Gelatin is rich in protein, and has a unique amino acid profile that gives it many potential health benefits. There is evidence that gelatin may reduce joint and bone pain, increase brain function and help reduce the signs of skin aging.

Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs.

Most gelatin is derived from pork skins, pork and cattle bones, or split cattle hides. Gelatin made from fish by-products avoids some of the religious objections to gelatin consumption.

Where is it found?

• Shampoos.
• Face masks.
• Cosmetics.
• Fruit gelatins and puddings (such as Jell-O)
• Candy.
• Marshmallows.
• Cakes.
• Ice cream.

The main food use for gelatin is as a gelling agent for ready-to-eat products residing in the refrigerator (e.g., mousse, trifles, etc.). Other uses are as a dry ingredient (crystal table jellies) or in a highly concentrated gel form (fruit pastilles, marshmallow).

Gelatin. Here’s a dessert that may just work on your arthritis. A serving of gelatin (like Jell-O) every day could help relieve arthritis joint pain. “Gelatin reduces arthritis pain probably because it’s just ground-up cartilage,” says D’Adamo.

Collagen peptides are not exactly the same as gelatin. Both are proteins made of amino acids, but the amino chains of collagen peptides have been cut into smaller pieces through a specific hydrolysis process. Collagen peptides do not have the gelling functionality of gelatin and are soluble in cold water.

The 5 Best Collagen Powders

• Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptide. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder.
• BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein 20 Stick Packs. Bubs Naturals Collagen Protein.
• OLLY’s Collagen Peptides. Olly Collagen Peptides.
• Momentous Collagen Peptides Powder.
• Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow.