Gelatin's Comeback

Gelatin has been making a comeback — but not the elaborate vintage delicacies that graced potluck tables in days of yore. Now it seems every other health "influencer" has a favorite gelatin gummy recipe — but what is gelatin, and why should we consume it?

Gelatin is cooked collagen, which is a protein that's found throughout the body, especially in skin, bones, connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, and teeth. Gelatin is the ingredient used to make foods "gel" and can be found in bone broth or powdered/granulated form to make gummies, gelatin desserts, and more. 

Health Benefits of Gelatin

Gelatin's biggest benefit is its amino acid profile. Gelatin is 98% protein by dry weight. When we consume gelatin, a number of amino acids are donated to the body as “building materials” to help grow and repair the body, including glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, and lysine. Glycine, glutamic acid, and cysteine make up glutathione, the body's master antioxidant.

Commonly known benefits of gelatin include:

1. Joint health – Gelatin can stall inflammatory processes in the body and is beneficial for cartilage and tissue to help relieve pain such as arthritis.
2. Connective tissue – Promotes healing from injuries and exercise recovery.
3. Gut health – Consuming gelatin helps improve digestion and absorption of foods, and may also help with acid reflux, bloating and indigestion because it stimulates the body’s stomach acids and natural digestive enzymes. It has also been used successfully with diets that focus on leaky gut and gut healing, such as the Specific Carbohydrate (SCD) and Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diets.
4. Immune support – Improved gut health benefits the functioning of the immune system, as a healthy gut protects pathogens from being absorbed into the body.
5. Sleep improvement – Some studies have shown a link between gelatin and improved sleep quality and quicker time to fall asleep.
6. Brain function – Gelatin has been shown to benefit mood and cognition, as glycine is one of the amino acids that functions as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain.
7. Weight control – Gelatin consumption can help with satiety, which can help control hunger hormones.
8. Bone strength – Gelatin supports bone repair and strength, and is a safe supplement for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
9. Skin and hair repair – It adds elasticity and hydration to the skin, helping minimize wrinkles, improve skin repair, and protect from free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of skin damage. The amino acids found in gelatin can correct hair loss.

How to Eat It

Gelatin is completely flavorless, and can be dissolved in any hot liquid. Make sure to look for quality gelatin from pasture-raised cows. A popular way to consume gelatin is by making homemade gummies.

Gelatin Gummies

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 3 Tablespoons gelatin (plus one teaspoon if you want them on the firmer side)
• 2 cups juice

Directions

1. Put ½ cup cold water in a 1-quart bowl.
2. Sprinkle gelatin on water and let it dissolve. This is called “blooming” the gelatin.
3. Boil ½ cup of water, add 1 cup of fruit juice and heat until just about boiling – pour on top of gelatin slowly, let sit, then stir well.  Add the second cup of fruit juice and stir.
4. Place gelatin in the refrigerator to complete the gelling process.
5. When set, slice and serve.