HAVE you been hospitalized before? If yes, have you noticed the meals they served? Aside from the bland taste of food they serve, did you notice that they include gelatin as dessert?
Gelatin commonly known to Filipinos as “gulaman” contains glycine, part of amino acids in gelatin which also contains anti-inflammatory properties which accelerate wound healing and improve the quality of your sleep.
Hospitals that serve gelatin are giving their patients enough calories since many patients situated in hospital cannot eat anything better except for gelatin or Jello.
Anyone who is recovering from some disease needs something easy to digest, such as liquids and gelatin.
Gelatin stimulates the secretion of gastric acid and restores a healthy mucosal lining of the stomach, which in turn improves the gut integrity and digestive strength. This is very important as low stomach acid and impaired gut barrier are the two most prevalent digestive issues in the modern world. In addition to this, gelatin promotes healthy bowel movements and good intestinal transit by absorbing water and keeping fluids in the digestive tract.
According to a recent study, the consumption of gelatin helps people sleep better. The people who participated in the study report better cognitive function and less daytime drowsiness as well.
Processed gelatin or gulaman contains sugar but it all depends on how much sugar you want to add in case you want to make your own. But in overall, gelatin or gulaman as our refreshments has many health benefits:
* Gelatin contains large amounts of protein and it is a great way to add more protein in your daily diet. As a matter of fact, a tablespoon of gelatin provides up to six grams of protein.
* Gelatin attaches to water and allows the food move through the digestive system much easily, which in turn improves digestion.
* Adding gelatin to your daily diet can help heal the lining of your stomach and digestive tract. It also heals food intolerances and certain allergies.
* Due to its amino acid content which is crucial in preventing degeneration of cartilage in joints, gelatin promotes bone and joint health.
* Gelatin stimulates the elimination of toxins from the body as glycine, an amino acid found in gelatin, helps the liver remove toxins from the system.
* Gelatin contains keratin, a strong protein which is naturally found in the hair, nails, teeth, and skin. Therefore, gelatin promotes hair, nail, and teeth health.
* Gelatin improves the elasticity of your skin as it is made up of collagen. Regular consumption of gelatin helps you look much healthier and younger than any other collagen facial cream.
* Gelatin promotes accelerated wound healing as glycine, the aforementioned amino acid, acts as potent anti-inflammatory agent.
Here’s a homemade recipe for a less sugar jelly or gulaman:
Ingredients:
1 cup green tea
Honey or stevia
3 Tbsp unflavored gelatin
1 cup orange juice
1 cup grape juice or fresh strawberries
Directions:
* Cook the green tea and add honey or stevia, to your preference. Then, stir in the unflavored gelatin and let it dissolve.
* Remove from heat and allow it to cool off. Add the orange juice and grape juice
* Transfer the mixture into a container and keep it refrigerated for at least three hours.
