Originally published August 3 2013

Gelatin: A protein rich superfood that conquers food allergies, insomnia, arthritis - plus much more

by Carolanne Wright 

(NaturalNews) Back in the 1950s, Jello molds were all the rage in the United States and many of us have disturbing memories of these artificial creations. Certainly not consumed for health, Jello actually has a little known secret buried amongst the sugar and toxic dyes: When gelatin is pure, it's actually quite good for you. Strip away the additives and a powerful healing food is revealed.

Jump to the 1970s when people began to make the connection between plain gelatin consumption and lustrous hair, strong nails and healthy teeth. Take a step further into the present day and real food advocates have uncovered further benefits which grant gelatin a superfood status.

What your mom never told you about gelatin

In traditional diets, gelatin was consumed readily in the form of slow simmered bone broths. Instead of isolating cuts of meat and discarding the rest, those of bygone days used the entire animal - and enjoyed strong health as a result. Today, there has been a resurgence of these time-honored practices through organizations like the Weston A. Price Foundation and many are rediscovering the merits of bone broth in particular. Katji of the Savory Lotus explains how gelatin can change health for the better:

Improved digestion - Since gelatin naturally binds to water, it helps move food through the digestive tract smoothly and efficiently.

Reduced food intolerance and allergy - With the same action as noted above, gelatin forms a protective barrier, lining the stomach and intestinal tract. This essentially seals and calms a leaky gut - one of the main culprits in food allergies and reactions.

Strong bones and flexible joints - Brimming with amino acids, gelatin strengthens the bones and joint tissue. It's also anti-inflammatory which assists in easing the discomfort, pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Liver support - Supplying a hearty dose of the amino acid glycine, gelatin helps support the detoxifying processes of the liver. According to The Healthy Home Economist site:

"Dr. Reuben Ottenberg in 1935 suggested in the Journal of the American Medical Association that patients with jaundice or other liver problems be administered 5-10 grams of gelatin per day as food or via a powdered gelatin supplement to supply additional glycine to the diet in order to encourage normalized hepatic function."

Thick hair, strong nails and healthy teeth - Rich in keratin, gelatin supplies protein based building blocks for hair, nails and teeth.

Ageless skin - Seeing that gelatin is concentrated collagen, the skin and connective tissue are given a substantial healing boost. Fortifying the skin from the inside out, consumption of gelatin also encourages the body to produce more of its own collagen.

Improved sleep - Research has shown that ingesting glycine before bed increases sleep quality. Subjects reported less daytime drowsiness and heightened memory recognition.

If you find yourself resistant to the idea of bone broth, high quality powdered gelatin sourced from grassfed, humanely treated animals is available. In this convenient form, reaping all the health enhancing perks of gelatin has never been easier.

Sources for this article include: 

http://www.savorylotus.com

http://www.primallyinspired.com

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com

http://www.foodrenegade.com

http://www.marksdailyapple.com

http://science.naturalnews.com