Inconspicuous in appearance, neutral in taste, gelatin plays a significant role in cooking and cosmetology. The binding properties of the protein substance provide a wide range of applications, but for the second hundred years, discussions about gelatin have not ceased. The benefits and harms of the product require detailed consideration.
Underestimated gelatin - the invention and the beginning of the application
In 1985, engineer Peter Cooper invented gelatin, but he could not find a worthy application for it, and for almost half a century the substance was considered useless. The tipping point came with the generosity of inventor Pearl Waite, who appreciated its binding properties and lack of pronounced taste.
The active use of gelatin began with the creation of an exquisite dessert - jelly. At first, only culinary specialists began to create original dishes with it (confectionery, meat and fish delicacies), but very soon the benefits of gelatin became apparent in many areas (cosmetology, pharmaceuticals, photo industry).
Gelatin is a protein substance that is formed by extracting sticky elements from the joints, tendons, meat, bones and hooves of animals. It is most profitable to produce it from cattle. However, there is also a vegetarian alternative to this product - gelatin, which is made from agar-agar (brown and red algae jelly).
Composition
The composition of gelatin has a pleasant variety:
- Impressive content of collagen
- Fibrous protein (collagen) plays a special role in human longevity, as it strengthens the connective tissue of joints, ligaments, tendons and skin. Timely replenishment of collagen in the body significantly slows down the aging process, has a general strengthening effect. Therefore, gelatin for joints is indispensable!
- The presence of amino acids (alanine, aspartic and glutamic acid, glycine, proline)
- Gelatin contains a small amount of amino acids, which does not allow it to be used as a replenishment of protein nutrition in weightlifting and fitness. But the substances contained have a great influence on the functionality of the connective tissue - they contribute to the rapid healing of fractures, the restoration of worn joints, and the healing of damaged ligaments.
- Many useful vitamins and minerals (iron, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, carbohydrates, protein)
- In gelatin, useful substances are presented in small quantities, but they are very well absorbed by the body. Regular use strengthens the immune system, has a beneficial effect on the appearance - refreshes the complexion, prevents the appearance of premature wrinkles and hair loss.
Contraindications to the use of gelatin
There are no completely harmless products, especially if consumed in excessive amounts. What is good and what is bad gelatin? The benefits and harms depend on the individual characteristics of people, as well as methods of use.
When is it worth saying “No” to gelatin? Contraindications of gelatin directly relate to people who have certain health problems. It is necessary to abandon the substance or strictly control its dosage when:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Various disorders of water-salt metabolism
- Kidney problems (prone to stone formation, kidney failure)
- Blood diseases (especially in violation of coagulation, a tendency to form blood clots).
Useful properties of gelatin
The culinary industry, medicine and the beauty industry have received the greatest benefit from gelatin. The substance pleases with an inexpensive price and a wide scope of use.
The use of gelatin provides longevity and "wear resistance" of the body:
- prevents the occurrence of injuries from strength training;
- promotes rapid healing of fractures;
- Helps repair damaged joints.
It has a rejuvenating and restorative effect on the appearance.
hair gelatin
Strengthens and restores damaged hair, filling them with vitality. Nails become stronger, the problem of brittleness, dullness and an unhealthy shade disappears.
face gelatin
Improves the condition of the skin, prevents the appearance of wrinkles, making the skin more elastic and fresh. Gelatin is excellent for blackheads, acting from the inside (promotes good metabolism and digestion) and from the outside (a very effective mask of coal and gelatin for cell regeneration, getting rid of inflammation and blackheads).
Gelatin for joints
Minimizes age-related joint problems by replenishing collagen reserves in a timely manner. Need to improve joint mobility? You will have to consume gelatin daily in small doses.
Gelatin for weight loss
Although the substance is quite high in calories (335 kC per 100 grams), it is recommended for strict diets as an alternative to sweets. Dessert jelly, jellied meat or fish, it is impossible to overeat, because saturation occurs very quickly. Gelatin promotes the harmonization of metabolism and stabilizes the nervous system.
Popular Uses for Gelatin
Gelatin is used both for healing the body from the inside, and for performing a number of cosmetic procedures.
Impact on internal organs
Powder (granules, plates) of gelatin can be used according to several recipes:
Gelatin cocktail
In a glass of warm water, you need to dissolve 2 or 3 teaspoons of gelatin (without a slide). A cocktail is drunk to strengthen joints and bones once a day (preferably at bedtime), in small courses (no more than 3 months in a row).
· Food supplement
The addition of gelatin to dairy products (milk, yogurt) and food (cereals, soups, confectionery) allows you to quietly increase the dose of collagen and transform the taste of products.
・Separate product
The easiest way to use gelatin is in the form of delicious dessert jellies, homemade sweets (for example, Turkish delight or marmalade). Such sweets are easily digested and do not harm the figure at all.
Cosmetic tricks
In cosmetology, gelatin is actively used to create comfortable and effective masks. The binding properties help to make the rejuvenating or cleansing agent stronger, firmly enveloping the skin and “taking away” dead cells.
Gelatin nail masks
Brittle nails need gelatin baths. First you need to insist 100 grams of gelatin in cold water, and when it swells, heat it on the stove, adding any juice (beetroot, carrot, orange) to the substance. You need to heat it to a pleasant temperature so that your fingers feel comfortable in warm gelatin.
Gelatin skin masks
You can add gelatin to any homemade mask. However, you will have to strictly control the dosage - a teaspoon of powdered gelatin is diluted with a glass of warm water, and then the main ingredients of the mask (honey, vegetables or fruits, berries or herbs) are mixed into it.
Gelatin hair mask
Eliminates split ends, restores vibrant hair color with a special gelatin mask. A tablespoon of the powder should be diluted with a glass of warm water, then add essential oils to it (rosemary is ideal) and a little apple cider vinegar (a teaspoon). The mixture should be infused for about half an hour, and after application, keep under a towel for 15-20 minutes.
Gelatin is considered a universal substance, since it is actively used in virtually all significant areas of human activity - industry, cosmetology and, of course, cooking. The wise use of the substance will provide you with longevity, bodily strength and unfading beauty.
