When someone mentions gelatin, two things typically come to mind, orange Jell-o and cow hooves.. that's as much exposure as I had had up until recently.

It started with a recipe for bone broth. Everyone raving about how the stuff is so great, so good for you.. etc. I just wanted to know why, so here's the scoop.

First, there are several types of gelatin and different ways to get it into your system. There's regular gelatin, such as this one. This is for 'gelling', making desserts, healthy gummies and the like. It's harder to digest, not recommended as a supplement.

Collagen Hydrolysate is another form. It's comes in powder or capsule form and is easier to digest. This one is cold water soluble, does not gel and can be used in place of or with protein powders and shakes.


Another great source of gelatin in Bone Broth, the easiest and best two recipes are here and some great information can be found here. You can also buy it in the frozen food section in most health food stores, but be sure to check the label for quality ingredients and no fillers/preservatives.  Grass-fed, hormone and anti-biotic free bone broth is a great way to take in many vitamins, minerals, collagen and protein, but that's another post.


Gelatin powder is just dehydrated broth powder sourced from bones, cartilage and collagen.

Now, here's the part you've been waiting for, all the reasons you need to start add this to your diet starting now:

1. Anti-aging/Wrinkles, Cellulite, Wound Repair & Stretchmark Prevention:  

I decided to condense these into number one for several reasons. Part of what makes gelatin so amazing is that is actually makes up the connective tissues of skin, providing its strength, firmness and elasticity.

The collagen found in gelatin is vital for tone and cell renewal/turnover which is key for anti-aging and stretchmark prevention.  The loss of collagen is the cause of wrinkles and cellulite, and the breakdown and lack of elasticity is responsible for stretchmarks.

This also equals longer, healthier hair and nails for all those ladies taking biotin supplements, just start taking gelatin and your results will be tenfold.

2. Protein: 

Incredibly protein dense, for powdered gelatin 1TBSP = 6g of quality protein! This source can make up to 30% of your protein intake (about 3-6 TBSP per day).  Protein makes up your hair, skin, nails, bones, muscles and cells. It contributes to muscle recovery and maintenance, keeps you feeling 'full' longer, which can assist in weight-loss or muscle gain (depending on what your goals are) improves brain function, blood pressure and sleep quality. Wow, and that's only a few of the perks.

3. Digestion & Metabolism