Beef Gelatin Benefits, Uses, Nutrition, Comparison to Collagen

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By Jillian Levy, CHHC

February 22, 2021

Beef gelatin is a powdered supplement made mostly from bovine hides (the natural, unbleached skin and hair of cows). It’s specifically sourced from bovine collagen, which is a structural protein that’s also found in the human body and essential for overall health in many ways — considering it helps form our joints, ligaments, skin, bones, lining of the gastrointestinal tracts and more.

Both gelatin and collagen supplements are made up of amino acids, including glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine, which have benefits for digestion, wound repair, joint support and beyond.

In addition to being a great source of protein, beef gelatin can be used as a thickening agent when cooking or baking. It’s considered a “texturizer” and “stabilizer” in recipes due to how it absorbs liquid and forms a gel or jelly consistency, such as in gummies, jams, jellies, puddings and marshmallows.

What Is Beef Gelatin?

Gelatin is defined as “a virtually colorless and tasteless water-soluble protein prepared from collagen and used in food preparation as the basis of jellies, in photographic processes, and in glue.”

If you were to make bone broth at home, you’d notice that gelatin was the “gelatinous” component of the animal parts that aren’t usually consumed nowadays, including the animal’s skin, bone marrow and tendons.

Beef gelatin becomes “bouncy” and jelly-like once mixed with hot liquid. It’s almost tasteless, which means it can be used in variety of recipes.

It works a bit differently than collagen powder because it needs to be dissolved in hot water or other hot liquids, such as coffee.

How do manufacturers make beef gelatin? Does beef gelatin have beef in it?

Powdered beef gelatin supplements do not actually have any beef in them, but they are called beef gelatin because they are sourced from collagen found in cows.

Some of the best-quality beef gelatin supplements that are now available are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen. Collagen is then cooked and heated, which isolates the gelatin.

Extraction of gelatin in food manufacturing is usually done using hot water and acid solutions to hydrolyze collagen into gelatin. Then certain filtration, clarification and sterilization processes usually take place to form the dried, final product, depending on how it’s sold.

Nutrition

Gelatin is considered a “pure protein” because it hardly contains any fat, fiber, sugar, carbs or other vitamins and minerals. It’s made up of about 98 percent to 99 percent protein by dry weight.

One tablespoon of beef gelatin powder has about:

• 35 calories
• 0 grams fat, sugar, sodium or carbs
• 9 grams protein

The primary reason that gelatin is consumed is for its protein/amino acids. Amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein, and gelatin contains several in relatively high amounts that can be hard to get from other food sources.

These amino acids include glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine. Gelatin is especially rich in the amino acid glycine, which has benefits for joints, sleep, cognitive health and much more.

The amino acid composition of gelatin is approximately:

• 21 percent glycine
• 12 percent proline
• 12 percent hydroxyproline
• 10 percent glutamic acid
• 9 percent alanine
• 8 percent arginine
• 6 percent aspartic acid
• 4 percent lysine

Collagen protein powder (also called hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides) is unflavored and dissolves in both hot or cold liquids. Once hydrolyzed, collagen protein is easy to digest since the protein is broken down into smaller, absorbable units.

Some consider collagen to be “faster-digesting” than gelatin and recommend it over gelatin pre- or post-workout. Overall, however, hydrolyzed collagen and gelatin are very similar, since they contain the same amino acids and have comparable benefits.

Benefits/Uses

1. High in Absorbable Protein

As mentioned above, gelatin is derived from collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagen protein and gelatin contribute to the infrastructure of connective tissues found all over.

Consuming these proteins regularly helps repair and take care of your gut, skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones and joints.

Benefits of consuming more gelatin and protein in general include:

• Support for joint health, comfort and mobility
• Support for gut health and digestion, due to the role that amino acids play in promoting gut lining integrity
• Promotion of muscle mass
• Reductions in hunger
• Support for bone health
• Assisting in blood sugar control
• Support for cognitive functions, including memory and learning
• Help with exercise performance and recovery
• Help maintaining healthy, youthful skin
• Promotion of healthy hair and strong nails
• Promotion of quality sleep

2. Supports Gut Health and Digestion

Gelatin powder is considered to be an easy-to-digest form of protein that is suitable for people following a variety of diets, such as the Paleo diet, keto diet, autoimmune diets, GAPs diet and more. (However, it’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians since it’s derived from cows.)

For those with sensitivities to dairy or who have a hard time breaking down fatty cuts of meat due to various GI issues, gelatin has the advantage of being free of common allergens and digestive irritants. It can even help keep blood sugar levels steady and reduce one’s appetite naturally, offering benefits to diabetics and those looking to lose weight.

Additionally, it’s beneficial for digestive and gut health because the amino acids it contains help repair the gut lining, supporting nutrient absorption and helping prevent issues such as leaky gut syndrome. Keep in mind that about 75 percent or more of your immune system is located in your gut, which means that a healthy gut also contributes to a healthy immune system.

3. Helps Support Healthy Joints

The amino acids in gelatin and collagen help hold the body together, acting as an internal “glue” by forming connective tissues, including the joints, cartilage and ligaments.

Unfortunately as we age, our bodies’ natural production of collagen slows down, which is why consuming more collagen and gelatin is recommended to help keep joints and cartilage in good shape.

A higher intake of certain amino acids such as glycine can contribute to healthy joint strength and functionality, while reducing joint pain and symptoms tied to osteoarthritis. A diet with adequate protein is also important for building muscle mass, keeping bones strong, and supporting exercise performance and recovery, contributing to overall comfort and mobility.

Dosage and How to Use

Gelatin can be homemade, much the same way that you can make bone broth, or bought pre-prepared in powder form.

How much should you use or consume each day?

A general recommendation is for adults to consume about one or possibly two servings of gelatin supplements per day. Each serving is typically about one scoop of powder, providing about nine grams of protein, which can be combined with eight to 16 ounces of liquid (usually hot liquid that is 170 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter is needed to fully dissolve the powder).

What’s the best way to use it?

Some people even use it in cold water like smoothies or juices. When looking to buy it in grocery stores or online, you’ll likely come across gelatin in the form of sheets, granules or powders.

Using gelatin in recipes helps add volume and smooth texture without adding many calories. It also increases the protein content, giving the recipe more nutritional benefits.

Additionally, it’s a natural thickener, stabilizer and texturizer.

Most beef gelatin powders need to be soaked in cold water first, then dissolved in warm or hot water. This helps the gelatin swell up or “bloom” and then blend into liquid without forming clumps.

Once it’s dissolved in hot liquid, you can chill the mixture to help it form a jello-like texture.

Where can you find beef gelatin?

Look for beef gelatin powders in health food stores, some large supermarkets or online. Wherever supplements are sold, gelatin and collagen protein are likely to be found.

For the best quality, opt for gelatin that is sourced from grass-fed bovine hides and that contains no fillers or additives.

Recipes

You can use gelatin in a variety of sweet and savory recipes, especially those that have a jelly-like, creamy or velvety texture. Some ideas include adding gelatin powder to homemade bone broths or making recipes such as:

• protein gummies
• fruit-based jellies
• jello
• cough drops

You can also add some to soups or stews or use some in baked goods and treats, like pudding, mouse, custard, cream cheese, oatmeal or even pie crusts.

While most brands are flavorless, some people find that gelatin leaves an unpleasant or off-putting taste in their mouths. In this case, adding powdered beef gelatin to soups or smoothies can help mask the flavor and make it much more tolerable.

Here are some ways you can try using beef gelatin in recipes:

• Healthy Homemade Jello (You can use stevia or monk fruit to cut down on the regular sugar content.)
• Homemade Gummies (Opt for 100% juice with no added sugar.)
• Instant Pot Bone Broth with Gelatin
• Paleo Chocolate Pudding with Gelatin
• Keto Friendly Strawberry Mouse

What is a substitute for beef gelatin?

Collagen powder is the most obvious substitute for gelatin. However, collagen won’t give recipes the same jelly consistency. The benefit of using collagen is that it dissolves in any temperature liquid.

In vegan/vegetarian recipes, other thickeners that can be used as gelatin substitutes include agar agar (or agar powder), arrowroot or tapioca.

The best substitute depends on the specific recipe you’re making. Most find that agar powder gives the most similar texture to gelatin in recipes such as jello or mouse.

Risks and Side Effects

Gelatin is usually very well-tolerated, even by those with digestive concerns. It’s best to start with a low amount each day, such as one serving or one-half serving, and gradually increase your intake to make sure you can tolerate it well.

For the least risk of consuming a contaminated product, it’s recommended that you purchase gelatin and collagen products made from animals that have been grass-fed or pasture-raised, since these animals are healthier overall and are not raised using artificial hormones or antibiotics.

An organic, non-GMO gelatin is also a smart option, since this ensures that the cows did not eat a diet that consisted of GMO grains or crops sprayed with chemicals.

Conclusion

• Beef gelatin is a protein supplement sourced from bovine collagen (derived from the skin and hair of cows). It’s a great source of absorbable protein, contains a valuable mix of amino acids, and is low in calories, sugar, fat and carbs.
• Beef gelatin benefits can include offering support for joint and bone health, muscle building, gut integrity and digestive health, skin and hair health, and more.
• Recipes to use gelatin in include gummies, jellies, marshmallows, mouses, puddings, smoothies, soups and pie crusts.
• If you’re a vegan, gelatin substitutes can include agar powder, arrowroot or tapioca. Collagen protein powder makes a good alternative for those who don’t avoid all animal products.

What Are the Health Benefits of Beef Gelatin?

Just like many other Vital Proteins products, our Beef Gelatin is packed with collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is a key constituent of all connective tissues. It provides the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system, essential for mobility. The intake of collagen helps to support healthy skin, hair, tendon, cartilage, bones and joints.

As we age, the body’s ability to produce natural collagen declines. Vital Proteins’ product lineup aims to support the continuation of the collagen production.

So, What’s the Difference between Beef Gelatin and Collagen Peptides?

You might be asking yourself, “So, if the Beef Gelatin and the classic Collagen Peptides are both good sources of collagen, what makes them so different?” You make a good point. They are both great for digestion, better skin, hair, and nails, and bone and joint health. They’re both made with one core ingredient – collagen – and deliver 20g of it per serving. But the way they’re used is what sets them apart from each other. Our hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides are unflavored, dissolve in both hot or cold liquids and are faster digesting. They are reserved for those in a hurry thanks to being easily soluble in both hot and cold liquids.

Our Beef Gelatin easily dissolves in hot liquids but solidifies once mixed into cold liquids, so it’s not exactly recommended for those who want their daily collagen fix, stat. But it is ideal for foodies looking to amplify certain meals while supporting collagen production.

Who Should Be Taking Beef Gelatin?

Using Beef Gelatin may help ease digestion, strengthen joints and bones, improve the health of hair, skin and nails. The benefits of Beef Gelatin are great, and primarily helps the body digest food you might not be used to eating. Beef Gelatin is slower to digest, moves through the GI tract further and coats the small intestine. Anyone can try out Beef Gelatin but the product is particularly beneficial for people following diets that support gut health like GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet), AIP (Autoimmune Paleo Protocol), or SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet).

Okay, I’ll Give It a Shot. But How Do I Prepare It?

Our Beef Gelatin must first be “bloomed” in a cold or room temperature liquid. This process plumps up the granules and makes them easier to stir into your food. After “blooming.” you’ll need to add them to hot liquid in order to fully dissolve them. Beef Gelatin sets up jiggly (like jello) when chilled. It’s unflavored so it makes a great addition to protein gummies or as a thickener in soups, custards, and stews.

Do You Have a Beef Gelatin Recipe You Recommend I Try?

Yes, we have tons on our blog, Lively! In addition to stirring Beef Gelatin into soups and stews, we’ve found that making our Beef Gelatin a key ingredient in some your favorite savory or sweet meals is always a good idea. Think:Paleo Pizza and Dairy-Free Banana Pudding. The possibilities are endless! But one of our fan-favorite recipes where we see Beef Gelatin really shine is in protein gummies. These Peaches & Cream Gummies taste like gummy candy, but really they’re supplying you with enough collagen for the day.

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Beef gelatin, what’s the use?

Beef Gelatin is an excellent source of protein, contains valuable amino acids and is low in calories, sugar, fat and carbohydrates

Beef Gelatin is a powdered supplement made from bovine hides (natural, unbleached leather and cow hair). It is specifically derived from bovine collagen, which is a structural protein and is also found in the human body. It is essential for overall health as it helps shape our joints, ligaments, skin, bones, gastrointestinal mucosa, and more. Both gelatin and collagen supplements are made up of amino acids, including glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine, which are essential for digestion, wound healing, joint support, and more.

In addition to being an excellent source of protein, beef gelatin can be used as a thickening agent in cooking or baking. It is considered a “texturizer” and “stabilizer” in recipes due to the way it absorbs liquid and forms a gel-like or jelly-like consistency, such as in gummies, jams, jellies, puddings, and marshmallows.

Contents

1. Overview and Basics
2. What is Beef Gelatin?
3. Nutrition
4. What are the Benefits of Beef Gelatin?
5. Dosage and Use of Beef Gelatin
6. Use in Prescriptions
7. Risks and Side Effects
8. Conclusion

What is Beef Gelatin?

Gelatin is “a virtually colorless and tasteless water-soluble protein derived from collagen and used in food as a base for jelly, and is also used in photographic processes and in the manufacture of adhesives. ”

If you make bone broth at home, you will see that gelatin is the “gelatinous” component of animal parts, including animal skin, bone marrow, and tendons. Beef gelatin takes shape and becomes jelly-like when mixed with hot liquid. It is practically tasteless, which means it can be used in a variety of recipes. Beef gelatin works a little differently than collagen powder, which is dissolved in hot water or other hot liquids like coffee.

How do manufacturers make beef gelatin? Is there beef in beef gelatin?

Beef gelatin powder supplements do not actually contain beef, but are called beef gelatin because it is derived from bovine collagen. Some of the high quality beef gelatin supplements currently available are derived from pasture-raised bovine collagen. The collagen is then cooked and heated, resulting in the release of gelatin.

Extraction of gelatin in food production is usually carried out using hot water and acid solutions to hydrolyze collagen into gelatin. Then certain filtration, clarification and sterilization processes are carried out to obtain the dried end product, depending on how it is sold.

Nutrition

Gelatin is considered a “pure protein” because it contains almost no fat, fiber, sugar, carbohydrates, or other vitamins and minerals. It consists of about 98-99 percent protein by dry weight.

One tablespoon of beef gelatin powder contains about:

• 35 calories
• 0 grams of fat, sugar, sodium or carbohydrates
• 9 grams of protein ). Amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein, and gelatin contains them in relatively high amounts that are difficult to obtain from other food sources. These amino acids include glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. Gelatin is especially rich in the amino acid glycine, which is beneficial for joints, sleep, cognitive health, and more.

  The amino acid composition of gelatin is as follows:

  • 21% glycine
  • 12% proline
  • 12% hydroxyproline
  • 10% glutamic acid
  • 9 % alanine
  • 8% arginine
  • 6% aspartic acid
  • 4% lysine

  Beef gelatin and collagen protein – what’s the difference?

  Collagen protein powder (also called hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides) is unflavored and dissolves in both hot and cold liquids. Once hydrolyzed, collagen protein is easily digestible as it is broken down into smaller, digestible units.

  Collagen is considered by some to be “absorbed faster” than gelatin and recommended instead of gelatin before or after exercise. However, in general, hydrolyzed collagen and gelatin are very similar as they contain the same amino acids and have comparable benefits.

  What are the benefits of Beef Gelatin?

  1. High content of absorbable protein. As mentioned above, gelatin is derived from collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagen protein and gelatin contribute to the structure of connective tissues. Regular consumption of these proteins helps to restore and care for the intestines, skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones and joints.

  The benefits of consuming more gelatin and protein in general include:

  • Supports joint health, comfort and mobility
  • Supports intestinal and digestive health through the role that amino acids play in maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity
  • Increased muscle mass
  • Hunger reduction
  • Bone health support
  • Help with blood sugar control
  • Cognitive support including memory and learning
  • Supports exercise and recovery
  • Helps maintain healthy, youthful skin
  • Helps maintain healthy hair and strong nails
  • Promotes quality sleep

  2. Supports gut health and digestion. Gelatin Powder is considered a highly digestible form of protein suitable for people on a variety of diets such as Paleo, Keto, Autoimmune Diets, GAPs and more. (However, it is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians as it comes from cows.)

  For people with dairy sensitivities or those who find it difficult to break down fatty cuts of meat due to various gastrointestinal problems, gelatin has the advantage of being free of common allergens and digestive irritants. It can even help keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce appetite naturally, which will benefit diabetics and those looking to lose weight.

  It’s also good for digestive and intestinal health, as its amino acids help repair the intestinal lining, supporting nutrient absorption and helping to prevent problems such as leaky gut. Keep in mind that about 75 percent or more of your immune system is located in your gut, meaning that a healthy gut also contributes to a healthy immune system.

  3. Helps maintain healthy joints. The amino acids in gelatin and collagen help hold the body together by acting as an internal “glue” to form connective tissues including joints, cartilage and ligaments. Unfortunately, as we age, our body’s natural production of collagen slows down, so it’s recommended that you consume more collagen and gelatin to keep your joints and cartilage in good shape.

  Increased intake of certain amino acids, such as glycine, may help strengthen and function joints while reducing joint pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. A diet with adequate protein is also important for building muscle mass, maintaining strong bones, and supporting physical activity and recovery while promoting overall comfort and mobility.

  Beef Gelatin Dosage and Use

  Beef gelatin can be made at home, much like you can make bone broth, or you can buy pre-made powder.

  How much should I take or can I take it every day? The general recommendation for adults is to consume one or two servings of gelatin supplements per day. Each serving is usually about one scoop of powder, providing about nine grams of protein that can be mixed into a 0.25 to 0.5 liter liquid. (Typically, a hot liquid of 77 degrees Celsius or higher is required to completely dissolve the powder).

  What is the best way to use it? Some people even use beef gelatin with cold water, for example in smoothies or juices. If you are going to buy it in grocery stores or online, you will likely find gelatin in the form of sheets, granules, or powders. Using gelatin in recipes helps add volume and a smooth texture without adding a lot of calories. It also increases the protein content, which makes the recipe more nutritious. In addition, it is a natural thickener, stabilizer and texturizer.

  Most beef gelatin powders must first be soaked in cold water and then dissolved in warm or hot water. This helps the gelatin to swell or “bloom” and then dissolve into the liquid without clumps. After dissolving in hot liquid, you can refrigerate the mixture so that it forms into a jelly-like texture.

  Where can I find Beef Gelatin? Beef gelatin powder can be found in health food stores, some major supermarkets, or online. Wherever supplements are sold, beef gelatin and collagen protein are also likely to be found. For the best quality, choose gelatin that is derived from grass-fed bovine hides and contains no fillers or additives.

  Use in Recipes

  You can use beef gelatin in a variety of sweet and savory recipes, especially those that have a jelly-like, creamy or velvety texture. For example, you can add gelatin powder to homemade bone broth or make the following:

  • Protein gummies
  • Fruit-based jelly
  • Jelly
  • Cough drops

  You can also add it to soup s or stews or use in baking and treats like pudding, mousse, custard, cream cheese, oatmeal, or even pies.

  Although most brands of beef gelatin are tasteless, some people find that gelatin leaves a bad taste in the mouth. In this case, adding powdered beef gelatin to soups or smoothies can help mask the taste and make it more tolerable.

  What can be used as a substitute for Beef Gelatin? Collagen powder is the most obvious substitute for gelatin. However, collagen will not give recipes the same jelly consistency. The advantage of using collagen is that it dissolves in liquids of any temperature.

  In vegan or vegetarian recipes, other thickeners can be used as substitutes for gelatin, including agar-agar (or agar powder), arrowroot, or tapioca. The most suitable substitute depends on the specific recipe you are preparing. Most people find that agar powder provides the texture most similar to gelatin in recipes such as jelly. It’s best to start with a small amount each day, such as one serving or half a serving, and gradually increase your intake to make sure you’re tolerating it well.

  To minimize the risk of product consumption, it is recommended to purchase gelatin and collagen products derived from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals as these animals are healthier and are not raised with artificial hormones or antibiotics.

  Non-GMO Organic Gelatin is also a smart option as it ensures cows don’t eat food that consists of GMO grains or chemically treated crops.

  Conclusion

  • Bovine gelatin is a protein supplement derived from bovine collagen (found in cow skin and hair). It is an excellent source of digestible protein, it contains a valuable blend of amino acids and is low in calories, sugar, fat and carbohydrates.
  • Benefits of beef gelatin may include support for joint and bone health, muscle building, gut integrity and digestive health, skin and hair health, and more.
  • Gelatin recipes include gummies, jellies, marshmallows, puddings, smoothies, soups and pies.
  • If you are a vegan, gelatin substitutes may include agar powder, arrowroot, or tapioca. Collagen protein powder is a good alternative for those who don’t avoid all animal products.

  8 health benefits of gelatin | PHARMACY

  Gelatin is not one of the first things that come to mind when thinking about healthy food. However, it brings much more benefits than it might seem at first glance.

  The health benefits of gelatin are similar to those of collagen because gelatin contains the same amino acids. Gelatin can be used in food, medicine and cosmetics as a gelling agent. Below are 8 health benefits of gelatin.

  1. Skin improvement

  Collagen is a substance that gives the skin a healthy and youthful appearance. As people age, they lose collagen, which causes skin to lose elasticity and firmness. As a result, wrinkles form. Because gelatin is a great source of collagen, it can be a natural way to improve the look of your skin.

  2. Protein saturation

  ½ cup of gelatin contains 2 g of protein. At the same time, gelatin is a source of protein that does not contain harmful fats, unlike animal proteins.

  3. Digestion improvement

  Gelatin can improve gastrointestinal function in several ways. For example, the glycine in gelatin may contribute to the normal functioning of the gastric mucosa. Gelatin also stimulates the production of gastric juice, which contributes to proper digestion. In addition, gelatin binds to water and can help move food through the digestive system.

  4. Joint pain relief

  Collagen in gelatin may reduce joint pain associated with inflammation. According to the US National Library of Medicine, some clinical studies show that gelatin can reduce pain and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis.

  5. Blood glucose monitoring

  One study shows that glycine, which is one of the main amino acids in gelatin, can help improve blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

  6. Bone health

  The lysine found in gelatin helps strengthen bones by absorbing calcium, which is essential for bone health.