8 Best Benefits of Gelatin for Overall Health, Skin and Hair

Gelatin is a colorless, flavorless and translucent solid substance made from collagen derived from animal bones and cartilage. There are numerous benefits of gelatin and it is widely used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry as a gelling agent. Gelatin is largely formed of glycine and proline; two important amino acids that are found in bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals, but most of us don't get adequate amounts of these nutrients in our daily diet. These amino acids are essential for optimal immune function, weight regulation, proper skin health and growth of hair and nails. In this article, we have listed some of the most effective benefits of gelatin for skin, hair and overall health.

Top 8 Benefits of Gelatin for Healthy, Skin and Hair

Weight Loss:

Supermodels, athletes and sportspersons often use gelatin for weight loss and maintenance of muscle mass. Gelatin promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism and it aids muscle growth by increasing the release of Human Growth Hormone.

In order to make the most out of the benefits of gelatin for weight loss you must consume at least 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder mixed in 1/3 cup of cool water and then adding it to 2/3 cup of warm chamomile tea just before going to bed.

Improving Digestive Strength:

One of the most effective benefits of gelatin for health is improving gut integrity and digestive health. Gelatin enhances the release of gastric acids and restores healthy mucosal lining in the stomach. Two of the most common causes of digestive problems are low stomach acid and a weak gut barrier. Gelatin draws in water and helps to retain fluid in the digestive tract which in turn promotes smooth bowel movement.

You can add gelatin to soups and broths in order to promote healthy digestion and heal the gut are reduce the occurrences of food intolerances, allergies, auto-immune diseases and certain inflammatory conditions.

Protecting the Joints:

This is one of the most important health benefits of gelatin. Gelatin reduces inflammation of joints, strengthens the joints and improves joint health, which makes it a useful supplement for body builders and athletes. Gelatin reduces joint pain, enhances bone strength and improves the performance of athletes and sportspersons. Gelatin can also be used as a natural treatment for inflammatory joint and bone diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Promotes Restful Sleep:

This is one of the lesser-known gelatin uses that can be helpful for people suffering from insomnia or other sleeping disorders. Taking just 3 grams of glycine before going to sleep can show considerable improvement in sleep quality. And the best thing is gelatin does not have any harmful side effects like sleeping pills. Gelatin acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and stress and promotes mental calmness and peace of mind by reducing norepinephrine, a stress hormone which triggers the symptoms of anxiety and panic. Gelatin not only improves the quality of sleep but also increases the duration of sleep.

Anti-Ageing Effect on Skin:

Improving skin elasticity and preventing the signs of skin ageing are two of the most important benefits of gelatin on skin. Depletion of collagen starts by the time we reach out late 20's. Adding gelatin to your diet by the time you reach your 30's can help to fight skin ageing. Gelatin is a rich source of glycine and proline, two amino acids that are used in the production of collagen. Collagen restores the youthful elasticity and suppleness of skin and prevents the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Corrects Hormonal Imbalance:

Balancing hormonal fluctuations is one of the vital benefits of gelatin. Too much estrogen in the body caused by hormonal imbalance or over-exposure to phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens can lead to inflammation, infertility in women and accelerate the ageing process of the body. Gelatin has a powerful anti-estrogenic effect that can offset the harmful effects of excessive estrogen in the body and treat infertility and prevent premature ageing.

Aids the Liver in Detoxification:

This is one of the effective gelatin uses that helps to cleanse the body thoroughly. Gelatin is a rich source of amino acid glycine that supports the regular detoxification functions of the liver. Although, glycine can be produced by the body on its own, supplementing it through the diet gives an extra boost to the liver so that it can run smoothly and perform over 500 bodily functions efficiently.

Promotes Hair Growth:

One of the most effective benefits of gelatin for hair is that it promotes hair growth at a faster rate and strengthens the hair strands. Keratin present in gelatin is a key component of hair and nails that forms the outer layer of hair. When it is supplied to the hair and scalp through gelatin, it helps to seal the open cuticles and repairs damage, thus making the hair strands stronger, smoother and more manageable.

To make the most out of the benefits of gelatin for hair, just add gelatin powder to your shampoo or conditioner and apply it to your hair every time you wash your hair.

Types of Gelatin

Gelatin is mainly available in two forms - gelling gelatin and non-gelling gelatin.

Non-Gelling Gelatin:

Non-gelling gelatin is hydrolysed collagen that has been broken down into very fine particles. These particles don't need to be digested; they are readily available to the body and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the small intestine. This particular type of gelatin helps to reduce inflammation, improves the mobility of joints, boosts muscle mass and enhances the growth of connective tissue.

Gelling Gelatin:

This is the food grade gelatin that is used in gelatin recipes such as jelly, ice creams, marshmallows, pies, jellies, etc. Food grade gelatin aids digestion by soothing the gastrointestinal tract facilitates smooth bowel movement and reduces food sensitivities by healing inflammation in the gastrointestinal system.

So, make it a point to include gelatin powder in your daily diet or consume gelatin in the form of supplements in order to improve overall health and maintain healthy skin and hair.