Colorless gelatin is a widely used ingredient in cake recipes and other types of desserts. And, despite working very well in these cases, due to its texture and ability to thicken, many are unaware of its numerous health benefits.
It provides proteins that optimize our physical resistance, help with stress management and can even be effective in the fight against sleep disorders. Therefore, in addition to its culinary consumption, it is also a medicinal food capable of preventing and treating a variety of diseases.
But what is this ingredient all about? Transparent gelatin is a semi-solid and colorless substance, extracted from collagen produced by cooking animal connective tissue, with 98% complex protein and 2% minerals.
Below we list 10 benefits of colorless gelatin for your well-being. Take the opportunity to consume it more often and have another ally for your health – just mix it in water to start using it.
1. Helps with digestive processes
Gelatin is a hydrophilic food. In other words, it attracts and absorbs liquids, even when it’s already cooked. This characteristic makes it a great ally for the digestive system by retaining stomach juices and facilitating the digestion of food. Consumption of gelatin improves bowel movements and helps in expelling waste products that tend to get stuck in the colon. Also, thanks to its glycine provisions, it acts in the restoration of the gastric mucosa, optimizes the absorption of nutrients and prevents the development of digestive diseases.
The components of gelatin are useful in reducing the permeability of the intestines, mainly by repairing the intestinal wall, which tends to get irritated with food allergies and some diseases. Consequently, this quality allows for the improvement of the nutrient absorption process derived from food and helps in keeping the body in a perfect state.
2. Detoxification
Glycine, one of the amino acids found in gelatin, contributes to the elimination of toxins in the liver. This substance supports the activity of excretory organs and is therefore critical for the optimal functioning of the liver. Its absorption helps to inhibit the negative effects of free radicals, consequently preventing cell damage resulting from excess toxic substances in the blood.
3. Improves bone and joint health
Gelatin is an ingredient with a high concentration of essential amino acids that make it a good supplement for maintaining bone and cartilage health. Its anti-inflammatory properties fight pain in these areas while lowering the risk of conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis.
4. It is a source of protein
Gelatin is made up of more than 90% proteins with high biological value, which increase the body’s energy levels. What’s more, protein consumption contributes to building muscle mass, improving endurance. In this sense, gelatin is a highly recommended food for athletes and pregnant women.
5. Strengthens nails and hair
The keratin found in gelatin can be used as an alternative treatment to strengthen fragile nails and hair, either through consumption or applied externally.
6. Produces skin improvement
Collagen is one of the most used substances in the manufacture of lotions and cosmetic treatments for skin care and, as we said, gelatin comes from cooked collagen.
The consumption and topical use of colorless gelatin minimizes the negative effects of the sun and other toxins, which makes it an important element in preventing premature wrinkles by providing the necessary amino acids for the skin to look young and healthy. So how about starting to include a homemade gelatin mask in your skin care?
7. Relieves stress and anxiety
Glycine, an amino acid found in gelatin, works as a natural component capable of stopping the excessive production of norepinephrine, a hormone related to states of anxiety and panic. So, inserting gelatin into your food routine is a good option to help keep the activity of the nervous systems balanced and slow down the production of stress-related hormones.
8. Fight excess weight
Due to its low calorie content and high levels of protein, gelatin is a good supplement for trying to lose weight. These substances decrease the insatiable desire for calorie intake and increase energy expenditure during physical activities.
9. Helps sleep
People who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders can face these problems just by adding a serving of gelatin to their diet. The essential amino acids and minerals present in colorless gelatin increase the production of melatonin, a hormone that induces a good deal of sleep.
10. Accelerates healing processes
Finally, the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of gelatin are helpful in speeding up the healing of internal and external injuries. That’s why it’s great for healing superficial skin injuries and treating disorders like ulcers.
Although we usually use gelatin for cooking and associate it with desserts, we need to remember that this ingredient has multiple benefits for the body, among those already mentioned. So try to consume it consistently to enjoy its wonderful health properties.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.