Part of this blog is answering questions. I mean it is hard to sort out good nutrition information from all of the nutrition gimmicks out there. I’m not claiming to know all of the answers but I do love researching nutrition information and want to bring you what I have found best in my own life and from the latest nutrition research, which usually points back to the way we once lived — with the land. One of my most frequently asked questions is what is the best protein powder to buy?
This is one of the questions I used to skirt around but never really got to the bottom of. It was hard to find something that I really found to be all around ‘healthy.’ Now I’m not saying they aren’t out there, what I am saying is they are really hard to find and usually cost a lot more. Definitely more than I was willing to spend. Most contain some kind of sweetener. Even the most natural “calorie-free” sweetener, stevia I still have issues with (more on this to come) hence why it has gotten harder for me to find anything.
That was until I experienced gelatin, yes you read that right gelatin. Now I’m not talking about dropping some jello down in your milk for a boost of protein but real, grass-fed gelatin.
Our diets at one time contained large amounts of gelatin (collagen) through homemade broths and stocks as well as just cooking meats with the bones. People once consumed it on a daily basis. Not so much anymore. If you’re still a little grossed out, perhaps remembering how much many people are willing to shell out on collagen supplements or injections to reduce the signs of aging, when they could quite easily save a pretty penny by consuming more bone stocks, or really anything containing natural gelatin.
Gelatin is a protein substance derived from collagen. Collagen makes up almost a third of all the protein in the human body. It is a big, fibrous molecule that makes skin, bones and tendons both strong and somewhat elastic. As you get older, your body makes less collagen and individual collagen fibers become cross-linked with each other. You may experience this as stiff joints (from less flexible tendons) or wrinkles (from loss of skin elasticity.)
It’s like a double bonus – you get the benefits of protein plus all of the benefits of collagen, reduced wrinkles better skin and reduced cellulite to name a few.
And speaking of protein, gelatin is one of the few sources containing the amino acid glycine. Glycine has many benefits in the body here are are few;
- Youthful looking skin – creates elasticity and tone.
- It is an anti-inflammatory.
- It supports the thyroid and opposes estrogen and supports progesterone (helping the many men and women with estrogen dominance).
- It promotes good sleep with an inhibitory effect on neurotransmitters.
- It soothes and heals the GI tract by rebuilding the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
- Aids in wound healing making it highly recommended for anyone with ‘leaky gut.’
- Increases the absorption of calcium in the gut to promote optimum bone density and joint health.
Are you sold yet? All around natural grass-fed gelatin is a great source of many nutrients our body is missing out on due to our typical “Western Diet.” But it is so easy to add it back in. Coming up on the blog is homemade stocks, fruit snacks, jello and other recipes utilizing gelatin. This would be a great alternative or source of added protein in your diet.
Check out this brand I recommend, Great Lakes Gelatin. It is from grass-fed cows and minimally processed to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of free glutamic acids. It doesn’t contain added sugar either, can I get a whoop whoop? It is flavorless so it can be utilized in many different ways without you, your kids or your husband even knowing. Try adding it to hot drinks or smoothies instead of your typical protein powder.
And here ares some helpful tips if you choose to buy this;
The Red can of Great Lakes Unflavored Gelatin = typical gelatin. It will gel when placed in a hot liquid and allowed to cool. If you put it in a cool beverage or substance it will just clump up. Best uses; Gravies, jello, fruit snacks, marshmallows, etc
The Green can of Great Lakes Unflavored Collagen Hydrolysate Gelatin = collagen hydrolysate. It DOES NOT cause liquids to gel. It will easily dissolve in both warm and cold liquids. Best uses; Coffee, milk, tea, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, etc.
Try these out for yourself and let me know what you think!
