Gelatin Benefits and Side Effects

By researching animals, many types of beneficial compounds are obtained from them. Gelatin is one of them. Gelatin is commonly used to make jellies and gummy candies. Also, due to the properties and nutrients found in it, it has also been used to reduce the symptoms of many diseases.

Gelatin is a protein substance derived from collagen, which is found in the connective tissues, bones, and skin of animals. It is commonly used in cooking and food production as a gelling agent, thickener, or stabilizer.

What is Gelatin

Gelatin is a type of protein obtained from collagen extracts derived from meat, bones and connective tissue of animals. It is a transparent, tasteless and colorless substance, which is used in everything from foods to medicines.

Let us now know what can be the benefits of gelatin.

Benefits of Gelatin

Due to the medicinal properties found in gelatin, it can be used apart from food to cure some health problems. Just note that this is not a cure for any disease, but can be a way of prevention. Let us read further in detail the benefits of gelatin for health.

1. To lose weight

Consuming gelatin can help in reducing weight . In fact, gelatin can reduce frequent hunger pangs. Actually, after including it in the diet, the stomach feels full. This can reduce the desire to eat something or the other every now and then. On this basis, it is believed that consuming gelatin can reduce the process of weight gain and reduce weight gradually. Due to the good amount of protein in gelatin, it can help in maintaining the body cells and building muscles. Therefore, it is difficult to say how helpful it can be in weight loss.

2. Joint problem

Gelatin, which is used in jellies and other substances, can also be effective in relieving joint pain. This is also mentioned in the research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). According to the research paper, the collagen found in gelatin may prove helpful in the treatment of bone diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Gelatin contains an amino acid called lysine which works to increase the absorption of calcium in the bones.

3. Relief from diabetes

People suffering from the problem of diabetes can also include gelatin in the diet. It has been reported in a study that gelatin obtained from fish contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. It can be beneficial to some extent in controlling type-2 diabetes by increasing the activation of insulin along with many problems.

According to a scientific study published on the NCBI website, consuming gelatin-rich foods can help in increasing the amount of insulin, which can prove beneficial for diabetic patients . For this reason, it can be included in the diabetes diet . Keep in mind that proper medical treatment is necessary for diabetes. But keep in mind that candy or dessert made of gelatin should not be consumed .

4. For the growth of nails

Due to the thinness, weakness and lifelessness of the nails, their growth can be hindered. In such a situation, to get rid of it, you can take the help of gelatin. According to a research in the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, an amino acid found in gelatin can be helpful in the growth of nails . Also, nails can also help in reducing problems like peeling, breaking and cracking of nails.

5. For teeth

Gelatin can also be beneficial for teeth. According to the USDA (United State Department of Agriculture), gelatin contains a good amount of protein. According to a research, protein can be beneficial for teeth. It can prevent tooth enamel ie tissue from being damaged not only by cavity but also by decay. Also, dentists also use gelatin to make a felting material for teeth.

6. For good sleep

Gelatin can prove to be beneficial in overcoming the problem of insomnia and increasing the time of sleep. According to a research published in NCBI, it contains a component called glycine (11) . This ingredient is used to overcome the problem of insomnia. Also it is known to improve the quality of sleep. In this case, it can be said that gelatin can be helpful in relieving insomnia and prolonging sleep time.

7. For intestinal and digestive problems

The benefits of gelatin also include keeping the stomach healthy. According to a research published by NCBI, the tannic acid present in gelatin can reduce the problem of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease refers to inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.

In addition, it also has antidiarrheal effect, which can provide relief from the problem of diarrhea. On this basis, it can be said that it can cure digestion and intestinal problems. Just note that it is not advisable to rely on gelatin for any serious problem. It is necessary to contact a doctor in such a problem.

8. For liver

Gelatin can be used to get relief from liver problems . According to a research done in this regard, gelatin can protect liver cells from oxidant injury caused by organic hydroperoxide compound. Also, the glycine amino acid present in gelatin can also reduce some of the liver problems caused by alcohol. On this basis, it can be said that it can be called beneficial for the liver.

9. Benefits of Gelatin for Skin

Gelatin can play a helpful role in keeping the skin healthy . According to medical research published on the NCBI website, gelatin can act to slow down the aging of the skin. Actually, it shows anti-aging effect on the skin by increasing its anti-oxidant activities. This can help in reducing the aging process and avoid the symptoms of aging.

10. For hair

Gelatin can be beneficial for hair growth and protection. Actually, the amino acids present in gelatin can prove to be good for hair. Research suggests that using gelatin can help in increasing the thickness of the hair. Also, including it in the diet can get rid of the problem of hair loss.

Gelatin Nutritional Value

We are telling about the nutrients found in gelatin through the table below:

NUTRIENTS	PRICE PER 100G
energy	429 kcal
protein	100 g
sodium	143 mg

How to Use Gelatin

In the field of medicine, gelatin powder is used for coating capsules. Also it is used in cosmetics. Apart from these, gelatin can also be used in some other ways, which are as follows:

Gelatin powder can be used to make candy.
It is used in making marshmallow.
Cakes can be decorated using gelatin.
Gelatin can also be used to make ice cream.
It can be mixed in smoothies.
You can also drink gelatin by adding it to milk.
How much to use: It can be used up to a maximum of 10 grams per day.

Side Effects of Gelatin

Gelatin is not necessarily beneficial. Excessive consumption of it can also cause loss of gelatin. Some of the disadvantages of this are as follows.

People who are allergic to gelatin should stay away from it. Otherwise allergic reactions can occur.

According to a research published on the NCBI website, its excessive intake can cause liver and kidney related problems.

Frequently asked questions

What is gelatin made of?

Gelatin is obtained from collagen extracts derived from animal meat, bones and connective tissue.

How Much Gelatin Is Safe to Consume Per Day?

Consuming up to 10 grams of gelatin per day may be safe.

Is it okay to eat gelatin?

Yes, it is okay to consume gelatin.

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