Harm and benefits of edible gelatin for human health

The benefit of gelatin lies in its beneficial effect on the condition of bones, joints and many other human tissues and organs. This is a partially hydrolyzed collagen protein, which forms the basis of the body’s connective tissues (tendons, bones, cartilage), ensuring their strength and elasticity. It contains many mucopolysaccharides that have a chondroprotective effect. Eating dishes with gelatin helps slow down the progression of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The benefits of the product for skin, hair, and nails are undoubted.

What is gelatin and what is it made from?

Gelatin is almost pure collagen, which is obtained by processing connective tissues of animal origin. The benefit of this protein product lies in the high quantitative content of amino acids necessary for humans. And the harm is due to the fairly high calorie content: 100 g - about 360 kilocalories.

The composition of gelatin is represented by the following substances:

1. proteins;
2. fats and fatty acids;
3. carbohydrates;
4. micro- and macroelements - calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, iron.

Natural gelatin also contains biotin (vitamin H, or B7). This bioactive substance is necessary for the normal functioning of the central nervous system, the immune system, and for the good condition of hair and nails.

The most famous and popular gelatin-containing products are aspic, jellied meat (jelly), fruit and berry jellies and mousses. There is a lot of gelatin in concentrated meat broths. But it is better not to use them for medicinal purposes, as they are harmful to health due to their high concentration of cholesterol.

Eating foods containing collagen protein is beneficial only with a properly formulated diet. To improve the digestion of jellied meats and jellies, it is necessary to include plant and animal proteins in the daily menu.

Collagen protein increases the production of hyaluronic acid. This is a component of synovial fluid, providing its viscosity and shock-absorbing properties. If the amount of hyaluronic acid in the synovium is reduced, then great harm is caused to the joints. First of all, the biosynthesis of proteoglycans, the building material of cartilage, is disrupted.

Effect of collagen product on joints:

1. relief of the inflammatory process by improving blood circulation and microcirculation;
2. stimulation of increased production of the body’s own collagen and other chondroprotectors;
3. accelerating the removal of tissue breakdown products from joints, vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
4. improvement of trophism as a result of eliminating the deficiency of nutrients and oxygen in cells.

It can be taken orally for both inflammatory and degenerative pathologies. Its benefits have been proven for gout, deforming arthrosis, arthritis, synovitis, tendonitis. Treatment is used for osteochondrosis, bursitis, and epicondylitis.

Cosmetologists have long noticed the benefits for women’s bodies. Masks made from this substance are used to improve the condition of the skin of the face and neck. Possessing powerful antioxidant activity, collagen product prevents cell damage from free radicals.

As a result of applying masks based on collagen protein, regular consumption of jelly and jellied dishes, the following processes occur: