Gelatin , also known as gelatine, is a translucent, colorless, and brittle food derived from the collagen extracted from different parts of an animal body. Aside from food, it can also be used other disciplines like pharmacy (as vitamins, pharmaceutical drugs, cosmetic manufacturing) and arts (photography). The following are the health benefits of gelatin, along with a sample recipe.
Health Benefits
Collagen
One health benefit of gelatin is collagen, since it is a collagen derivative from animal body parts. Hence, it can give the body the properties of collagen,; it is as substance that acts as cement and helps bind loosely connected cells and tissues. According to The Coconut Mama, gelatin also has anti-estrogenic properties, which help neutralize hormone levels and break down fat that lead to cellulite. This collagen property of gelatin helps delay the signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Collage also helps improve hair condition; as per Wellness Mama, a teaspoon of gelatin powder can be added to the shampoo for the boost.
Digestion
Another health benefit of consuming gelatin is the promotion of the digestive process. According to Grassfed Girl, gelatin contains an amino acid called glycine, which help increase hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach. The acid is vital in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients; without it, food will be harder to digest. Normal hydrochloric acid levels also prevents anemia, since it is associated with lower levels of the gastric acid.
Musculoskeletal Uses
Eating gelatin also helps protect the joints and reduce joint pain. According to Dr. Axe’s official website, collagen also helps delay chronic inflammatory responses, which alleviates pain and halts the inflammatory diseases that result to disturbance in the joint function like degenerative joint diseases. The information is also supported by research evidence, which revealed that people with joint pain, osteoarthritis, and bone-related problems like osteoporosis experienced reduced inflammation, joint or muscle pain, enhanced recovery, and better athletic abilities, as opposed to those who took placebo.
Sample Recipe
One recipe that uses gelatin as ingredient is Meyer Lemon Pasta. According to My Recipes, the ingredients include one Meyer or regular lemon, 11 tablespoons of reduced-fat milk (divided), half cup of half-and-half, one-third cup of sugar, one-fourth teaspoon salt, one cup and half of reduced-fat buttermilk, cooking spray, and one and three fourth teaspoons unflavored gelatin. Mint leaves and lemon rind strips are optional ingredients.
To prepare, as per the publication, the rind is removed from the lemon using a vegetable peeler, avoiding white pith. Next, three tablespoons of juice are squeezed from the lemon; the rind, half-and-half, half cup milk, salt, and sugar in a small saucepan. They brought to a simmer over medium heat without boiling. Once done, the pan is removed from heat, covered, and let stand for at least ten minutes. Then, the half-and-half mixture is returned to medium heat and cooked for a minute or until it becomes very hot. The gelatin mixture is added and stirred with a whisk for about one minute until it Is dissolved. Then, the buttermilk and the tablespoons juice are stirred in. The mixture is divided among four six-ounce ramekins or custard cups coated with cooking spray. Then, the dish is covered and refrigerated for four hours. After that, a knife is run around the outside edges of the panna cotta; a plate is placed upside down on top of each up and inverted onto place. Then, it is garnished with mint and rind, if wanted.
Gelatin helps boost the body’s health. Thus, it can be easily added as healthy dessert to various meal menus for groups of friends or the entire family.
