Healthy Habits: Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin
Grass-fed, pasture raised beef gelatin has many health perks and I highly recommend that you consider adding it into your daily diet. Even if you are already including grass-fed beef in your diet, it isn’t giving you the full spectrum of what beef has to offer because most of us don’t consume the organs and other parts of the animal that include all of the health benefits, such as from collagen.
Collagen
The most common type of collagen, type 1 or CI, makes up 90 percent of hair, skin, nails, organs, bones and ligaments. Type 3 collagen (CIII) partners with type 1 to support skin & bone health, as well as the health of the arterial walls of the heart that are very important for optimal heart health. It is most commonly found in tissues with elastic properties such as skin, muscles, lungs and the walls of the intestines.
Type 2 collagen (CII) is what makes up most of the protein molecules in our cartilage, as well as the connective tissue protecting our bones at the joints, in our eyes and in our spinal disks. It can help reduce joint pain through its effect on the immune system, alleviating osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It also promotes skin health.
Health Benefits of Gelatin
Taking a small amount of grass-fed, pasture raised beef gelatin daily helps rebuild your muscles, eyes, bones and spine. It is a great source of pure protein and supports optimal joint health. It also promotes gut health/digestive health, healthy blood vessels and uterine health. The collagen in beef gelatin has been broken down which makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb.
It supports healthy metabolism and assists in weight loss (by making you feel fuller for longer). In addition, it helps prevent stretch marks, cellulite and wrinkles. Beef gelatin renews skin cells, tightens & firms the skin, strengthens hair & nails, and improves hydration.
I recommend Further Food Brand Unflavored Grass-Fed Gelatin Powder. You can mix a tablespoon with 2 ounces of cool water, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes to “flower” and then add it to your smoothies, shakes, soups, pies, etc. It is a thickening agent and can be used to thicken sauces wonderfully, such as homemade cheese sauce for mac & cheese.
It can also, of course, be used to make homemade “jello” and even gummies/chewy candies. However, you may prefer the taste with savory rather than sweet foods, depending on your taste buds!
When making your own jello and gummies, you get to choose the flavor. If you make them sweet you can, for example, choose to sweeten with local honey or stevia instead of sugar. And, instead of artificial flavors and colors, you can choose natural ones like real fruits and vegetables. Pureed organic purple carrots and beets are good choices for natural coloring and provide extra nutrition as well. Fresh organic pineapple can be pureed for a great flavor and added nutrients, and it is so sweet that you won’t even need additional sweetening.
Why choose grass-fed, pasture raised beef gelatin? First off, grass is a cow’s natural diet. Secondly, grass-fed beef contains less bad bacteria, more vitamin A, has more healthy fats than the alternative (grain-fed), as well as offering an array of essential amino acids.
Beef gelatin powder has a 2-year shelf life. Just store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. It is cholesterol-free, gluten-free and fat-free. One tablespoon of the aforementioned brand yields 10 grams of collagen.
Be Well and God Bless You.
By Jennifer Wimmer
