Gelatin Smoothie Recipe: Strengthen Knees, Rebuild Cartilage and Ligaments
Aging brings many unpleasant changes to the body, with joint pain being one of the biggest among them. As we get older, our joints start to deteriorate, resulting in nagging aches and pains that can vary in severity.
Joint pain usually occurs as a result of injuries, vitamin D deficiency or osteoarthritis as well as other conditions.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage at the end of the bones starts to deteriorate. It usually occurs in the hips, knees, and hands, but it can also affect the spine.
Another condition that can bring about joint pain is vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is very important for our bones and lack of it has been known to cause serious bone problems including brittle bones and increased risk of fractures.
Once our joints start to wear down, the risk of injuries also goes up, potentially resulting in severe joint pain.
Treating joint pain depends on the cause. In some cases, it is treated with NSAIDs and over-the-counter drugs, while other cases, like severe injuries, may require surgery. The problem is that neither option is really effective.
Relieving the symptoms is possible, but in order to really get rid of joint pain, you need to get to the root of the problem. Fortunately, there’s a single natural ingredient that can help – gelatin.
What is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a colorless and brittle food ingredient derived from collagen obtained from different animal parts. Once the collagen is extracted, it is processed until it becomes edible (gelatin).
As experts explain, collagen is the second most abundant substance found in the human body, right next to water. The fibrous material connects our joints and bones and comes in three different types – I, II, and III.
Types I and III are found in the skin, ligaments, tendons, and bones, while type II can be found in cartilage.
Collagen keeps our bones and joints together and makes them flexible. When we’re young, the body produces enough collagen to keep everything working properly, but as we get older and that production stops, the health of our joints starts to decline.
Additionally, stress, trauma, improper rest, alcohol, caffeine, hormonal imbalance, too much sugar, poor gut health, and other factors make the problem worse, resulting in severe joint pain.
That can be improved by gelatin consumption. Gelatin is full of amino acids and proteins our joints and bones need. It will strengthen the cartilage in your body and reinforce the joints and bones, effectively preventing joint pain.
Gelatin can be consumed in many forms. You can get gelatin powder, which can be added to soups, stews, and other recipes or get collagen powder instead, which works best when added to hot and cold drinks.
There’s also marine collagen, which, as the name suggests, is made of marine animals.
It goes without saying that the gelatin you’re buying should be of the highest quality (free-range animals).
Gelatin Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 blender
- 1 pot for boiling oatmeal
- 1 spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp gelatin
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 8 oz. water
- 8 oz. crushed almonds
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Boil the oatmeal in water for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and slowly stir in the gelatin powder.
- Add the orange juice, crushed almonds, honey, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a blender and blend for about 30 seconds until smooth.
Notes
- Divide the gelatin smoothie into two portions.
- Drink half in the morning and the other half before going to bed.
- A good gelatin suggestion is the Grass-Fed Gelatin Powder by Zen Principle.
- Store any leftover smoothie in the fridge. Consume it the next day.
Do the same every day and your joints and cartilage will be as good as new in just a short time.
Gelatin Benefits
Gelatin is almost entirely protein, with a unique amino acid profile that includes high levels of glycine, glutamic acid, and lysine. It is 98–99% protein and is considered the richest food source of the amino acid glycine [1].
Gelatin typically comes from cows and pigs, but can also be derived from fish, chickens, and seaweed. One tablespoon of gelatin provides about 6 grams of protein and other nutrients such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. [2].
- Joint and Bone Health: Gelatin has been shown to reduce joint and bone pain, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals with osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. The presence of collagen in gelatin, a material that makes up cartilage and bone, supports this benefit.
- Skin and Hair Improvement: Regular consumption of gelatin may improve the moisture and collagen density of the skin, potentially reducing signs of aging. It can also increase the thickness of hair, contributing to overall hair health.
- Cognitive and Mental Health: Gelatin contains glycine, which can improve memory and attention and may reduce symptoms of certain mental health conditions 16. This amino acid profile contributes to gelatin’s potential to increase brain function.
- Digestive Health: Gelatin may improve gut health and digestion, possibly due to its effects on gut inflammation and the microbiome. It has also been used to treat gastrointestinal problems like chronic diarrhea and acute gastroenteritis.
- Weight Management: As a low-calorie food that can help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, gelatin may assist in weight loss efforts.
- Sleep Quality and Blood Sugar Management: Preliminary research suggests that gelatin can improve sleep quality and help manage blood sugar levels.
Side Effects and Precautions
According to MedlinePlus, while gelatin is generally safe for most people, large doses may cause side effects such as a sore throat, swollen gums, and mouth sores. It is not considered toxic, but excessive intake can lead to problems.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid medicinal amounts of gelatin due to insufficient evidence of safety [3].
Dietary Considerations
Keep in mind that Gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan, as it is made from animal parts. For those with dietary restrictions, there are plant-based alternatives available usually made from Agar-Agar.
Some notable plant-based gelatin products are this one from Micro ingredients or this one from Kate Naturals.
According to Wikipedia, agar-agar is a jelly-like substance consisting of polysaccharides obtained from the cell walls of some species of red algae, primarily from “ogonori” (Gracilaria) and “tengusa” (Gelidiaceae). It is then processed for commercial use.
Bottom Line
Gelatin offers a range of health benefits, from improving joint and bone health to enhancing skin and hair quality. Its high protein content and unique amino acids make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
With this gelatin smoothie recipe, you can too add it to your lifestyle and help either you or your loved elders to achieve better mobility and minimize the chances of bone fractures and cartilage damage.
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