Gelatin

Super food – sometimes they talk about gelatin. And only if you do not know about its useful properties, you can doubt the correctness of this characteristic. In fact, this seemingly nondescript product is responsible for the health of the skin, nails, hair, protects the joints from inflammation, tones the body, activates digestion and muscle growth, strengthens blood vessels and cell membranes. In addition, it strengthens bone tissue, improves immunity, removes toxins from the body, eliminates excess weight, accelerates wound healing, and even restores healthy sleep. So gelatin is the real super-food. But how this powder can so beneficially influence the body, now we will try to understand.

What is gelatin

Gelatin is a colorless, tasteless, solid substance, the name of which is translated from Latin as “frozen”. It is widely used as a gelling agent in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is found in most gummies, marshmallows, jelly, ice cream, some sauces and yogurts. In addition to its active use in the food industry, it is used in the process of creating photographs, it is part of drugs that stop bleeding, is necessary for the manufacture of x-ray films, and is contained in artificial plasma.

Gelatin is a unique component of the diet. It is made from collagen, which is obtained from a variety of animal products. This product is a combination of proteins and peptides, which makes it an excellent source of amino acids necessary for a wide variety of processes in the body. For many people, gelatin is associated exclusively with sweet jellies containing dyes and other not very useful ingredients. But pure gelatin is a broth made of bones and cartilage that is dehydrated and dried to the state of powder, it is rich in minerals and amino acids (it contains half of all essential). The main amino acids of gelatin are glycine and proline, which, by the way, most people do not get in sufficient quantities.

For the production of gelatin usually use animal products (bones, cartilage and skin of pigs, horses, cattle), as well as some plants (algae agar-agar) and fish products.

The nutritional value

In terms of nutritional composition, gelatin is a source of certain minerals, vitamins and organic compounds, including copper, calcium, phosphorus. But the main substance that a person receives from gelatin is protein.

Proteins make up approximately 98% of the total weight of the product.

Meanwhile, this powder does not contain the entire complex of amino acids, which means that it cannot serve as a source of complete protein. However, it has many other delicious properties.

Role in the body

And now it’s time to talk about the most interesting – the effect of this culinary powder on the human body. Many of the functions of gelatin will undoubtedly surprise you.

Weight and metabolism

Some studies have shown that gelatin is an important component that stimulates the production of growth hormone. In addition, it is known that it activates metabolic processes in the body. A high protein content (about 6 g per tablespoon) makes it a product that eliminates cravings for food and prevents overeating.

Gelatin is an excellent source of proteins that activate metabolic processes. Regular consumption of jelly and brawn will help start the process of creating new healthy cells in the body instead of sick and damaged ones, will accelerate muscle growth.

wound healing

Proteins are an integral component that promotes faster healing of wounds. The gelatin formula contains the amino acid glycine, which directly affects inflammation. Thus, against the background of the use of gelatinous food, wounds heal faster, and the risk of inflammation in damaged areas is significantly reduced.

Nails, hair, teeth

Keratin, part of the gelatin protein complex, helps maintain healthy hair, nails and teeth. Magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and some other minerals necessary for hair and nails are abundant in this product.

Joints and bones

Proteins contained in gelatin, as well as phosphorus and copper, have a beneficial effect on the state of bone tissue, increasing its density by additional mineralization. Thus, gelatin is a product that prevents osteoporosis. And some other amino acids and substance chondroitin relieve inflammation in the joints, are effective against arthritis. In addition, this product is essential for maintaining healthy cartilage tissue, which strengthens and protects bones and joints.

Immunity

It is believed that the amino acid Proline can strengthen the immune system, thereby improving overall health, increasing the body’s resistance to infections and viruses. An excellent source of this amino acid is gelatin.

Sleep improvement

Studies have shown that the amino acid glycine (found in gelatin proteins) is important for improving sleep quality. It stimulates some neurotransmitters and enzymes that affect the duration and proper sleep cycle.

Stretch marks and cellulite

By improving the firmness and elasticity of the skin, gelatin helps prevent stretch marks. The destruction of collagen in the body is also manifested by another nuisance known to many women, cellulite. However, introducing foods rich in collagen (containing gelatin) to the diet will help to remove the “orange peel”.

Digestion

Gelatin, combined with water, in the digestive tract acts on the principle of fiber: it prevents constipation, improves peristalsis of the smooth muscles of the colon. In addition, this product has been proven to stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, which is also important for the proper digestion of food.

Anti-aging effect

Gelatin is essentially pure collagen. This means that this substance has important properties that protect the skin from early aging. Collagen retains the elasticity and elasticity of skin cells. For this reason, frequent consumption of jelly products contributes to the preservation of youthful skin, makes it taut and elastic, activates regular cell renewal.

By the way, some scientists believe that the depletion of collagen in the body begins after 20 years, so after 30, it is important to think seriously about additional sources of this substance. However, there is an opinion that creams with collagen are useless for maintaining youth. This is explained by the fact that collagen molecules are too large to pass through the skin. And in this case gelatin will come to the rescue. Taking it inside, will soon become noticeable improvement of the skin. Thus, the restoration of youth is important to carry out from the inside.

Cleansing the liver

Gelatin food is rich in glycine, a conditionally essential amino acid important for detoxifying the body. Science has already proven: an organism that lacks glycine is not able to produce the required amount of glutathione, which is indispensable for the second phase of liver detoxification.

Hormonal balance

In addition to participating in detoxification, this amino acid (glycine) indirectly, through the production of glutathione, is involved in the regulation of estrogen levels in the body. An excess of this hormone in the female body is called one of the causes of cancer. In addition, insulin production also depends on glycine.

In addition, gelatin improves the performance of the adrenal glands, relieves allergies, and also prevents bleeding in people with poor blood clotting.

How to take gelatin

This product can enter the human body along with a variety of foods, medicines, and it can also be taken directly in a diluted form. It is believed that the body needs about 1-2 tablespoons of gelatin daily. As a rule, take it on an empty stomach. Such a daily rate will protect against many diseases, as well as improve the appearance. If the product is taken dry, then it should be washed down with a glass of warm water with vitamin C, which will improve absorption. On average, the “gelatin” prophylactic-treatment course lasts 4 weeks. After a while, you can repeat.

Possible harm

The only known side effects of gelatin are belching, bloating, and indigestion. But even these reactions are quite rare. There was a period when gelatin was considered a potentially harmful substance. There was an opinion that a person can become infected with animal diseases, for example, mad cow disease. But these assumptions have not been confirmed by science.

Another danger – too long a course of taking gelatin as a dietary supplement. It can cause excessive blood viscosity and high blood pressure.

Gelatin for bodybuilders

The benefits and harms of gelatin are almost fully listed above. But this product has another useful feature, which is worth to tell a little more detailed. Professional bodybuilders take this substance to accelerate muscle growth.

Meanwhile, gelatin in the form of a sports supplement is not unusual. This product for people who dream of strong muscles serves as a source of proteins. By the way, an interesting comparison: while in most expensive protein powders the protein content does not exceed 80%, in gelatin this figure is not lower than 95%.

Among the athletes, the cocktail invented by Steve Reeves is especially popular. The famous American athlete took a mixture of gelatin, milk powder, orange juice, banana and raw eggs.

Another way to replenish stocks – food gelatin capsules or in pure form, diluted with liquid. Not so long ago it was believed that the consumption of pure gelatin is harmful to health, in particular the digestive system. Meanwhile, today more and more often researchers prove the opposite: this product is easily absorbed by the pickling organs.

In addition, sports nutritionists have calculated that essential amino acids such as valine, leucine and isoleucine are found in gelatin in larger quantities than in eggs, fish, chicken, lamb and pork. However, in order to meet the daily requirements of essential amino acids for athletes, you will need at least 150 g of gelatin, which significantly exceeds the recommended daily doses of the product.

In addition, gelatin is important for strengthening the joints and ligaments of bodybuilders. The best way to prevent injuries and stretch marks during workouts is to regularly replenish collagen stores, and it is known to be found in large quantities in gelled foods. It has already been noted that the production of collagen in the body stops by 30 years. But this does not mean that at a young age can not take gelatin. In 20-year-old organisms, collagen promotes the proliferation of ectomorphic (very thin) bones in breadth.

Gelatin in the food industry

In the food industry, this component is used for the production of canned food, in the confectionery business – for the manufacture of jellies, creams, ice cream, sweets. There are many products that we use every day and do not even know that they contain this amazing substance.

The role of gelatin in food production:

• enhances the taste and saturates the color, serves as a protective coating for sausages and some other meat products;
• due to its neutral taste it serves as a stabilizer and emulsifier in dairy products and desserts;
• helps to give the necessary shape to various confectionery products;
• used as a brightening ingredient in juices and wines;
• in pies and other confectionery products use as a frother.

What can be made from gelatin

Zefir

This delicacy is easy to prepare in the home kitchen. For him, you only need honey, gelatin, vanilla and water. By the way, some add probiotics to this dessert, which makes homemade marshmallows even more useful. Cocoa powder or, for example, peppermint extract will help to improve the taste.

Vitamins for children

Most children love pharmacy chewing vitamins. But they usually contain a lot of sugar. Exactly the same delicious vitamins, but less sweet, you can try to make yourself. For this you will need 8 teaspoons of gelatin, 1 a glass of freshly squeezed juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, vitamins and minerals to choose from (for example, ascorbic acid, magnesium, probiotics).

fruit jelly

You will need fresh juice of your favorite fruits or berries, a glass of warm water, gelatin (calculated 1 a tablespoon for 1 a glass of liquid), some sugar or honey (if the juice is too sour). Pour the prepared mixture into a mold, cut into cubes after curing.

Watermelon Jelly Candies

This delicacy will delight both children and adults, as it is very healthy and tasty. To prepare, you will need 2 cups of watermelon juice, 6 tablespoons of gelatin, half a glass of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of honey.

Hair medicine

To prepare the product you will need 2 tablespoons of gelatin, a glass of warm water, 2 teaspoons of vinegar and the same amount of honey. Apply the mask from the mixture to the hair and rinse with warm water after 5 minutes. This tool, used once a week, will help strengthen hair.

Mask for the face

Although gelatin in the form of food is much more effective, but the collagen mask also “works”. To prepare it, you will need 2 tablespoons of gelatin, 4 tablespoons of warm water, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Means for weight loss and muscle growth

To lose weight, the last meal should be no later than 3 hours before bedtime. At bedtime, take a remedy made from 1 a tablespoon of gelatin diluted in a third cup of cold water and 0,75 a cup of warm chamomile tea.

Gelatin is a delicious product that is useful not only in the food industry. With regular consumption of jelly dishes health benefits will be noticeable even with the naked eye.