Jelly at first glance seems to be a simple and unhealthy food. However, it is a product made from animal bones, cartilage and joints, thus making it a substance with a high nutritional content.
This food in its original state has no taste, smell or color, but combined with fruits, juices or milk it can be an excellent alternative for a healthy diet , which makes it an extraordinary appetizer that should be consumed by children and adults.
In this sense, many are unaware of the benefits of eating gelatin , being a food with many advantages for the body, which is why in this article we will inform you in detail about its benefits, in order to include it in your daily diet.
What is gelatin?
Gelatin is a food that has a high content of scleroproteins, since it is made with skin, bones and joints of bovines and porcine . These are taken to a cooking process in abundant water, until a pure, tasteless, colorless and odorless gel is obtained.
Likewise, this substance has a significant level of essential amino acids and glycine , which is known throughout the world for its regenerative properties.
Important: A study in Spain revealed that gelatin is used to make food supplements for its nutrients. In addition, it has a high viscosity and does not contain fat or cholesterol . (1)
What are the benefits of gelatin?
Gelatin is known to be a food with multiple uses . As it has no color or flavor, it allows it to be combined in different foods, where a great virtue of this protein is its large amount of vitamins and amino acids . Below we will inform you of its most important benefits for the human organism:
1. Strengthens the immune system
This gel is a perfect food to strengthen the immune system and increase hemoglobin , being ideal for sick or recovering patients, since it contains amino acids that help heal wounds, alleviate injuries and strengthen defenses.
Note: Gelatin does not contain fat and also improves respiratory conditions such as influenza and colds, as it helps raise defenses. In the case of pharyngitis , it greatly relieves the burning sensation in the throat .
2. Improves digestive functions
Gelatin contains glycine, which helps control hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach. It also improves digestion, since it reduces the secretion of gastric acid and allows the body to use proteins .
To highlight: Gelatin allows the restitution and regeneration of the intestinal flora, thus taking care of the health of the intestines.
3. Promotes bone and muscle health
One of the best-known benefits of gelatin is that it helps bone and muscle development , since it is a source of collagen and elastin, which allows regenerating and restoring injured bones, muscles, and tendons.
You should know: Gelatin prevents tears and muscle ailments after high-impact exercises.
4. Promotes weight loss
Gelatin has no fat or calories, so it can be consumed in large quantities, without affecting a healthy diet. On the other hand, this substance is an ally for those who want to lose weight, since it contains a high protein content that allows faster fat burning.
Curious fact: This food has a satiating effect that prevents anxiety about eating.
5. Improves skin, hair and nails
Consuming gelatin helps improve skin elasticity , which is due to its significant collagen content . This allows the dermis to look firm, healthy and fresh, thus helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. Also, it allows the strengthening and growth of hair and nails, thanks to the fact that it has vitamin A and E.
To highlight: A study carried out by the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain, on the effect of collagen on dermal aging, showed that the skin has better hydration, elasticity and redensification when a greater amount of collagen is consumed , gelatin being a rich food. in this component. (two)
6. Decreases joint inflammation
Another of the benefits of eating gelatin is that it contains arginine that helps maintain healthy joints and prevents the degeneration of cartilage and tendons. In addition, it has vitamin D and potassium that help reduce joint inflammation, which is ideal for relieving aches and pains in the bone system.
Important: The National University of San Marcos in Peru carried out a study on the gelatin made from the skin of sarda chiliensis chiliensis , which showed that it contains a large number of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial functions , being ideal for relieving discomfort and inflammation in bones and joints. (3)
7. Improves sleep quality
The consumption of gelatin provides glycine , which is a substance that ensures that the hours of rest are pleasant and long-lasting. In addition, it contains vitamin B12 that regulates the rhythm of sleep and removes insomnia disorders.
Note: Being a gel, it provides a relaxing sensation on the palate that helps to avoid stress before bed.
8. Increases physical performance
Gelatin is one of the foods with the highest amount of protein. This is ideal for increasing energy, which allows you to improve your physical condition , since it regenerates muscles and burns fat faster. Also, it contains amino acids that provide strength to bones and joints.
Gelatin properties
Gelatin contains vitamins and minerals, which help the proper functioning of the body. For this reason, it is necessary to consume this food daily in order to enjoy its benefits to the body. Some of the most outstanding properties of this protein are:
1. Vitamins
Gelatin contains vitamins A, B, C , and E. A portion of this food can provide more nutrients to the body than fruits like oranges or pineapples. On the other hand, its high niacin content cares for the skin, the immune system and the bones.
2. Minerals
Gelatin is a great source of minerals, since in 100 mg of this food you can find 11 mg of calcium, 0.20 mg of phosphorus, 3 mg of zinc, 22 mg of iron and 11 mg of magnesium , which help to rebuild muscles and joints.
3. Other compounds
Gelatin is a food that has more than 80% protein in its composition. In addition, it contains 13% water and 50% collagen. It has 8 essential amino acids, such as glycine, hydroxyproline, and proline, which help regulate the functioning of the body. It has no fat, fiber, calories or bad cholesterol.
How to make homemade jelly?
Gelatin is one of the simplest and most delicious foods . Its absence of flavor and color allows it to be combined to make a huge variety of meals and desserts.
The best thing is that it can be consumed by people of any age , for this reason we share with you one of the easiest ways to make homemade jelly:
Ingredients
- gelatin sheets
- Fruits (kiwi, strawberries , blueberries , pineapple, orange, raspberries)
- Water
- sweetener to taste
Preparation
- Pour the gelatin sheets in water at room temperature , until they are completely dissolved.
- In a saucepan add water and the diluted gelatin .
- After it breaks the boil, you must turn off and wait for it to rest.
- In a bowl add the gelatin, the sweetener and all the fruits you want.
- Take to the refrigerator for more than 4 hours and then serve the amount you want.
Key Findings
- Gelatin is a food of animal origin with a high content of protein, vitamins, minerals, and collagen.
- This substance helps strengthen the immune system.
- It is ideal for caring for skin, hair and nails . It is an excellent ally for beauty and cosmetology, thanks to its high collagen content.
- It can be combined with different foods , since it has neither taste nor smell.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.