Nikki Yelton is an Integrative & Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist serving clients worldwide. She offers a personalized functional medicine approach to helping women with GI distress and autoimmune conditions to get to the root cause of the symptoms holding them back so that they can start living the extraordinary life they dream of with more energy, purpose, and joy!
This post may contain affiliate links of some products I personally love & recommend. Let’s dive in!
Homemade gummies can aid in a variety of gut conditions, as well as reversing autoimmunity. So, keep this homemade gummy recipe on hand to reap the many health benefits!
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Homemade gummies made with quality beef gelatin are a nutrient-dense, delicious snack. I’m even willing to bet your kiddos will love them as much as you do! Aside from being a family-friendly snack, the best part about homemade gummies is that they are loaded with gut-healing benefits (thanks to one superstar ingredient). Homemade gummies can aid in a variety of gut conditions, as well as reversing autoimmunity. So, keep this homemade gummy recipe on hand to reap the many health benefits!
WHAT IS A GELATIN?
The key ingredient in homemade gummies is gelatin. Gelatin is composed of animal bones, connective tissue, skin, and cartilage. While it might sound less than appetizing, gelatin is typically flavorless and odorless. Yet, it’s rich in protein and collagen, which are super nutrients for gut health. For culinary purposes, many gelatin products are used to thicken or create a gel-like substance—like in this case, gummies!
Due to its impressive amino acid content, gelatin is well known for healing and improving skin, hair, and nails. But, that’s not all! The amino acids found in gelatin are proven to support gut integrity and therefore improve intestinal permeability. For this reason, gelatin can serve as an invaluable health tool to support inflammation in many gut healing protocols.
GELATIN AIDS IN GUT HEALING
Gelatin is arguably best known for its gut supporting properties. This is largely in part to the many nutrients it contains. Gelatin works to heal and seal the gut lining, while reducing inflammation and supporting healthy digestive function. Many of the amino acids found in gelatin restore gut mucosa and encourage healthy enzyme production—both of which are essential for a healthy, strong gut.
THE UNIQUE NUTRIENT PROFILE OF GELATIN
Gelatin is unique due to its composition of superstar nutrients, such as collagen and amino acids. It is especially rich in two amino acids: glycine and proline. However, it also contains glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, and other amino acids. All of these amino acids work together to improve gut health.
While gelatin can be an extremely helpful tool in healing the gut, it also provides a slew of other health benefits, ranging from head to toe (literally). The benefits of gelatin include reducing painful joints, improving skin, hair, and nail health, increasing cognitive abilities, improving muscle recovery, and strengthening bones.
HOW TO INCORPORATE BEEF GELATIN
Sip on Bone Broth
Bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse and liquid gold for the gut. It is rich in minerals, glutamine, gelatin, and glutathione to support inflammation and overall gut health! You can enjoy 1 cup per day of quality bone broth such as this brand from FOND to reap the benefits of gelatin.
Other ways to incorporate more gelatin into your routine include added beef gelatin powder to:
Smoothies
Gummies
Pudding and custard
Homemade marshmallows
Soups
Bulletproof coffee, latte, or frothy tea
WHAT IS THE BEST GELATIN FOR GUT HEALTH?
There are many gelatin products on the market, yet not all are created equal. In fact, there is only one gelatin product that I trust and recommend above all others. Meet, Perfect Bovine Gelatin. In my personal and professional opinion, Perfect Bovine Gelatin is the best gelatin for gut health for these reasons:
Unfortunately, many supplement products on the market, including gelatin, are not tested for heavy metal contamination. In addition, most do not claim to be non-GMO, free of additives, or sourced from pasture-raised cows. For these reasons, other gelatin supplements do not compare to this trusted brand. As a functional practitioner, I appreciate the transparency and standards of Perfect Bovine Gelatin, which is why I recommend it to my clients and take it myself
GUT & AUTOIMMUNE BENEFITS OF GELATIN
Gelatin is linked to an array of benefits for gut health and autoimmunity specifically, including:
Repairs the gut lining and improves intestinal permeability
Produce gastric acid secretions needed for proper digestion
Aids in nutrient absorption
Activates digestive enzymes
Absorbs water and fluids which prevents fluid retention and bloating
Improves toxin elimination
Decreases inflammation
Gelatin has even more benefits beyond just gut health too:
Supports the immune system
Supports brain function
Improves sleep quality
Supports joint and bone health due to its essential bone building minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, silicone
Strengthens nails and hair and Improves skin health by renewing skin cells
And while gelatin has proven to provide all these amazing health benefits, other ingredients used to make my favorite gummies provide their own added health benefits:
Not only are homemade gummies delicious and easy, but they support a healthy gut and body, which is why I always keep them on hand in my household!
HOMEMADE GUMMY RECIPE
Homemade gummies are an easy, protein-rich snack that can aid in healing the gut. I love keeping these on hand as quick fuel, whether I’m at home or on-the-go. All you need is pineapple juice (or another juice of choice), gelatin, and honey. Told you, easy peasy!
Heat pineapple juice over medium-high heat until it starts to boil. You have to boil pineapple juice because it contains an enzyme called bromelain that helps us break down protein. If we don’t break down the bromelain, it breaks down the gelatin, and the mixture doesn’t gel.
Remove from heat and slowly stir in the honey and gelatin. Mix thoroughly until it is all completely blended.
Pour mix into a silicone ice cube tray and place in the fridge. Allow it to sit for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
Remove the gummies and enjoy 2 per day for gelatin benefits
Notes
No pineapple: Sub any other juice such as tart cherry, apple, pear, orange, etc.
Note if using pineapple juice: You have to boil pineapple juice because it contains an enzyme called bromelain that helps us break down protein. If we don’t break down the bromelain, it breaks down the gelatin, and the mixture doesn’t gel.
MODIFICATIONS FOR HOMEMADE GUMMIES
Luckily, my homemade gummy recipe is so simple that it can be easily modified to your preferences and liking. The below alternatives still provide a nutrient-rich, tasty snack:
Use real maple syrup instead of honey.
Try substituting for another nutrient-dense juice:
Orange: Natural, fresh-squeezed orange juice is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Cranberry: Fresh cranberry juice naturally contains antibacterial properties to prevent infection.
Tart cherry: Tart cherry juice is rich in antioxidants and known to increase levels of melatonin, which can decrease inflammation in the gut and aid in better sleep.
Fresh ginger: Ginger is proven to have positive effects on the gut by reducing inflammation, easing nausea, decreasing IBS symptoms, and maintaining healthy weight.
With a few adjustments, these homemade gummies can be tweaked to satisfy any taste bud. You can make a large batch and keep them in the fridge for up to 14 days. Enjoy 4-5 of these gummies each day for all the gut healing benefits!
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
Gelatin can serve as a powerful tool in healing the gut, reversing autoimmunity, and simply improving overall health. In conjunction with a nutrient-dense diet, it’s benefits are unmatched! I hope you will try this simple gut gummy recipe. If you do, let me know your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram @nikkiyeltonrd
"When it comes to balancing our body, healing the gut, reversing autoimmunity, and achieving optimal health—we are a lot like a car that won’t run right. In order to fix the problem once and for all instead of relying on jumper cables, we must get underneath the hood, run the diagnostics, and replace the battery so that it runs good as new."
-Nikki Yelton, RD
a note from nikki:
If you are ready to stop wasting precious time, get off the never-ending hamster wheel, and finally surrender trying to figure things out on your own—this is your moment.
You don’t have to settle for just getting by and hoping tomorrow is a better day. We both know you are a woman who deserves better and are made for so. much. more.
are you ready?
Ready to resolve your GI distress, reverse autoimmunity, and live your extraordinary life?
