Prebiotics and Probiotics: The Perfect Pairing with Gelatin for Gut Health

Gut health is becoming one of the hottest topics in the wellness world, and for good reason. A healthy gut is often referred to as the cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing everything from digestion and immunity to mood and energy levels. As people look to support their digestive health, they often turn to two key players: prebiotics and probiotics.

But did you know that pairing your gelatin powder with probiotic-rich recipes can take your gut health routine to the next level? Check out how you can use Nutraviva's beef gelatin powders alongside prebiotics and probiotics to nourish your gut, and explore some delicious, gut-friendly recipe ideas.

 

What Are Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to your digestive system. These ‘good’ bacteria help balance the gut microbiome, which is essential for efficient digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune defence. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha.

Prebiotics are the food for these beneficial bacteria. These are non-digestible fibres that promote the growth and activity of probiotics. Common prebiotic foods include garlic, onions, bananas, oats, and asparagus.

Together, they create a harmonious relationship that supports a balanced and healthy gut.

 

How Gelatin Supports Digestive Health

Gelatin is a powerhouse for gut health on its own, thanks to its ability to support the gut lining. Gelatin contains amino acids like glycine, which helps repair the intestinal wall, and promotes a healthy gut barrier. When the gut lining is strong, it can better absorb nutrients and keep harmful bacteria or toxins from leaking into the body (a key factor in preventing ‘leaky gut’).

By combining gelatin with probiotic-rich foods, you can amplify the benefits for your digestive health, creating a two-pronged approach: the gelatin supports the gut lining, while probiotics and prebiotics help balance the microbiome.

 

Gelatin + Probiotic Recipes for Digestive Health

Here are some easy and tasty ways to incorporate both gelatin and probiotics into your daily routine:

Probiotic-Rich Gelatin Gummies

These gummies are an excellent snack for gut health. You can make them using probiotic-rich kefir or yogurt, and they’re a hit for both adults and kids.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup plain kefir or probiotic-rich yogurt

- 2 tablespoons Nutraviva Beef Gelatin Powder of choice, each will work equally well. 

- ¼ cup warm water

- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

- Fresh fruit for added flavour

Instructions:

1. Bloom the gelatin by mixing it with warm water and letting it sit for a few minutes.
2. Gently heat the kefir/yogurt and honey (if using) until just warm, then stir in the gelatin mixture.
3. Pour into silicone molds or a shallow dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, until firm.
4. Cut into cubes or pop out the gummies and enjoy!

 

Gut-Healing Bone Broth Smoothie

Bone broth and gelatin go hand-in-hand in gut health. Pair your gelatin powder with a bone broth-based smoothie for a savory, gut-nourishing drink. Don't be concerned, unflavoured bone broth has quite a neutral taste profile so actually works well in smoothies. Just don't choose a flavoured option from our range (in black labelled packaging, as this would not be suitable to the taste profile. 

Ingredients:

- 1 serving of Nutraviva Pure Bone Broth or Collagen Enriched Bone Broth powder

- 1 cup of water

- 1 tablespoon Nutraviva Beef Gelatin Powder

- ½ cup kefir or yogurt

- ½ banana (for prebiotics)

Handful of greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, or kale (optional)

Instructions:

1.Bloom gelatin in 50 ml of the water for 30 seconds to one minute. 

2. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
3. Serve chilled as a refreshing smoothie that’s packed with gut-healing nutrients.

 

Fermented Gelatin Jellies

These jellies use kombucha or another fermented beverage to deliver probiotics while gelatin provides the perfect texture.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups kombucha (any flavour)

- 3 tablespoons Nutraviva Beef Gelatin Powder

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bloom the gelatin powder in a small amount of water (50mls)
2. Mix the bloomed gelatin with ¼ cup of the kombucha.
3. Heat the remaining kombucha until warm, then stir in the gelatin mixture.
4. Mix well until well combined. 
5. Pour into a dish or molds and let set in the fridge.

Enjoy a tangy, probiotic-packed jelly!

 

Why This Combination Works

Gelatin helps to repair and strengthen the gut lining, while the probiotics work to populate the gut with healthy bacteria. Adding prebiotic fibres like bananas or oats into these recipes further nourishes the beneficial bacteria, creating a full-circle approach to gut health.

 

Combining Nutraviva Beef Gelatin powder with probiotic-rich foods is a simple yet powerful way to support your digestive system. Whether you're whipping up probiotic gummies or adding gelatin to smoothies, this dynamic duo can help keep your gut happy and healthy.

Start incorporating these recipes into your diet to nourish your microbiome and promote better digestion!

Looking for more health promoting gelatin inspiration check out a few of our favourites:

https://nutraviva.com.au/blogs/recipes/gut-friendly-winter-gummies

https://nutraviva.com.au/blogs/recipes/naturally-healthy-homemade-jelly

https://nutraviva.com.au/blogs/recipes/raspberry-kefir-jellies

 

Disclaimer: As with any dietary choice, it's essential to strike a balance. A varied and balanced diet, coupled with a healthy lifestyle, is key to overall well-being. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your Doctor or healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs before making any changes to your health routine or starting any new dietary supplements.