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Seasonal Skin Care Tips
When you transition into a new season, changing your wardrobe isn’t the only thing you should be taking care of. Your skincare routine depends on weather no less than your choice of clothes. And if you want to avoid various weather change skin challenges, you need to choose a proper skincare regimen every winter, spring, summer, and autumn. With the winter kicking in, we decided to share a few seasonal skin care tips to help you keep your skin healthy and radiant no matter the weather. Read on to discover our tops picks. Why Is Seasonal Skin Care Important? What works for your skin in summer, might not work for it in winter, and vice versa. The weather change comes with different humidity levels. It means that in summer and spring the air is much hotter and humid, so your skin might be more oily and prone to breakouts. Whereas in autumn and winter, the air is drier, so your skin tends to be more dehydrated too. This obviously also depends on where you live, so keep that in mind. “Different seasons affect our skin because of the humidity, dryness, and change in temperature that the weather brings. You’ll notice your skin drying out during the winter, or your skin being more greasy and sweaty during the summertime. Some tips to combat this is to stick to a skin regime. This means washing your face every night and morning, using a cleanser, and applying lotion if needed. Supplementing some vitamin D is great for your skin too! Another random tip that has been helping my patients with cystic acne is to watch how long your showers are as well as the temperature you’re using. If you take long, hot showers, you might be damaging your skin.” Dr Robert Karsch of AICA Seasonal Skin Care Guide Autumn Skin Care: You’d want to use products that won’t dry your skin and help it rejuvenate after a hot and humid summer season. Winter Skin Care: Switch to more nourishing and gentle products that would help your skin survive cold temperatures and keep it well-hydrated. Spring Skin Care: You’d want to focus on products that can help you restore your skin’s radiance and get rid of dullness after a harsh winter. Summer Skin Care: Focus on skincare products that can help your skin stay clean and matte. You’d also want to choose lightweight moisturizers to avoid oil buildup and acne. “SPRING & SUMMER The vitamins you should have on hand (with the approval of a healthcare professional) are: Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen and is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E rids the body of impurities but most importantly protects from sun damage. Vitamin A helps the skin repair from sun damage and reduces the risk of skin cancers. AUTUMN & WINTER These vitamins should be used during the cooler months (with the approval of a healthcare provider): Vitamin B may prevent a vitamin B deficiency that causes flaky, dry skin and lips. Vitamin D helps in the prevention of premature aging, helps heal your dry skin this time of year. Omega 3 helps retain moisture and healthy oils, keeping you hydrated during the colder weather.” Stephanie Ivonne, Licensed Esthetician, Smart Style Today Top 7 Skin Care Tips for All Seasons If you want your skin to survive heat and cold without severe damages, you’ll need to stick to a specific regimen that suits your skin the best. Here are some seasonal skin care tips that may help you keep your skin flawless any time of the year. “Tips for seasonal skincare are going to be dependant on the individual. You must first observe the changes that your skin goes through during the seasons. Once you have observed the issues and changes in your skin, you can build a routine around the seasons. Generally, the air in the winter holds less water, which leads most people to have dry skin. To alleviate this, you will want to use a more gentle cleanser. Exfoliating is great for removing dry, dead skin cells, but too much of this during any season can irritate the skin, especially during the winter when skin may be more sensitive. Using a moisturiser with humectants and occlusives is best. Occlusives help to create a film over the skin to hold the moisture in, and humectants (hyaluronic acid is an example of one) help to attract water to the skin.” Vanessa Thomas, Cosmetic Chemist & Founder of Freelance Formulations 1. Cleanse Regularly Cleansing should be one of the key steps of your skincare routine. A cleanser can help you get rid of extra oil, grease, and bacteria stuck on your face and body. Yet, your choice of cleanser will depend on the time of the year. Once autumn/winter comes, you’d want to choose a more creamy and hydrating cleansing formula for your skin. However, when you transition towards spring/summer, it’s time to go for a lighter cleanser in the form of a gel or foam. 2. Remember to Hydrate “Hydrate with water – half your body weight in ounces and good fats such as avocado, raw nuts such as pecans and almonds, raw oils such as olive or sesame keep the skin moist and diminish wrinkles from within. Sleeping 8 hours is a beauty secret!” Renee Ascencio, CEO, Natural Healing Center Drinking a few litres of water per day helps your body stay hydrated as well as makes your skin look healthier. However, if you wish to give your skin an extra hydration boost, you might want to consider serums. When you’re shopping for a hydrating serum, look for such ingredients as ceramides and hyaluronic acid. They can become your number one skincare friends, especially during the colder months. P.S. It’s better to apply serums before lotions and heavier creams. 3. Always Moisturise Whether it’s a hot summer day or freezing winter morning, you need to moisturise your skin in both cases, but a little bit differently. For spring and summer times, choose a gel-based or lightweight cream/lotion that won’t clog your pores and let your skin breathe. When you jump into autumn and winter, you can switch to rich cream formulas that would protect your skin from cold temperatures and dry air. 4. Keep Your SPF Handy If you want your skin to look young for as long as possible, you should use a cream with SPF every single day. You can even put a reminder to do so every time you go outside even if it’s a cold winter day. “It’s important to remember that just because you can’t physically see the sun doesn’t mean it’s not there. Whether it’s hot or cold, sunny or cloudy, you should be wearing a moisturiser that contains SPF protection This ensures that your skin is protected no matter the weather.” Adina Mahalli, Hair & Skincare Expert at Maple Holistics Unfortunately, many people forget how critical to use sunscreen to protect the skin from ageing, wrinkles, and skin-related diseases. SPF moisturiser is seasonless, so stock up on yours and remember to reapply it every 2-3 hours if you don’t want to get those pesky wrinkles ahead of time. 5. Exfoliate During colder seasons, your skin is more prone to dryness and needs to be moisturised better. That’s when exfoliation comes in handy. It helps you remove the top layer of dead skin cells and lets moisturisers work more effectively. So, if you strive to have soft and silky “summer” skin in winter, take your time to choose the right exfoliator for your skin type. 6. Monitor Your Food Based Vitamin Intake Each season offers a lot of different fruit and vegetables full of vital vitamins, and you should most definitely take advantage of that. “Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, so it helps to combat free radicals. Vitamin E is important if you are exposed to UV rays because UV rays can reduce Vitamin E levels in the skin. Niacin or Vitamin B3 is also effective in protecting skin from sun damage. Another important vitamin for skin health is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an integral role in skin barrier function, moisture, and skin cell growth. Vitamin D has been shown to improve symptoms such as dry skin.” Vanessa Thomas, Cosmetic Chemist & Founder of Freelance Formulations “Vitamin D is very good for the skin. So, in the colder or shadier months of the year, having this vitamin is really beneficial as you are still getting those nutrients you would get from the sun. If you eat lighter meals in the summer and spring, Vitamin A is found in heartier meals, so perfect for when you need the nutrients but aren't having those roast dinners anymore.” Dr.Giuseppe Aragona, General Practitioner & Family Doctor at Prescription Doctor M.D. 7. Sleep Well There are tons of beauty products you can use to maintain your skin smooth and radiant. Yet, one of the best things you can do for it is to have sufficient sleep and avoid stress. A healthy and balanced lifestyle should be your number one priority if you want to have a beautiful complexion and prevent premature signs of aging. Final Words Taking care of your skin is a year-round job that you should adjust accordingly. There are quite a few environmental factors that can affect your skin during the transition between seasons, and you have to account for them when creating your skincare routine. In a nutshell, no matter the weather, always stick to these skin care tips: moisturise, exfoliate, and use sunscreen. Invest in quality products; your skin will thank you later. Also, do not forget to maintain a healthy diet, supply your body with vitamins, and have a good night’s sleep. If you have severe skin problems or not sure what products to choose, always consult your dermatologist first.
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Are Organ Meats Healthy? Here is What You Should Know
Once a delicacy, organ meats are slowly making a comeback. Even though they are not a staple, organ meats are full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients vital for your health. If you have not got used to the idea of consuming organ meats yet, you’ll be surprised to learn that they are much higher in nutrients than traditional muscle meat. So, is it worth introducing organ meats to your diet? Read on to discover the benefits and risks of organ meats, and how you can enjoy them more. What Are Organ Meats? Organ meats, also known as offal, are animal organs that you can cook and consume as food. They usually come from cows, ducks, pigs, lambs, goats, and chickens. Although offal isn’t widely popular in Australia and North America, for centuries, organ meats have been the main ingredients in many European and Asian dishes. "Certain cultures use organ meats to add flavour and nutrients to soups, stews, and patés. Menudo uses tripe, Basque recipes serve tongue in soups, and French recipes make delicious patés." Lynell Ross, Founder and Managing Editor at Zivadream The most common organ meats include heart, liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, tripe, and tongue. Some people also eat such animal organs as intestines, brains, and even testicles (usually referred to as “oysters”.) Even if you find the idea of adding organ meats to your diet a bit off-putting, you shouldn’t overlook their nutritional value. They’re an excellent source of protein, iron, vitamin B2, and folate. What Are The Different Types of Organ Meats? While offal gets less attention than some muscle meat, organ meats have a higher concentration of minerals and nutrients than some famous superfoods like broccoli, kale, or spinach. Depending on where you live, you can commonly come across these types of organ meats: Liver Both chicken and beef livers are a great source of nutrients. For example, the chicken liver has only 116 calories, yet it contains twice as much vitamin A and vitamin B12 as the recommended daily value. Vitamin A is known to be beneficial for eye health and fighting against such diseases as Alzheimer’s and arthritis. Liver is also known for the high amounts of vitamin B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, iron, phosphorus, folic acid, chromium, selenium, and copper. So, it can be good for increasing hemoglobin levels in the blood. If you prefer beef liver more, here’s what you’ll get from 100 grams (3.5-ounces) of cooked meat: Calories: 175 Protein: 27 grams Vitamin A: 522% of the RDI Vitamin B6: 51% of the RDI Vitamin B12: 1,386% of the RDI Niacin: 87% of the RDI Copper: 730% of the RDI Iron: 34% of the RDI Zinc: 35% of the RDI Riboflavin: 201% of the RDI Selenium: 47% of the RDI *RDI = Recommended Daily Intake That said, no wonder why liver is considered to be the king of organ meats. Kidneys We know the thought of eating kidney meat might not make your mouth water; however, you should still be aware of its nutritional benefits. Cow kidney contains omega-3 fatty acids and is rich in protein and nutrients. It's known for providing 228% of the daily value recommended for selenium. Thus, eating kidneys can have a very positive effect on your health. They’re also believed to be good for the heart and prevent certain types of cancer. Heart Beef heart contains the most CoQ10 than any of the organ meats. It’s also rich in iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, niacin, selenium, folate as well as vitamins B2, B6, and B12. Thanks to being an excellent source of coenzyme Q10, heart meat can help prevent heart disease, improve energy levels, and slow down the aging process. Tongue Tongue meat has a little bit less nutritional value than other types of offal, yet it’s still very beneficial, especially for those recovering from illness. It’s rich in zinc, choline, iron, and vitamin B12. However, you should also remember that the tongue meat is full of fatty acids and has over 250 calories per serving. Are organ meats healthy? Even though organ meats cannot be found in every household yet, they’re sometimes referred to as superfoods. Generally, organ meats have a lot of nutrients vital to our health and have been proven to be useful for preventing certain diseases. Organ meats also contain a significant amount of vitamin A, especially liver. Although vitamin A is critical during pregnancy, its excessive intakes can cause severe congenital disabilities. So, if you’re taking supplements containing vitamin A, you should monitor your intake of organ meats closely. Benefits of Adding Organ Meats to Your Diet Although it might be hard to get over the mental fact of consuming organ meats, they have a lot of advantages not only for your health but also for your wallet. Here are a few of them: 1. Great source of vitamins A & B Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant, and offal contains a lot of it. It can support your immune system, maintain skin and eye health as well as protect from some diseases associated with inflammation. Organ meats provide you with such types of vitamin B as vitamin B12, niacin, vitamin B6, riboflavin. All of them can help you lower the risk of getting heart disease. Plus, offal meat high in vitamin B can contribute to keeping your brain healthy. 2. Keeps you feeling full longer Since organ meats are rich in protein, they can reduce your appetite and make you feel fuller. A high-protein diet is also known for boosting your metabolism and promoting weight loss. 3. Excellent source of iron Unlike the non-heme iron from plant foods, your body better absorbs the heme iron found in organ meats. Iron is also responsible for the creating of your hemoglobin-filled blood cells. 4. Helps build and retain muscle mass Protein is one of the primary nutrients that contribute to tissue growth and repair. So, if you want to build muscle mass and preserve it, organ meats can provide you with a lot of high-quality protein. 5. Easy on your wallet Since organ meats aren’t as popular as other types of meat, you can usually find them for a much lower price. Plus, by consuming offal, you can contribute to reducing food waste. How to Eat More Organ Meats & Enjoy Them Before you start incorporating offal into your diet, first make sure you’re buying high-quality grass-fed organ meats sourced by farms that apply organic practices. It’ll make it easier for you to enjoy dishes with offal as well as prevent any risks from consuming grain-fed organ meats. Start small “There’s definitely a mental aspect to get over when eating organ meats. If ingesting organ meat isn’t part of your culture or how you grew up, trying to eat, it can turn into a mind game. If you’re just getting started, organic chicken livers are a great place to start. They’re very mild tasting and easy to prepare. Saute some garlic and onion with olive oil and add the chicken livers and pan-fry them until they’re cooked. Heart meat from cows or other ungulates (i.e., wild game) is another mild-tasting organ option. I recommend slicing thin, dredging in flour and spices, and pan-frying. Liver is the most nutritious of the organ meats, but it also has a distinct flavour and texture that doesn’t appeal to everyone. The liver served with caramelized onions is a popular option.” Melanie Musson, Lifestyle Writer for QuickQuote.com Let someone else prepare them “To enjoy organ meats, it can be best to order them from a restaurant menu. Organ meats are not like a steak or a chop -- most need some specific prep techniques and TLC to remain tender. Kidneys, for example, have a tough membrane in the centre that needs to be removed. Kidneys and sweetbreads both need to be soaked for several hours, or they'll have an unpleasant taste. Improperly prepared organ meats probably account for much of people's aversion to them. For example, when prepared well, sweetbreads are delicious (they’re my personal favourite, but I only have them at the restaurants.)”Keith-Thomas Ayoob, EdD, RD, FAND, Associate Clinical Professor Emeritus, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Don’t be afraid to experiment “The easiest way to incorporate organ meats into your diet is simply to substitute them for the meat components in other dishes. So if you enjoy eating Bolognese once a week, swap out the beef for some ground-up liver or kidney. I know it sounds strange, but you’ll be surprised by how similar they taste. I also like to incorporate organ meats into soups with other, more traditional meats. The organ parts blend in, and you can’t even tell they’re there!” Heloise Blaure, Founder of HomeKitchenLand Open your mind “The first step is simply to understand that a whole-animal approach to eating is absolutely natural and healthy and that your initial fear or disgust around organ meats is arbitrary and learned, not inherent. Throughout human history, and to this day around the world, humans enjoy, benefit from, and even covet, offal. And while some organs are more challenging to eat and have stronger flavours that may be unfamiliar, many are surprisingly mild and even decadent. Heart, for example, is just another muscle (much like your steak) and, when prepared properly, has a delicious, steak-like flavour and texture. Sweetbreads (the thymus gland of a cow or lamb) have a mild, creamy flavour and tastes delicious when fried. Chicken liver makes a nutritious and rich pâté that goes excellently on a charcuterie board. The best way to open your mind—and palate—to these types of cuts is to start small: go for chicken hearts and livers, as they’re easy to find and cook and mild tasting, and consider buying (or making your own) a combination of ground heart and beef for burgers or sausages—you’ll find you don’t even taste the organ at all, but you’re getting the health benefits all the same.”Kristin Zamani, Senior Publicist at Victory Belt Publishing Try organ meat supplements If you can’t get over the idea of eating organs of animals but still want to try adding them to your diet, you should consider supplements made from organ meats. For example, we offer a wide range of grass-fed supplements that can help you reap the benefits of organ meats without having to deal with the preparation. Check out delicious recipes you can follow using our organ meat supplements. The Bottom Line Organ meats have very high nutritional value. They're rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that might be hard to find in other foods. Including offal into your diet can help you get more nutritional value for much cheaper. Plus, there are a lot of delicious dishes you can prepare with organ meats that can satisfy even the pickiest taste buds.
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Report: How dangerous is Rugby
We’re taking a look at three different studies that examined what rugby sports-related injuries look like and some preventative steps rugby players can take to avoid injury.
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Marine vs Bovine Collagen: What's the difference?
What's the difference between Marine Collagen and Bovine Collagen? Marine vs Bovine Collagen: What’s the Difference? Collagen protein has really hit the ground running in the nutrition scene over the last couple of years. Athletes are using it to help refuel tired muscles after an intense workout, while others are turning to collagen to help support gut health, or boost the appearance of skin. No matter what reason you choose to use collagen protein when it comes to deciding which one to use, things can get a little tricky. There are so many options available, and it can make it confusing when trying to decide which option is going to work best for you. We are going to break down the difference between marine and bovine collagen, talk about exactly what you need to know and dive into why you may choose to use one over the other. What’s the Difference between marine collagen and bovine collagen? To help you better understand which option may work better for you, let’s break down how marine and bovine collagen are used, but also look at how these two are different as well. What is Marine Collagen? Marine collagen is essentially all Type I collagen which is why so many people turn to this supplement to help support their skin as the is the exact type of collagen our skin is made of. Research has shown that marine collagen may even be beneficial for reducing signs of premature aging as well as wrinkles. (1) Our Advanced Marine Collagen makes the ideal collagen food supplement choice for anyone who avoids adding meat to their diet. Our Advanced Marine Collagen is also Type 1 Collagen which is what our skin is made of. It is also made from the skin of fish and not the scales which results in a far more premium collagen. Our marine collagen is 95% protein, contains no added ingredients, and is sourced from wild-caught cod skin, so you know you are getting the highest quality marine collagen available. Our marine collagen is also super simple to use, easily dissolves in liquid and has a high bioavailability. Lastly, if you’re wondering whether or not your protein shake is going to taste like fish oil, fear not. Since all of the actual oils are removed from the final product, you can enjoy marine collagen just as you would bovine collagen without having to worry about a fishy taste. Bovine Collagen Bovine collagen (aka beef collagen) is both Type I and Type III collagen and is most commonly used as a protein supplement for muscle growth, joint support and also skin elasticity. As we age, the amount of collagen in our body reduces, and with the demand we put on our muscles and joints daily, it’s also important to reduce any joint or muscle pain which can also often be related to arthritis. Studies have found that collagen hydrolysate has been useful to reduce activity related joint pain and the protein content of collagen may also support better muscle and joint function. (2) Our Peptipro Collagen Hydrolysate product may help reducing activity-related joint pain and may help supports/maintains skin elasticity in women and helps to promote reduction of eye wrinkle volume and increases components of the dermal matrix Bovine collagen hydrolysate is also rich in glycine, an important amino acid that helps support digestion, and can help with the breakdown of fatty foods while also supporting optimal levels of acidity in the digestive tract to help support better overall digestion. Glycine can also help with immune function, and can help improve sleep. (3) You can mix our bovine collagen supplement into your daily smoothie, protein shake, cup of yogurt, or even mixed into your morning cup of coffee or tea. Which One is Better? If you’re new to the world of collagen protein, and just aren’t sure where to start, the answer to whether or not you should use marine vs bovine collagen is really going to come down to a few things. Keep in mind that there’s no one straight forward answer making one better than other, what it really comes down to is personal preference, any dietary restrictions you may have, and what exactly you are trying to achieve by supplementing with collagen in the first place. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting marine vs bovine collagen: Dietary Preference: A big thing to keep in mind when determining which option is going to work best for you has to do with dietary preferences. If you avoid meat products but still enjoy fish, then marine collagen is going to be a better option. Food Allergies: Food allergies and sensitivities will also be a big part of deciding whether bovine or marine collagen it a better choice for you. For people with fish allergies, bovine collagen protein is going to obviously be the better option here. Purpose: Deciding which type of collagen to supplement with will also come down to your reason for taking it in the first place. Marine collagen contains Type I collagen which is what our skin is made up of. Bovine collagen is Type I & III and often used for athletic performance and recovery for its protein content, may help activity related joint pain and skin elasticity. The Bottom Line The bottom line is that you really can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing which collagen supplement to add to your diet. Just be sure to focus on quality with whatever collagen product you ultimately choose. A product that is free from added ingredients and fillers, is sustainably sourced, and a company that stands behind its products is what you want to look for. Interested in learning more about our collagen products? Learn more about our high-quality marine collagen or bovine collagen hydrolysate.
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How To Start Intermittent Fasting
Gain an overview of intermittent fasting and some neat tips on how to get started. We cover some of the benefits of intermittent fasting and how to "upgrade" your intermittent fast.
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5 Ways To Add Ghee To Your Keto Diet
How to use Ghee in the Keto diet and the health benefits of ghee.
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7 Best and Easiest Ways to Add Collagen to Your Diet to Support Gut Health
Collagen protein is incredibly versatile and can be mixed in just about any beverage or food you can think of. This article explains how to add collagen to your every day lifestye
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Amino acids for muscle building
Discover how amino acids help muscle building If you would like to improve your athletic fitness and performance or repair muscle lost from an injury, find out how amino acids can build muscles. Exercise and nutrients build muscles Exercise is an important part of muscle building. However exercise alone cannot build muscles without adequate nutrition and the balance of hormones in your body. Consuming a diet with adequate amounts of protein (especially essential amino acids) and carbohydrates helps your muscles to grow. If you stop exercising, fast or skip meals over a period of time, your muscle filaments may start to breakdown faster than they can grow causing you to lose muscle mass. What are amino acids? Amino acids are chains of compounds made from elements carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen. Amino acids are considered the building blocks of proteins in your body. They are a source of energy and also help grow tissues, organs, muscles, skin and hair. Muscle growth, or hypertrophy, is one of the many bodily processes that are linked to amino acids in your body. Imagine a protein as a group of linked-chains. Each link in the chain is an amino acid, which form into peptide chains (polypeptides). The more links in the chain, the bigger the polypeptide. Proteins are made up many polypeptide chains. Amino acids can be divided into two groups: Essential (or dietary) amino acids – derived from the food you eat and primarily responsible for building proteins in your body Non-essential amino acids – are synthesised by the body from other amino acids and are available as fuel How does protein help muscle growth? Muscles are made up of two types of filaments (actin and myosin), which are both proteins. To grow your muscles, the two protein filaments need to be built and strengthened beyond their existing size. When challenging your muscles to work harder during resistance exercise, the protein cells in your muscle filaments send messages to activate their cells to grow. The cells can draw on available proteins to build damaged muscle fibres to form new and more muscle. Cell growth is regulated by the balance between available proteins in your body and the amount of protein needed to build muscle mass to build muscles. Research supports amino acids for muscle growth Proteins are too large to enter muscle cells. Smaller amino acid components that can easily cross cell membranes to form polypeptides incorporated into protein in your muscles. It is important your body has adequate levels of essential amino acids to help form muscles. A review of all the current research on muscle growth has shown elevated concentrations of circulating amino acids in your blood stream following exercise stimulates the growth of muscles in healthy adults, compared to only increasing the availability of amino acids. Sources of essential amino acids You can increase the availability of amino acids in your body through the food you eat. Your diet is a vital source of amino acids by making sure your meals contain adequate amounts of protein, such as meat, fish or eggs. Research also shows supplementing your normal nutrient intake with essential dietary amino acids from protein supplements or powders can help maintain a large reservoir of amino acids to build muscle mass over time. Having a dietary supplement that includes amino acids will increase the availability of amino acids to the muscle. Gelatin supplements, for example, contain essential amino acids glycine, lysine and proline in higher concentration than proteins in the food you eat. Want to learn more about the benefits of protein supplements? Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on latest products and developments instagram.com/gelproaustralia/. References Tipton, K.D. & Wolfe, R.R. Exercise, protein metabolism and muscle growth International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 2001; 11:109-132 Dioguardi, F.S. Clinical use of amino acids as dietary supplement: pros and cons Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle 2011; 2(2):75-80
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What are the benefits of gelatin in your body
As you grow older your muscles and bones and functions in your body may start to slow down or weaken. By adding gelatin to your diet, you can enjoy the many benefits to your body and improve your health. What is gelatin? Gelatin is an important organic protein compound used by your body. It is a break down product of collagen, a larger protein compound that is found in specific foods, such as the skin of animals, bones and tendons. Gelatin is made of a succession of small molecules, called amino acids, which are linked together to form a polypeptide chain (protein). Collagen vs. gelatin: are they different? Collagen and gelatin both contain the same amino acids. However, while collagen protein is made up of longer polypeptide chains, gelatin has smaller chains of amino acids and more hydrogen molecules. This makes gelatin more soluble in hot water to be easily absorbed and used by different parts in your body. Why does your body need gelatin? Gelatin and collagen are important sources of protein in your body. The amino acids that make up the gelatin protein have direct benefits in your body that can help build healthy skin, muscle, tendons, joints, bones and connective tissue in your body. As you age, you may also require amino acids for any break down or damage to the protein found in these parts of the body to help build new cells. Gelatin is an important source of essential amino acids that can strengthen proteins that are damaged. Amino acid benefits of gelatin While your body can make non-essential amino acids, essential amino acids are only sourced from the food you eat. This means you need to consume protein with adequate amounts of essential amino acids. Although gelatin does not contain all the essential amino acids, it contains a number of essential amino acids in a higher concentration than found in other dietary sources of protein, especially: Glycine, which is a critical building block of the body’s connective tissue giving it strength and durability. Research has found glycine sourced from gelatin also helps strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation in your intestine. Proline also works with glycine to build your body’s connective tissue and maintains protein fibres in your muscles. Proline also helps break down proteins in the body to allow the formation of new cells. How to enjoy the benefits of gelatin If you’re eating protein from animals, but not the bones, connective tissue or skin, it’s likely you’re missing out on the benefits of essential amino acids found in gelatin. The best way to maintain a balance of nutrients in your body is to make sure you eat a healthy diet that contains all the essential amino acids. Although it may not always be possible to eat parts of animals that contain bovine gelatin, you can include a dietary supplement of gelatin as a simple solution for the beneficial amino acids. Want to learn more about the benefits of gelatin supplements? Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on latest products and developments instagram.com/gelproaustralia/. References Frasca, G. Gelatin tannate reduces the proinflammatory effects of lipopolysaccharide in human intestinal epithelial cells Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2012; 5:61-7
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