Deep within our bodies, in our digestive system, there is a microbiome populated by gut flora – a delicate balance between bacteria (the friendly kind) and yeast. Together, they make sure our immune system reaches high numbers, and our digestive functions run smoothly. Sometimes, though, this balance is lost.
During stressful times or after an infection that needed a full course of antibiotics, the Candida yeast can invade and overpopulate your gut flora, leaving you vulnerable to fatigue, rapid mood swings, psoriasis, forgetfulness, and even digestive problems. Luckily, the Candida Diet aims to tackle the problem at its root.
Yeast feeds on sugar and refined carbohydrates, much like fuel on gasoline – by removing these two variables from your diet, you will considerably alleviate the symptoms of candida overgrowth. This diet is strict and rigorous, even more so than the Paleo Diet. However, don’t think of it much like a diet, but as a path to improved health, instead. Since you can’t have any sugar, it’s only fair to ask:
Can You Eat Gelatin while on a Candida Diet?
Short answer: YES!
Beware of flavored gelatins; most brands of gelatin in the market have added sugar or artificial sweeteners in them, which can undermine your reason for choosing the candida diet. Usually, non-flavored gelatins tend to be sugar-free, but just in case, always read the Nutrition Facts on the back of products, to make sure you take home the right kind of gelatin.
Does Gelatin Have Any Health Benefits?
Most of us might not have the habit of including gelatin within our eating habits, and that’s because we underestimate their numerous health benefits:
- Made from collagen, it gives you healthier skin, hair, and nails.
- It promotes joint recovery after an injury and even prevents further complications.
- Gelatin also aids in digestion.
- A source of 18 different amino acids, it fends off inflammation.
- Gelatin is an excellent source of digested protein (ideal for athletes).
- There is also a link between its consumption and a better quality of sleep.
Wait! I’m a Vegetarian/Vegan. What Can I Do?
Not to worry, because we have an alternative. Have you heard of agar-agar? While gelatin is, basically, cooked collagen, agar-agar comes exclusively from red algae plants.
Agar-agar is low in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Also, it is completely tasteless, and it’s both sugar and carb-free, which is why it’s so popular in the Japanese Kanten Diet – a popular weight loss program.
Tips to Include Gelatin/Agar-Agar In Your Diet.
Due to their tasteless nature, both options are quite versatile and easy to include in your diet. Here is a real quick of ideas:
- Add gelatin to a smoothie.
- Add gelatin to enrich a hot broth or soup making denser it denser and healthier.
- Add gelatin to your morning hot coffee or tea.
- Have gelatin in a glass of warm milk or hot chocolate.
- Make a gelatin salad, a traditional favorite.
- Make a panna cotta in any flavor.
- Make an icebox (no-bake) cheesecake or yogurt pie.
- Sprinkle some over your ice-cream or yogurt.
- Make a no-bake souffle.
- Use gelatin to stabilize whipped cream.
- Or, my personal favorite, make jello cups and eat them as a snack or dessert with a dollop whipped cream or cool whip on top.
