When you think of super foods, I imagine what comes to mind is the likes of blueberries, avocado, kale, coconut and liver to name but a few. But did you overlook gelatine, provider of essential fatty acids that repairs, heals and nourishes our bodies?
You may not know too much about gelatine per se but I bet you're familiar with the benefits of collagen, that substance upmarket beauty firms incorporate into expensive moisturizing creams and push expensive advertising to get you rushing to buy. The truth is the quantity in those pretty little pots is so small, it'll make virtually no difference at all and that's before you even begin to weigh up all the nasty ingredients with their methyl-this and paraben-that labelling.
A far cheaper, far healthier and far more effective way is taking it by mouth. Great Lakes make two high quality gelatine products, both of which are derived from grass fed cows. Collagen Hydrolysate is great for use as a protein powder, and putting it into a drink is a perfect way because it is completely tasteless, won't gel and the hardest thing about it is remembering to do it. Collagen assists the liver in handling toxins such as chemicals and other pollutants and as well as that, it can result in improved concentration, balanced mood, more energy and an increased sense of well-being. If you take it with both carbs and fat your digestive juices are stimulated, making it gentler on the gut. Just remember, the green and red tins are not interchangeable as they both do different things. The red's function is to set liquids (think gummies and jelly/jello), the green is the Collagen Hydrolysate described above and a good first choice for those with particularly sensitive digestive systems. As with anything, your intake should be at sensible levels so start with one tbsp/day and build up very slowly over a good period of time once you know your gut healing is headed in the right direction.
I like to put collagen hydrolysate into soups, oatmeal or into a healthy drink such as this one, which makes a fantastic mid morning booster snack and would also get you off to a pretty fine start any day of the week. Better than expensive face creams, no?
spiced banana collagen shake
I always have frozen bananas in the freezer, they're perfect for whipping up an impromptu ice cream or shake. Whenever I notice the ones on the counter top are turning a little on the over ripe side, into the freezer they go!
(makes 2 large or 4 small shakes)
Print the recipe here
2 frozen bananas, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup (250ml) coconut milk (I use this one)
1/2 cup (125ml) coconut water
2 tbsp collagen hydrolysate (I use this one)
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (I use this one)
3 cloves (I use these)
good pinch mace (I use this one)
pinch salt (I use this one)
Put all ingredients into a blender and whizz until completely smooth and well blended. Serve immediately.
What a great recipe and your picture is beautiful 🙂 I always wondered if it's ok to bake with gelatin. So far I have always used it in cold preparations but would it retain its properties if baked in the oven for example?
Hi Sophie, thanks for your lovely words. As for nutritional properties in baking, I'm not entirely sure to be honest. It's obviously okay at boiling point but beyond that I couldn't really say. I do know that it has other great uses in baking (gelatine egg), and because the quantities that would be used are going to be so minimal, I really don't think it's an issue. Personally I think drinking it is the best way to go, that way you get a far bigger concentrate.
Thank you for explaining the difference! I was going to order some recently but got overwhelmed not knowing which one to get.
My pleasure Dana, it's pretty important to get that one right 🙂
This is delicious, and my gut can handle all these ingredients! Thanks for a great recipe for my AIP file.
Hi Lindsey I'm so pleased both you and your gut approve 🙂
I haven't had this shake for a while, you've put me in the mood now!!
This smoothie was amazing!!! Hit the spot! Thanks!!!
Glad to hear that Carolyn!
🙂
Hi Kate. I made this smoothie for the first time this morning because I was out of fresh bananas for your banana cinnamon oatmeal which I enjoy most mornings. But when I came to the frozen banana part I was stumped at how to peel a frozen banana!! I wound up peeling it off with a knife, and the shake was delicious. Any tips?
Best wishes,
Chris
Hi Christine, I'm glad you liked the smoothie. When I have whole frozen bananas I usually leave them on the counter top for 5 minutes and then make a slit down the outward curve side with a knife. It's really easy to remove the peel as it's stiff like a board. I often peel my bananas before freezing, and keep them in a freezer container or bag.
Made this smoothie this morning. I loved the taste and consistency of this smoothie. I think I will have another tomorrow.
So happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for letting me know 🙂