The Benefits of Gelatin

We know that gut health is the cornerstone of our health and immunity and that there are a number of things which we can be doing on a daily basis to help support our gut. The addition of grass-fed gelatin to your diet is one way which can help optimise your gut health. 

Gelatin is rich in the amino acids proline and glycine. It is an animal derived product and comes from the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals. Gelatin enhances gastric secretion which improves nutrient absorption and decreases inflammation. Additionally, as gelatin naturally binds to water to help food move more easily through the digestive tract, it can help with the reduction of bloating and improved bowel movements.

Unlike our grandparents who used the entire animal including using the bones in broth, we no longer consume as much of the animal and as a result gelatin is often missing from our diet. There are a number of benefits to increasing your intake of grass-fed gelatin, here are our top three:

1. Exercise Recovery.

   Gelatin is not only fantastic for digestive integrity, but also for an efficient metabolism, improved exercise recovery and joint health. Amino acids are building blocks for the human body. Proline is essential for muscle repair and helps breaks down proteins for use in healthy cells. Adding a tablespoon of gelatin into your smoothie post exercise can assist with your recovery and ensure an efficient metabolism.

2. Strong bones, hair and nails.

   Gelatin is a rich source of dietary collagen which is a key protein responsible for skin elasticity and tone and the renewal of skin cells. It also supplies us with abundant amounts of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, all which help us build strong bones, teeth, nails and hair.

3. Satiety.

   Gelatin provides us with key amounts of glycine which helps to regulate insulin. Combined with being a source high in protein, it can help increase satiety and keep the hungries at bay.

There are many ways that you can incorporate grass-fed gelatin into your diet, from adding a tablespoon to your smoothie, consuming bone broth or making our Turmeric Panna Cotta. Why not try our Gut Loving Gummy Slice? It’s made with homemade Kultured Wellness coconut yoghurt for additional gut loving benefits.

Gut Loving Gummy Slice

Ingredients (Serves 16)

Bottom Layer:

• 3/4 cup mixed berries (we used a mixture of strawberries and blueberries)
• 1 cup Kultured Wellness coconut yoghurt
• 2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
• 1/2 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon rice malt syrup
• 1 teaspoon organic vanilla bean paste

Top Layer:

• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 tablespoon grass-fed gelatin
• 1/4 cup filtered water, plus 1 additional tablespoon
• 1 tablespoon rice malt syrup
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

Method

1. To make the bottom layer, add gelatin and water to a small saucepan, stir well and then leave to ‘bloom’ (thicken) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over a low heat and dissolve the gelatin, stirring regularly. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Add the berries, yoghurt, rice malt syrup and vanilla to a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Once the gelatin has cooled, add to the blender and blend until well combined. Transfer to a lined square baking dish. Alternatively, if you are using moulds pour into the moulds. Transfer to the fridge for 1 hour, or until it has set.
5. To make the top layer add gelatin and 1/4 cup of water to a small saucepan, stir well and then leave to ‘bloom’ for 3 minutes.
6. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over a low heat. Add the frozen raspberries and rice malt syrup to the saucepan and stir gently to combine as the gelatin dissolves. Add additional tablespoon of water if you feel that it needs it.
7. Remove from heat and stir through the lemon juice. Set aside to cool slightly before transferring to a blender and blending for 15 seconds until combined and smooth.
8. If you do not like raspberry seeds, place a wire sieve over a glass bowl and add the raspberry mixture to the sieve. Use the back of a spoon to push all the pulp through the sieve. Discard the seeds and transfer the mixture to a blender and blend for 15 seconds until combined and smooth.
9. Pour the mixture over the top of the bottom later and transfer to the fridge for 1 hour to allow the slice to set before slicing.

The slice will store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Recipe developed with the assistance of Min Benstead, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Recipe Creator for TNN. Learn more in Meet Min here.

Image by Sarah Craven Photography.