What is Beef Gelatin Powder Used For? Nature’s Real-Life Elixir
What if I told you that cheesecake you ate last weekend got you a step closer to the fountain of youth?
Well, unfortunately, we can't confirm that. But there is one incredible gut-loving "super" ingredient that not only gives cheesecake that incredibly smooth texture, but also helps keep your skin smooth as well.
Introducing gelatin.
Containing the same 18 amino acids as collagen, this incredible pantry staple is the key ingredient in many delicious desserts and treats: gummies, Jellies, Mousses, Panna Cotta and of course, our favourite - cheesecake.
Gelatin is a powerful gelling or thickening agent, but its function is far more beneficial than many of us could've ever assumed, especially because it's often associated with dessert.
What is beef gelatin?
Beef gelatin supplements have recently gained popularity amongst the health and wellness community due to the multitude of health benefits it can provide. And there are many reasons why. But first, what is beef gelatin?
Beef gelatin powder is a supplement derived from collagen, a natural protein found in both humans and animals. Collagen is essential in keeping joints, bones, tendons, skin and hair healthy and strong.
In comparison to regular collagen supplements, beef gelatin has the added benefit of coating the small intestine as it digests. This can be particularly helpful for those with a sensitive gut or who are looking for a digestion aid in addition to the amino acids found in other collagen supplements.
How is beef gelatin made, and what is it made from?
Firstly, you may be wondering exactly what beef gelatin is made from. The most common sources of gelatin are from the bones, skin and connective tissues of cows. Therefore, beef gelatin powder doesn’t actually contain any beef - it’s simply called that because the gelatin is sourced exclusively from cows, and not other animals such as chickens, pigs or fish.
But how is beef gelatin powder made?
Beef gelatin is collagen that’s been cooked for long enough that gelatin becomes isolated and the amino acids inside are broken down into much smaller parts. After the collagen protein is extracted from cow hides, the collagen is then ‘cooked’ or hydrolysed into gelatin using hot water and acid solutions. It’s then clarified and sterilised before being dried into powder form and packaged for consumption.
What are the benefits of beef gelatin powder?
The list of beef gelatin benefits is extensive, due to being made up almost entirely of protein - 98-99% to be exact. One 15g scoop of beef gelatin powder, at only 53 calories, contains 13g of protein, no sugar, carbs or fat.
Due to its incredible nutritional profile, beef gelatin provides the following benefits:
1. Improving the appearance of skin, nails and hair: Nature’s anti-ageing elixir
Beef gelatin is high in proline and glycine, which has been shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (3). Furthermore, beef gelatin powder benefits our hair and nails as well, which also rely on collagen to promote growth and a healthy appearance.
2. Improving joint and bone health
Numerous studies have investigated the impact of gelatin supplements on joint pain. In one study, a group of 97 athletes were monitored for 24 weeks. Half the group were given a gelatin supplement while the other half were given a placebo. The results showed that those who were given the gelatin supplement reported a notable reduction in joint pain both during activity and at rest, compared to the other half of the group (1).
Similar studies have been conducted with people suffering from osteoarthritis, a condition where the cushioning cartilage between the joints breaks down, leading to pain and stiffness. As with the athletes, participants who received the gelatin supplement reported significant improvements (2).
3. Improved brain function
Because beef gelatin contains high levels of glycine, it’s also been linked to improvement in brain function. This particular amino acid has been reported to improve attention and memory (4)
4. Assisting in gut health and digestion
Beef gelatin powder is particularly beneficial in assisting gut health as it promotes gastric acid secretion and seals the colon so that nutrients are more effectively absorbed. Additionally, beef gelatin coats the small intestine as it digests which can reduce gut irritation when consuming foods.
5. Assisting in weight loss
Because our beef gelatin powder is low in calories and contains no sugar, fat or carbs, it may be helpful in aiding weight loss. The high levels of protein can help to make you feel fuller for longer and curb sugar cravings and appetite. This may also be helpful for those living with type 2 diabetes, where major risk factors are high blood sugar levels and obesity.
Other benefits of taking a beef gelatin supplement may include improved sleep quality, reduction of liver damage, improved mental health and lower blood sugar.
What’s the difference between collagen and beef gelatin?
The main difference between our collagen and gelatin is its form and method of consumption. While our collagen products dissolve both in hot and cold water and are more quickly digested due to smaller protein molecules, our beef gelatin must be dissolved in hot water. Once the gelatin cools, it takes on a jelly-like form, making it perfect for creating desserts, gummies, soups and stews. Gelpro’s Natural Australian Beef Gelatin is also unflavoured, meaning you can add a scoop of healthy nourishment into nearly any recipe.
Why is beef gelatin the real-life elixir?
Our body is composed of about 30% collagen. At roughly the age of 25, the ability of our body to naturally produce connective tissue diminishes, and continues to do so as we grow older. The result? Wrinkles and rougher texture. This is why after that age, it becomes imperative to fill that gap.
The moment we see signs of ageing, our instinctual reaction is an ageing cream. What we don’t realise is that even if you use skin creams that contain collagen, it is in vain. This is because the molecules of collagen are too large to be absorbed by your skin.
While some cosmetic companies have better products than others for enhancing absorption, there is a more efficient method for reducing the signs of ageing: consuming collagen protein in the form of beef gelatin.
Gelatin is responsible for making up about 35% of the total protein in the human body. When our connective tissues start depleting, the compounds in gelatin reconstruct the cells from within and replenish the collagen content, often resulting in youthful looking skin, with fewer signs of ageing.
How to introduce beef gelatin into your diet
Gelpro’s Natural Australian Beef Gelatin is rich in protein, flavourless and can be used in drinks, baking, sauces, smoothies and more to provide a range of health benefits.
If you’re looking for a quick way to get your daily dose, add one tablespoon (15g) to your favourite juice or drink. Allow to settle for one minute while stirring, then drink immediately.
Another common method of consuming beef gelatin is also to make gummies or jelly. To do this, you need to bloom the gelatin first. Simply put a small amount of room temperature liquid or water into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Leave for 5 minutes before adding to the warm liquid and stir until dissolved.
If you’re looking to get creative with how you incorporate beef gelatin into your diet, we have a number of beef gelatin powder recipes available for you to try.
For a dessert that’s packed with nutritional benefits, try a Decadent Peruvian Panna Cotta or indulge in a Espresso Fudge Brownie.
Or, for a warming daily drink that protects your bones, gut and keeps your skin looking young and healthy, try a Dairy Free Matcha Potion or Cardamom Chai Turmeric Latte.
For more health and wellness supplements, browse our best selling products or discover our full range of Gelpro Australia wholefood capsules, holistic skincare and more.
