. Eggs and muscle meats—as opposed to organ meats and meaty bones—are high in methionine, an amino acid. In some people, eating too much methionine can lead to a buildup of a toxic compound called homocysteine in the blood.
Does eating gelatin help hair grow? ›Is Gelatin Good For Your Hair? Gelatin is made up of proteins similar to the composition of your hair. Studies show that consuming gelatin or treating your hair with it provides benefits like increased hair growth, greater hair thickness, and slowing of hair loss.
Is Jello good for arthritis? ›Gelatin. Here's a dessert that may just work on your arthritis. A serving of gelatin (like Jell-O) every day could help relieve arthritis joint pain. “Gelatin reduces arthritis pain probably because it's just ground-up cartilage,” says D'Adamo.
Does gelatin help inflammation? ›These results suggest that gelatin tannate exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the specific cytokines and adhesion molecules involved in several inflammatory disorders.
Why do hospitals serve Jello? ›Why Do They Give Hospital Patients Jell-O? Considering how easily digested Jell-O is because of it's smooth, liquid characteristics, patients in hospitals are given the nutrient dense protein for more reasons than just taste and digestion. It also proves to be a good source of calories because of the sugar content.
When should you eat gelatin? ›
Gelatin can be added to just about anything, whether it be in the form of bone broth or the powdered version. Adding Gelatin to a smoothie is a fantastic way of getting more protein into your diet. You can add Gelatin to soups, gravies, stew, herbal teas, coffee, anything you like. You can even make amazing desserts.
Is gelatin good for anxiety? ›Gelatin contains the amino acid glycine, which is considered an 'inhibitory neurotransmitter'. That means it essentially exhibits some of the same characteristics of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant meds—but without the side effects.
Does gelatin build muscle? ›Gelatin and Collagen are both high in protein and contains 18 amino acids, which makes them perfect for stimulating and increasing muscle growth. Ideal for those who have lost muscle mass due to illness or hospitalisation. Gelatin and Collagen are great for muscle repair after exercise or sports-related injury.
How do you take gelatine for arthritis? ›Most people take the gelatin mixed in water — open a packet, put it in a glass of water, stir it up and drink it down. (I suppose several Jell-O shots a day would also do the same thing, if you were inclined that way).
Is gelatin good for bone strength? ›Gelatin contains lysine, which plays a role in muscle and bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium, which helps keep the bones strong and prevents bone loss. Limited observational studies have found an association between amino acid intake and increased bone density.
What foods lubricate your joints? ›Consuming healthy fats can increase joint health and lubrication. Foods high in healthy fats include salmon, trout, mackerel, avocados, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds. The omega-3 fatty acids in these foods will assist in joint lubrication.
Is gelatin good for anti aging? ›Adding gelatin to your diet can lessen the appearance of wrinkles, slow down the early onset of sagging skin, maintain and improve skin firmness, increases skin hydration levels, and aid in maintaining and restoring vibrancy and vitality to your complexion.
Is gelatin anti aging? ›May help reduce signs of skin aging
Collagen and gelatin may improve signs of skin aging, such as dryness, scaling, and a loss of elasticity that results from a reduction in your skin's collagen content ( 10 ).
- Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin, two nutrients that are essential for hair growth. ...
- Berries. Berries are loaded with beneficial compounds and vitamins that may support hair growth. ...
- Spinach. ...
- Fatty fish. ...
- Sweet potatoes. ...
- Avocados. ...
- Nuts. ...
- Seeds.
The Bottom Line. Collagen and gelatin are almost identical in terms of amino acids and health benefits. Since hydrolyzed collagen is easier for your body to digest than normal collagen peptides and gelatin, it's a better choice for reaping the full range of health benefits.
Is Jello the same as gelatin? ›
Jello is primarily made up of gelatin, a protein extracted from the skins and bones of certain animals. The gelatin is dissolved in boiling water and then cooled to form a gelatinous, semi-solid substance.
Is Jello good for nerves? ›Glycine also relaxes nerves and muscles and can act as a mild sedative, reducing anxiety. So, have a serving of Jello about 2 hours before bed and you'll sleep more deeply.
Is Jello a Superfood? ›Yes, gelatin. This ancient super food can remedy health ailments by healing holes in the gut, filling in nutrients missing from the Standard American Diet, and provide the structural matrix for your skin, hair, muscles, and bones.
What are the side effects of Jello? ›Gelatin can cause an unpleasant taste, sensation of heaviness in the stomach, bloating, heartburn, and belching. Gelatin can cause allergic reactions in some people. There is some concern about the safety of gelatin because it comes from animal sources.
What is the healthiest gelatin to buy? ›Unfortunately, there is a lot less control and oversight into how pigs are fed than cows. For this reason, it is better always choose grass-fed bovine gelatin over porcine gelatin. Takeaway: Choose grass-fed, pasture-raised gelatin whenever possible. It will cost a bit more but is worth it for the nutritional benefits.
Is Jello good for your bones? ›Gelatin also contains glutamic acid, another amino acid that can help to prevent a leaky gut. Bone & joint health: Taking collagen & vitamin C together can help with bone health , osteoarthritis, & osteoporosis.
What candy contains gelatin? ›Common Candies that Contain Animal Products
Gummy bears (contains gelatin) Candy corn (contains gelatin, although they do make vegan options) Starburst (contains gelatin derived from beef) Gummy worms (contains gelatin)
Gelatin is a dietary source of collagen and eating or drinking collagen helps to increase the body's own collagen production. Increasing your collagen production helps to smooth out fine line facial lines and create firmer, plump skin. It's not just your face that can benefit from taking gelatin either.
What are the benefits of eating Jell-O everyday? ›Gelatin contains proteins and antioxidants, which help protect the cells in the body, that can support the health of the digestive system, bones, skin, joints, and more. It's also an excellent source of: Calcium.
Does Jell-O help coughing? ›The gelatin in Jell-O does wonders for coating your throat. While tea and other over-the-counter products attempt the same result, they just don't do it like Jell-O can. Honey is a great addition as well due to its antimicrobial properties (and its superb taste).
Can Jell-O help hydrate you? ›
Jell-O is one of the easiest treats to whip up thanks to the fact that you just add water, and that makes it a surprisingly hydrating dessert, as well. Opt for the sugar-free kind to keep calories down.
Can your body digest gelatin? ›Gelatin is digested back to a liquid by the enzyme gelatinase in the stomach, forming smaller proteins called polypeptides, before eventually being broken down to amino acids before entering the blood stream from the intestine.
Is gelatin good for diabetics? ›However, people can eat a small portion of sugar-free pudding or gelatin as a low-carb dessert without interfering with their blood sugar levels.
Why does gelatin make me tired? ›Gelatin contains a high percentage of glycine, a non-essential amino acid and inhibitory neurotransmitter. It seems to quieten the mind, decrease anxiety and lowers the body's temperature promoting a healthy, sound sleep. Gelatin is not known to induce sleep.
Does gelatin raise cholesterol? ›Gelatin is not derived from animal fat. It is a highly refined extract from animal hides. The end result is a pure protein that contains no fat or cholesterol.
Can gelatin help you lose weight? ›Gelatin might be helpful in losing weight as it is rich in protein and contains no carbs or fat. Studies suggest that consuming gelatin releases a hormone called ghrelin that makes you feel full and thereby makes you want to eat less (9).
Does gelatin add protein to hair? ›Gelatine is a great source of protein for our hair and I'll go through the steps below! We know that our hair needs both moisture and protein to stay strong and healthy. Even low porosity hair will benefit from occasional protein treatments.
Is it OK to eat Jello everyday? ›While it is tasty to eat, overindulgence is not recommended as it is loaded with artificial sweeteners. Jello's nutritional benefits are far and few between and are related to its collagen and gelatin.
Is it healthy to eat jello everyday? ›Jello is high in sugar and low in fiber and protein, making it an unhealthy food choice.
What are the disadvantages of gelatin? ›Gelatin can cause an unpleasant taste, sensation of heaviness in the stomach, bloating, heartburn, and belching. Gelatin can cause allergic reactions in some people. There is some concern about the safety of gelatin because it comes from animal sources.
Why do hospitals give you jello? ›
Why Do They Give Hospital Patients Jell-O? Considering how easily digested Jell-O is because of it's smooth, liquid characteristics, patients in hospitals are given the nutrient dense protein for more reasons than just taste and digestion. It also proves to be a good source of calories because of the sugar content.
Is jello good for your colon? ›Gelatine also helps seal the colon so that nutrients may be absorbed. It helps food gel within the stomach for more consistent digestion; reduces heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux by binding acids with the foods and can also help break down fats and proteins which will make it easier for your body to absorb.
Is eating jello good for your bones? ›Gelatin also contains glutamic acid, another amino acid that can help to prevent a leaky gut. Bone & joint health: Taking collagen & vitamin C together can help with bone health , osteoarthritis, & osteoporosis.
Is jello and gelatin the same thing? ›Gelatin is a colorless, tasteless food derived from collagen obtained from various raw materials. Jello is a dessert made from flavored and sweetened gelatin.
Is jello good for you when sick? ›Jell-O, or gelatin, is another virus-friendly food. Gelatin is easy on the stomach, and it helps keep your blood sugar regulated, giving you the energy you need to fight off your sickness.
Is jello a Superfood? ›Yes, gelatin. This ancient super food can remedy health ailments by healing holes in the gut, filling in nutrients missing from the Standard American Diet, and provide the structural matrix for your skin, hair, muscles, and bones.
Is jello good for arthritis? ›Gelatin. Here's a dessert that may just work on your arthritis. A serving of gelatin (like Jell-O) every day could help relieve arthritis joint pain. “Gelatin reduces arthritis pain probably because it's just ground-up cartilage,” says D'Adamo.
Is gelatin good for immune system? ›Gelatin contains an amino acid called glycine, which helps regulate the immune system, reducing damage caused by uncontrolled inflammation. It helps people fight serious diseases like sepsis, liver damage, ulcers, and kidney injuries.
Is gelatin or collagen better for joints? ›Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, and gelatin is a degraded form of collagen. Therefore, they have virtually identical nutritional profiles and may both improve joint, skin, gut, hair, and bone health.
Does gelatin make you look younger? ›Gelatin is essentially cooked, powdered collagen ( that ingredient they charge you an arm and a leg for that doesn't even work well externally… ). Taking gelatin internally provides the body the building blocks to build great skin, hair and nails from the inside out and helps reduce wrinkles.”
Can you build muscle with gelatin? ›
Gelatin and Collagen are both high in protein and contains 18 amino acids, which makes them perfect for stimulating and increasing muscle growth. Ideal for those who have lost muscle mass due to illness or hospitalisation. Gelatin and Collagen are great for muscle repair after exercise or sports-related injury.