Gut healing gelatin and blueberry gummies

The gut healing benefits of gelatin

If you are embarking on a Paleo diet and looking to improve your digestive health, you will no doubt have found gelatin and bone broth to be a recurring theme.
Lets get the ugly bit out the way first. Gelatin is a fine powder formed from the dehydrated skin, bone and tissue of animals. Now let's move on swiftly........as unappealing as this may sound, gelatin's health benefits are not to be sniffed at. It's powerful soothing and healing properties can help form a strong foundation from which to re-build your digestive health and support the healing of autoimmune conditions. You can use the powdered variety of gelatin throughout your cooking to thicken sauces, set desserts and make gummies (recipe below). Alternatively you can get your gelatin quota from bone broth. The gelatin is extracted during the long, slow cooking process that breaks down the bones and cartilage.

What are the benefits?

Digestion - The amino acid content assists in repairing a leaky gut by soothing inflammation and restoring a healthy mucosal lining. It enhances the production of gastric acid secretions which support the healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients. Gelatin also draws water into the digestive tract promoting better intestinal transit.

Joint health - Gelatin can reduce symptoms caused by arthritis and osteoporosis. It's anti-inflammatory properties reduce bone and joint pain and support the growth of strong bones.

Skin - Gelatin provides amino acids vital to the production of collagen. Collagen is integral in giving your skin a youthful, healthy glow and for preventing the much loathed cellulite. It can even help reduce wrinkles and protect the skin from UV damage. 

Sleep - Gelatin is a rich source of glycine, known to contribute to improved sleep quality and anxiety management. Consuming gelatin to improve sleep is a gentle alternative to over the counter medications that come with additional side effects.

What type do I buy?

Making your own bone broth is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get gelatin in your diet. You can have it in place of tea as a warm drink and to form the base of soups and stews. If you are histamine intolerant however I urge caution with bone broth. Firstly the slow cooking process will elevate the histamine content as will the acidity of the vinegar used to break down the bones.

If you are squeamish about boiling bones or simply crave a gelatin quick fix, then buying a powdered form to add to gummies and desserts is the perfect gut healing solution. I highly reconmend Great lakes gelatin (see the link below). Great Lakes Gelatin is grass fed and from humanely raised animals and contains no additional nasties - this is not like the gelatin you pick up from the supermarket baking aisles. The red cans are great to add to liquids you wish to set. The green can is perfect to add to hot or cold liquids - stir a tablespoon into your tea or smoothies for an added tummy soothing boost. 

Great Lakes Gelatin, Collagen Hydrolysate (Kosher) 16 Oz

Great Lakes Unflavored Gelatin, Kosher, 16 Oz

Blueberry gelatin gummies (AIP, Paleo, low FODMAP)

For a little gelatin boost, these gummies make for a healthy replacement for store bought sweets and ideal to make with kids. They are so simple and the choice of flavour combinations is endless. You can experiment with fresh or frozen fruit. I choose to stew my blueberries first because I think it intensifies their natural flavour and sweetness.

This mixture made 20 gummies using my heart shaped mould. If you do not have any moulds you can simply let the mixture set in a suitable container and cut into any shape you like. Within reason of course.

Ingredients:

1 cup of fresh blueberries
half a cup of water
3 dessert spoons of maple syrup
3 dessert spoons of grass-fed gelatin (please see link above)

Method:

Add your blueberries and water to a small saucepan on a medium heat. Once the water begins to simmer, the blueberries will  begin to break down and liquify.  Turn the heat down and let them bubble gently in the pan, stirring regularly to help break down the blueberries. After about five minutes you should be left with a rich, blueberry syrup with a little fruit pulp remaining. Strain through a sieve to remove the pulp and allow the liquid to cool.

Once cool return you blueberry syrup to the saucepan. Whisk in your gelatin and maple syrup to create a thickened liquid.

Turn the heat on to low and continue to whisk your mixture until it thins and everything is thoroughly combined. This will take about 6-7 minutes.

Remove from the heat and pour into your moulds.

Place in the fridge for a minimum of one hour to set.

Enjoy :)