Amino Acids

Let’s keep this blog nice and simple! Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein! There are twenty different kinds of aminos that can make up a protein, but that doesn’t mean every protein item has the same content of amino acids.

Certain amino acids are made within our body, and others need to be taken in through our daily food.

To keep it simple, I want you to think about amino acids as your daily protein intake. What types of protein are you getting? Fish, chicken, lamb, beef, shellfish?

When you get down to the nerdy science of these protein based food sources there are some serious differences. Yes, a difference in amino acids! A piece of muscle meat is harder to digest than a piece of fish. Why? Meat requires more chewing to break down, more acidity and enzyme secretion needed, has a higher fat content, and have specific amino acids that provide a different metabolic response. (keep in min this can fluctuate depending on an individual’s metabolism)

What is another protein source you might not be aware of, that contains a specific set of amino acids?

Gelatin! Gelatin is the new and improved protein powder out on the market these days. Thanks to Great Lakes Gelatin, many of us now have access to a nourishing powder that packs a punch.

An online Bing Dictionary definition states that “gelatin is a transparent protein made from boiling animal hides, bone, and cartilage that forms a firm gel when mixed with water.” Most of the animal is discarded after the meat is taken. The connective tissue of a typical animal roughly makes up about 50% of the protein.

No that isn’t gross… it’s just someone being smart about using the rest of the animal!! Most people don’t eat organ meats or extract minerals from the bones, but in my opinion this is where most of the true nutrition lies. This is where the jackpot of amino acids are found. Gelatin was used many years ago, and in the past couple of years it has made a comeback; thanks to a company called Great lakes Gelatin.

According to Great Lakes Gelatin, “the three major constituent amino acids are glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which represent about 45% of the total composition. They offer a few products, and I recommend starting with the green can, which is the Hydrolysate. It’s dissolves in hot and cold liquids, which makes it very easy for most people to  start with ( use in drinks, smoothies, coffee, food items, etc) The orange can can be used when you are ready to make more gelatinous goodies (healthy jello, chocolate squares, healthy gummies).

What is Gelatin good for? A variety of things. I’d say that one of the major benefits of gelatin is the fact that it is easy to digest, especially compared to a slab of beef and protein powders like whey, soy, etc. (Yes I do eat meat) Gelatin supports our bones, joints, skin, nails, hair, and teeth. Gelatin provides the body with an anti-inflammatory focus of amino acids in comparison to other proteins and powders. Your typical whey powder contains tryptophan, which can be debated…

I have personally chosen to follow some of the studies from Dr. Ray Peat over the past three years. Here is a quote directly from one of his articles, Gelatin, Stress, & Longevity…

“Both tryptophan and cysteine inhibit thyroid function and mitochondrial energy production, and have other effects that decrease the ability to withstand stress. Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin, which causes inflammation, immunodepression, and generally the same changes seen in aging. It happens that gelatin is a protein which contains no tryptophan, and only small amounts of cysteine, methionine, and histidine. Using gelatin as a major dietary protein is an easy way to restrict the amino acids that are associated with many of the problems of aging.”

Are you getting the right kind of amino acids?

You are probably getting certain amino acids through your food or a supplement you might be taking, but if you are not using this kick ass powder yet, consider the health benefits of the specific set of amino acids gelatin provides. If you are still scratching your head wondering what is gelatin and why the amino acids in gelatin will keep your body smiling , check out the website below, watch my you tube video (link below), and read a few other articles on this gelatinous wonder.

http://youtu.be/L_hEURGJbX0

www.greatlakesgelatin.com

 

Photo Credit: http://www.grow-wellness.com/2013/11/gelatin-a-superfood/