What is it?    |    Benefits    |    How to  use it on the plan

If you’ve ever wondered what gives jelly its slippery texture, the answer is gelatine. It also fulfills this coagulation
function in many other desserts.

What exactly is gelatine?

Gelatine is a type of protein derived from collagen. It is obtained by a process in which the skin, bones and tissues of animals are isolated and dehydrated and then processed in powder form for human use. It provides us with important amino acids, which form the building blocks of protein.

The reason that gelatine is used as the basis for so many desserts is because it is a tough adhesive, similar to a natural glue. It is this feature that makes it beneficial for us to use gelatine because it helps to form strong cartilage and binding tissue which then gives elasticity to our bodies.

What are the benefits of gelatine?

 

1. Improves Gut Health and Digestion

Gelatine improves the body’s ability to release sufficient gastric acid needed to facilitate good digestion and nutrient uptake. Furthermore, gelatine also helps to restore the healthy mucosal lining in your stomach and thus maintain a balance between enzymes and stomach acids.

Gelatine also absorbs water and other fluids, helping to prevent fluid retention and bloating and improve constipation.

2. Protects Joints and Decrease Pain

As people age, they are more likely to develop stiffness, pain and limited mobility in their joints and other limbs. It then gets worse with time as collagen is constantly being broken down.

Gelatine is known to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to stop chronic inflammatory reactions, which then reduces pain.

 

3. Improves Sleep

Research shows that gelatine improves sleepiness during the day, as well as daily cognitive functions, sleep quality and sleep efficiency. It also helps to reduce the time taken to fall asleep.

The cherry on the cake is that, unlike traditional sleep medication, gelatine does not cause drowsiness or other effects of sleeping pills.

4. Improves Mood and Cognitive Abilities

The amino acids in gelatine play the same role as some antidepressants, but without the unwanted complications and side effects. It is also known to lower stress hormones and increase joy hormones to promote cognitive clarity and calmness.

 

5. Improves Skin Health

Gelatine is important for restoring your skin and can also help protect your skin from UV light, which then protects you from signs of aging such as wrinkles, sunburn, stretch marks, cellulite and loose skin.

One of the reasons why we show signs of aging is due to the breakdown of collagen, which usually begins in your 20s or 30s.

By consuming gelatine you can not only maintain a healthy skin, but also healthy hair and nails.

6. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Gelatine helps to neutralise the chemical compounds we get from the intake of meat. Chicken, red meat, turkey and eggs contain a high level of methionine, a type of amino acid that can be harmful if a large number of them are ingested. This can lead to high blood pressure, increased inflammation and other heart diseases such as heart attack, stroke and weakened bone tissue.

Gelatine also helps if your diet contains a low intake of meat, or if you are a vegetarian, ensuring that you consume a variety of amino acids.

 

7. Maintains Strong Bones

The calcium, magnesium, phosphor, silicon and sulfur in gelatine help to form bones and prevent and cure bone fractures.

Researchers also believe that gelatine is a safe, therapeutic product to treat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, even when used for long-term chronic diseases.

8. Makes You Feel Full

Just like protein foods, gelatine helps to increase a sense of satiety and controls hunger hormones.

How to use Gelatine on The 28 Day Diet

Take one teaspoon of gelatin powder in your coffee / tea in the morning to keep your skin supple and your stomach full. Try to include it in your diet from the start so it can help keep loose skins supple as you lose weight systematically.

Use gelatin with caution, or skip it altogether, if you are struggling with or prone to developing constipation.