Do you know this superfood? Gelatin has so many amazing health benefits and uses.
There was a time when the word GELATIN
In years past, people got plenty of gelatin in their diets. Before the move towards processed foods, people consumed much more of an animal than just the muscle meats: chicken-foot soup as well as drumsticks, beef stew not just steaks. As a result, they got a whole-animal balance of amino acids, which provides better support for all sorts of biological processes. According to health researcher Ray Peat,
“When only the muscle meats are eaten, the amino acid balance entering our blood stream is the same as that produced by extreme stress, when cortisol excess causes our muscles to be broken down to provide energy and material for repair.”
What is gelatin?
GELATIN
I know this may sound totally GROSS to some folks, but just think about it for a minute. In times past, when an animal was used for the purpose of food, people used as much of the animal as possible. The organ meats were consumed. The bones were cooked down into broth. Not only was this essential for survival for folks but also showed reverence and respect for the gift of food given to them. It is only recently that we have moved to just eating the muscle meats, missing out on all the nourishment that the rest of the animal can provide.
Health benefits of gelatin:
- Gelatin is loaded with protein ~ With 6 grams of protein per tablespoon, it’s a great way to add more protein to your diet. Even though it is not a complete protein, it helps the body fully utilize the complete proteins that are taken in.
- Gelatin improves digestion ~ It naturally binds to water and helps food move through the digestive tract more easily.
- Gelatin can help heal food allergies and intolerances ~ Adding gelatin to your diet can heal the lining of your stomach and digestive tract. And since food allergies/intolerances are thought to come from a “leaky gut,” the idea is that when you heal your digestive tract, you no longer have proteins and toxins that create health issues “leaching” into your body.
- Gelatin is good for bone and joint health ~ Gelatin contains lots of amino acids important in helping to prevent the weakness and degeneration of cartilage in joints. Gelatin, with it’s anti-inflammatory properties, has also been shown to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
- Gelatin helps your body release toxins ~ Glycine, an amino acid found in gelatin, assists the liver to efficiently remove toxins from our system.
- Gelatin gives you better hair, nails, and teeth ~ Gelatin contains keratin, which is a very strong protein found in your hair, nails, teeth and skin.
- Gelatin improves the elasticity of your skin ~ Gelatin is essentially cooked down collagen. Consuming it will help improve the look and feel of your skin much more effectively then hard- to- absorb collagen facial creams. Gelatin actually stimulates your body to produce more collagen.
- Gelatin helps speed up wound healing ~ One of the amino acids found in gelatin is glycine, which is highly anti-inflammatory.
- Gelatin can improve your quality of sleep ~ Clinical studies have shown that not only do people sleep better when consuming the amino acid glycine, they report less daytime drowsiness and better cognitive function.
- Gelatin can help with weight loss ~ Gelatin is thought to increase the production of Human Growth Hormone and to boost metabolism. And with it’s nutrient-dense content, it also helps with satiety (keeps you full.)
How to get more gelatin in your diet:
- Homemade bone broths ~ Cooking down your bones from good quality pastured and grass-fed animals will provide you with a gelatin-rich broth to use in soups, stews, and to drink. See recipe HERE.
- Homemade fruit snacks ~ By just combining fruit juice and powdered gelatin, you can make tasty fruit snacks the whole family will love. My favorite recipes HERE and HERE
- Desserts ~ Powdered gelatin can be used in making tasty desserts of all sorts. Homemade jellos, mousses, and puddings with gelatin are the best. You can even make marshmallows. Recipes HERE HERE and HERE
- Gelatin drinks ~ Powdered collagen can be added to water, juices, or teas for a healthy drink supplement. You can add it to your smoothies as a protein powder. I like THIS
one because it dissolves easily in cold liquid. It has a smaller molecular structure so it dissolves more easily and will NOT gel.
- Add it to your own soups and stews ~ Powdered gelatin is so versatile. You can put it in just about anything. Try adding a bit to the next soup or stew you make.
WHERE TO BUY GOOD QUALITY, GRASS FED GELATIN
Just like with all foods, quality matters….
I am not talking about the gelatin for JELLO that you buy at the store that is loaded with artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. To get the health benefits of gelatin, please choose a good quality powder from a pastured and grass fed source. Mainstream factory farming practices can be cruel and are very detrimental to our environment.
There are 2 kinds that you can purchase. The regular beef gelatin is the gelatin you would use when you want something to “gel” like gelatin desserts and gummy snacks. It requires hot water to dissolve. The collagen peptides is the gelatin that I use in my smoothies and drinks. It has a smaller molecular structure so it will dissolve in cold liquids. It is completely flavorless and will not “gel.” I know folks who also add this to their daily coffee or tea.
In the past, I have recommended other brands of gelatin. Since then, I have done my research and have found that Vital Proteins is the highest quality brand that I have used. Most importantly, the gelatin is single-sourced from pasture-raised and grass-finished cows. It has more protein and amino acids per serving than other brands. I also find the collagen peptides to be smoother and less grainy then other brands. I also like the packaging. It comes in non-BPA, air-tight canisters, preventing moisture with it’s own little scooper.
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Sources
- Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
- http://wellnessmama.com/7419/12-uses-for-gelatin/
- http://www.naturalhealth365.com/food_news/gelatin.html
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I’m not sure if I just couldn’t find it, or maybe there is information outside of Amazon – but I didn’t see any reference to this being grass-fed. I’ll do my research, but I figured I’d ask to see if you could point me in the right direction. I’m very eager to experiment with this – I have always valued the home made bone broth!
This is the link to Great Lakes info page——–> HERE
It states that the cattle they use are grassfed. 🙂
All cattle are grass fed before being force-fed GMO grains. What you want is grass finished cattle. Great Lakes looks like it is completely conventional. They are neither organic nor grass-finished hormone-free or antibiotic free. They aren’t any better than the most conventional cattle raised in the USA.
Hi, there! I have contacted Great Lakes and they do claim to be grass fed. However, I have found a better source that i am now using. Have you heard of Vital Proteins? They have the best gelatin/collagen that I have found. Thanks for stopping by!
This was a major concern to me as well. It led me to Vital Proteins as well, but their label says it from the hides and not the bones. How can you find a true bone, grass finished product?
Hello Alder Moore. I’m new to hearing about grass finished. I greatly apreciate your knowledge. I wouldn’t of known the difference because unfortunately it isn’t common knowledge. Once again, thank you for your time and effort. 🙂
Hi, I was wodering what is actually the difference between the orange can (unflavored beef gelatin) and the green can (bovine). I did see on the green can that it says dissolves in cold liquids, but besides that, is there a benefit to one vs the other?
Thanks
It is my understanding that the only difference is that the hydrosolate dissolves in cold fluid and does not congeal, making it more convenient to use. This is what Great Lakes says about it: “Hydrolysate is either heated to a high temperature or enzymatically treated to reduce the “Molecular weight” which limits its ability to congeal. Hydrolysate is measured less than 5000 Dalton (mw) which makes it readily dissolvable in both cold and warm liquids.”
Hi Katja,
I am a recent subscriber. Noticed this discussion and would love any insight you have as to why the hydrosolate form doesn’t seem to agree with me. It would be a lot more convenient to take. I felt suddenly very fatigued and weird feeling, and maybe like I was taking msg. I tried it twice and then returned it. I wonder if this symptom would go away eventually. Don’t feel this way from the other form.
thoughts? Thank you!!
Hmmmm! What comes to mind is histamine intolerance. If you are having a mild issue with histamine, gelatin can definitely trigger a histamine response. You can read more about histamine intolerance here—> http://chriskresser.com/headaches-hives-and-heartburn-could-histamine-be-the-cause/
Just a thought!
Great article! I’ve been interested in beginning to take gelatin daily to help with digestion issues. I’m still questioning the difference in the two types. Would you suggest the regular Great Lakes gelatin or the gelatin hydrolysate for this?
I use them both. I use the regular for things that I cook. The hydrosolate gelatin dissolves without heat so if you just want to mix and go, that would be the best choice. It works well in smoothies, juices, or just plain water. Thanks so much for coming by….
featuring this post this week on AFW!
Fantastic post! I am featuring this great info on AFW this week 🙂
I am learning more and more about the usage of gelatin. I wold LOVE to make my kids their own fruit snacks and jello type desserts, etc. I clicked on the amazon link but like so many awesome products there…they don’t ship this to Canada 🙁 I’ll have to search further to find an appropriate product. Do you have any other brand suggestions?
I’ve been doing a bit of research but haven’t found one that ships to Canada. I put the word out and will let you know if I find one. 🙂
Jessica-
Someone just told me they order gelatin straight from Bernard Jensen website (another grass fed gelatin company.) She said the website would not let her complete the order but she called and they shipped it to her in Canada. If that doesn’t work, maybe you can have someone you know in the States order it for you and send it to you. Good luck!!
I live in Canada, and I was able to order it from amazon.ca. Good luck!
Amazon Canada has this. I’m in Canada and get the orange one to make fruit gummies for my sun. 1.5 cups of juice and 4 tablespoons of Gelatin. Boathouse juices.
I, too, have been looking to buy the Great Lakes Gelatin in Canada. It appears it can be purchased through a distributor out of Quebec but you need to buy a large quantity of it.
http://www.kinesyne.com/gelatine-english/
thanks for the tip. A reader also told me she bought it from Bernard Jensen website http://www.bernardjensen.com/
I guess the website will not let you buy it but if you call them direct, they will process the order. Thanks for stopping by.
I find the great lakes gelatin to have a definite flavor, and it actually upset my stomach when I put a tablespoon in a smoothie. I’m going to try making gelatin treats and see if I can get it down that way.
Do you use the hydrolysate gelatin in smoothies? That’s the one I use and don’t even notice the flavor. It’s made to not gel and to not need heat to dissolve. Let me know if the gelatin treats are better for you…. 🙂 this is the one that I use—-> http://amzn.to/17nqYIp
Hi,
Cutting a long story short. I live in Ireland. Where can I source good gelatin? The organic grass fed type.
Thanks
Larry
I have been told that if you call Bernard Jensen directly they will ship to Canada….so maybe they will ship to Ireland as well??? check them out here——-> http://www.bernardjensen.com/
If not, maybe you know someone in the US that can order it and send it to you??? Good luck. Let me know if you figure it out. 🙂
I am wondering, is there a difference between gelatin and the hydrosylate gelatin and the one Sarah posted about. And, since it could upset the stomach until the body gets used to it…what is the recommended serving for introducing gelatin? Oh, and how much gelatin a day gives the most benefit? If I am using it, I would like to know if I am drinking/eating enough of it. Thanks! My natural doctor, Dr. Dan Martin posted this link.
I’m not sure what gelatin Sarah posted??? But the difference between regular gelatin and the hydrosylate is that the hydrosylate dissolves in cold water and does not gel. It doesn’t require hot water like regular. It’s best for cold drinks and smoothies. Recommended dose is a TBS or 2 a day per seller. So if your belly is sensitive, go slow. Start with a tsp and see what happens and then work your way up. Don’t know if there is an exact amount to be eaten each day. Just good to add rich bone broths into your diet along with some gelatin supplement. Hope that helps…..
I learned this the hard way. I purchased the Vital Proteins product from Amazon.com and started out with one scoop and gave myself a terrible stomach ache and did not feel well. I think I’ll give it a rest for a few days ad then start out with a tiny bit at a time.
I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience. Yes, it is always good to start small when starting a new food or supplement. May I ask how you were taking it?
Hi, I am from Canada and I just ordered from VitaminLife.com. The shipping was around $12-$13.
Do you mean for grass fed gelatin? What brand?? Please share. 🙂
Great lakes gelatin!
awesome. Thanks so much for sharing!
I thought you may be interested in this:
Medical evidences of the therapeutic effect of edible gelatin on telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia in both men and women
http://isas.hu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Dr.-Nadav-Pam-Israeli-Dermatology-Assosiation-35th-annual-congress-Medical-evidences-of-the-therapeutic-effect-of-edible-gelatin-on-TF-and-AGA..pdf
thanks for sharing….
There is clam chowder I eat at a local restaurant that is so gelatinous. You can turn it upside down and it doesn’t even come out of the bowl! Glad to know this is healthy for me.
I would guess your soup is not made with gelatin (it only thickens when cold), but more likely contains cornstarch or flour as thickener and not so healthy. Ask them what they put into it before you celebrate.
Oh, I see. So that must be what makes DQ blizzards so thick and creamy! Well I eat those too so I’m getting this super food either way! Thanks for the info
Great lakes gelatin can be ordered in Europe through this site:
http://www.greatlakesgelatin.co.uk/
awesome…thanks for sharing!
hi katja :O) I have tried to make homemade finger jello 2 or 3 times with a gelatin from Great Lakes (the green can) but it doesn’t set. Do you know if there’s a difference between the gelatins? I was successful with Knox, but I don’t want to use that brand.
thank you!
The green kind is the collagen hydrolysate, and it is made for cold beverages like smoothies. It is a smaller molecular structure so it doesn’t need hot water to dissolve, but it also doesn’t gel because of that. The RED can is the regular gelatin and will make wonderful gummy treats. Hope that helps. 🙂
You are inconsistent with your recommendations. You don’t like protein powders because they are highly processed, but not differently from highly processed gelatine powder.
Rick~ Everything that I post here is my humble opinion. And it is my opinion that protein powders do more harm than good. 95% of them are toxic and loaded with harmful chemicals. And I find them unnecessary. Gelatin, however, in my opinion, has nutritional value. Grass fed gelatin, that is. For all the reasons listed above. The brand that I recommend is from a clean source with NOTHING added to it. 🙂
Hi. Thx for the info.
I recently started using gelatin and it is helping with muscle stiffness and sore joints. Hope to soon see more benefits too. Husband is noticing a difference as well, knees don’t hurt as much and he can exercise more comfortably.
I am in Canada and have been in touch with both Great Lakes and Bernard Jensen, both will ship here. Of note, the bovine/beef products from Great Lakes are very costly to ship across the border since there is the cost of a health certificate as well as shipping and customs. The do offer the porcine hydrolysate as an option (no health certificate required), it isn’t on the website so use their “contact us” form to request it. I found both companies very helpful and easy to deal with.
As well, there is a product called GoBio Organic Gelatin Powder (porcine) that is sold in Canada, typically available in natural health food stores.
Hope that helps any other Canadians looking for quality gelatin products.
Cheers.
So glad to here the gelatin is helping. And thanks so much for the tip for Canadians!
Thanks, Cara, for your information. I live in Canada, and have been looking for Great Lakes. Had looked at their website, but was not sure how to go about it. Your information was very helpful.
Katja, do you have any thoughts about the benefits being better if you take gelatin on an empty stomach? I just read an article making that claim. The rationale is that it is reverse-metabolized back into collagen if taken on empty stomach, whereas it is processed and metabolized liked food if taken with food……and lets face it, we often take it in smoothies or treats, etc. Your thoughts?
I have heard that it is absorbed easier on an empty stomach but don’t have any solid research to back it up. I wouldn’t trip on it too much. The point is to get it into your system. You could experiment and see if taking it with an empty stomach gives you more benefits. Let me know if you do. 🙂
How much gelatin should i take a day currently i am having 3 tbs a day, also iare the amino acids in gelatin damaged if i put it in a hot drink like coffee? Thanks!
Paul,
The company that makes the gelatin that I use recommend—-> “We recommend one to two tablespoons per day depending on your diet, activity level and need. One tablespoon in the morning and one later in the day is best. Any excess protein will simply flush out of the body without any issues to you.” The regular gelatin is made to go in hot liquid so do not worry about damaging the amino acids. 🙂
I’m curious if people noticed any taste with either the gelatin or the hydrolysate? Do certain way of preparing/serving hide a taste better than others? Thanks!
With the hydrolysate, I don not even notice it in my smoothie. With the regular, there is a slight taste but not too strong. I have had a few readers say that it is very strong. I think that we are all different. If you don’t like the taste, you could add more citrus to gummy treats. If using in soup, use fresh ginger or any other herb or spice that you may like. Does that answer your question?
I don’t yet eat animal proteins (trying to heal my gut a bit first in order to digest them better) but have recently started to use collagen. Is this ok to use without eating meat/eggs or will this case an amino acid imbalance?
For someone not eating meat, do I need to eat more or less collagen?
Are there any side effects for someone in my scenario?
I think gelatin is an easily digested protein. You would have to see for yourself if it is a problem. I haven’t heard of anyone who has had issues, even if they do not eat meat. I think the best way to digest gelatin is in homemade bone broth. And gelatin powder (from a grass fed source) is good too. Just start slow. See how you feel. And remember that it is only a supplement to a balanced, REAL food diet. Food is our real medicine. 🙂
Hi, I workout at the gym and want to find alternative to protein powder that I use, I heard it contains metals and don’t want to take it, would taking gelatin with water after my workout a good protein shake to build muscles?
You are right about the heavy metals. I wrote a post on it here—> https://savorylotus.com/3-ugly-truths-about-protein-powders/
Yes, gelatin is a good source. Be sure to get the hydrosylate if you are using cold water—-> http://amzn.to/17nqYIp
I also recommend REAL food sources for protein. Whole foods like grass fed meats, eggs, and raw dairy. 🙂
So just to make sure. I can use the gelatin in the green canister in my coffee and it won’t destroy or alter the amino acids or benefits?
Great Lakes says that the collagen hydrosylate (the green can) is made to be added to cold, warm, or hot liquid. see it here—> http://www.greatlakesgelatin.com/consumer/CollagenFAQ.php
I love this stuff because it makes taking my gelatin so easy.
Gelatin is the byproduct of animal slaughter… anyway, in regards to amino acids, the article reads: “Gelatin contains half of the 18 essential amino acids”… HEMP and QUINOA are both complete proteins, they have ALL the required essential amino acids, and HEMP in particular has the proper balance of your Omega oils your body needs.
The article says: “With 6 grams of protein per tablespoon, it’s a great way to add more protein to your diet.”
HEMP has 5.3 grams of complete protein per tablespoon, along with:
8 percent of your daily vitamin A,
2.6 grams of fiber,
and various minerals including zinc, magnesium and iron.
HEMP kicks gelatin’s butt to the curb!
Hi, Cory! I totally agree with you that hemp is great. I love it in my smoothies. I can’t say that I agree with you about quinoa as I am not big on grains in general. The issues happening in Bolivia also make quinoa not the best food source for us. I do, however, stand by my opinion on gelatin. Without getting into a full-blown debate about the ethics of eating meat, I am of the opinion that totally plant-based diets are not anymore sustainable or environmentally friendly than eating meat. Transporting non-local plant foods has a much higher carbon foot print than locally raised meats/eggs, for sure. You can raise meat anywhere. In the words of Joel Salatin: “There’s no system in nature that does not have an animal component as a recycling agent. Doesn’t exist. Fruits and vegetables do best if there is some animal component with them – chickens or a side shed with rabbits. Manure is magic.” Thanks for coming by and taking the time to respond. Check this out as well—-> http://chriskresser.com/5-reasons-why-even-vegetarians-need-gelatin
some link love coming your way, linking back to this post in an upcoming smoothie recipe of mine! Thanks!
Thanks so much, Tessa! I love your site! I have been checking it out lately. I love that you do nut free. I am trying to be more conscious of folks with nut allergies. Lots of experimentation happening in the kitchen right now. Your recipe for Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins looks outrageously good! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I don’t believe the company is claiming to be grass fed any longer. I could find nothing on their site and there was a big debate about this elsewhere. 🙁
Trina~ I contacted the company and this is what they said:
Yes the cattle are still grass fed… It is a little hidden but you will find it under #4 if you follow the link below.
https://greatlakesgelatin.com/consumer/FAQs.php
Marcee
I am new to this blog – Interesting article. I don’t eat animal part(s) so I guess it’s out for me, huh?
Gelatin is an animal product. And eating them is a personal choice. Glad you came by!
Gelatin is unusually high in the non-essential amino acids glycine and proline, (i.e., those produced by the human body), while lacking certain essential amino acids (i.e., those not produced by the human body). Gelatin is one of the few foods that cause a net loss of protein if eaten exclusively. It contains no tryptophan and is deficient in isoleucine, threonine, and methionine. Several people died of malnutrition in the 1970s while on popular ‘liquid protein’ diets.
http://biologicalmaterials.wikia.com/wiki/Gelatin
Hi, Eva! Yes, it would not be good to eat gelatin exclusively. I would NEVER suggest that to anyone. Extreme diets are never healthy. But the fact is that gelatin has many health benefits and is a wonderful supplement to a health real food diet. It is wonderful for the skin, gut, hair, etc. Thanks for coming by!
I have been taking the green package Great Lakes gelatin for about 2 weeks now. I have noticed I am sleeping much better. Hoping this will help some knee joint pain.
Question: Apparently, Great Lakes used to recommend 1 tablespoon twice a day but now they recommend 2 tablespoons twice a day. That is double the dose and likewise the cost. Do you know why they did this? More research into optimum use? Want more money?
Thanks!
Hi, Janet! I am not sure why the increase in recommendation. I just try to get some in as many days as possible. My regular dose is 1 tbsp. I don’t stress abut the exact quantity. I just try to be consistent.
I order a clam chowder they serve at a local fish n chip place. It is so gelatinous you can turn the bowl upside down and the soup doesn’t even move! I love gelatin.
I love me some gelatinous soup. So good!
I have increased my intake with a glass of water with gelatin in it daily. But (and yes this is weird) I make a jello dip. Lol. Since childhood I have loved the taste of ketchup and pickle juice mixed together. But it’s runny. So I add gelatin to thicken it up and have it with something crispy as a snack a few times a week. Sometimes it’s Apple Cider Vinegar and Ketchup. Depends on my mood. Alright, I am through publicly shaming myself, lol.
HA! Thanks for sharing! Whatever works! 🙂
Is taking gelatin better than taking actual collagen tablets? Thanks!
I have not ever taken collagen tablets. My main concern with taking collagen or gelatin is to be sure that it comes from a good grass fed source. As long as it’s good quality, it shouldn’t matter how you take it.
Hi Katja!
I am also planning on taking Vital proteins collagen, but then I saw that they are also selling marine collagen, from wild caught salmon.
I am gonna start with the grass fed bovine gelatin, but what are your opinion on Marine collagen? Have you tried it?
Best regards!
Emma
Honestly, I don’t know enough about it to have an opinion yet. Will have to look into it. I know that fish bones are good for you. But I am wary of things from the ocean these days as it is so polluted. So sad.
Will plain Knox gelatin do the same thing?
I recommend using gelatin from a grass fed source. Using gelatin from a commercial CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation)means that the CAFO cows are fed a diet of grains typically mixed with soy product and, honestly, whatever the farmer sees fit. Not to mention the antibiotics and growth hormones. There is a HUGE difference in the quality and nutritional content of grass fed versus commercially raised beef. I do not believe that Knox uses grass fed beef bones. Hope that helps.
I wasn’t a fan of gelatin at first, thinking that it’s fat. But when a friend of mine persuaded me to try drinking Au Bon Broth’s organic bone broth and experienced all these positive changes with my body, I changed my mind. People should try drinking bone broth to experience its benefits
Please advice on vegetarian gelatin . Agar Agar . Does this also have the same protein, and other mineral value as gelatin made from animals .
Agar agar is made from algae and is completely different from animal gelatin. You can read more about it —> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agar Hope that helps.