Jello, the popular gelatin dessert, is a low calorie, fat-free treat that tastes great on its own or topped with fresh whipped cream. You can also cut Jello into cubes to layer into a trifle or fold it into custard, pudding, or mousse.
The primary ingredient in Jello that gives it its wiggle is called gelatin. Gelatin offers some surprising and pretty amazing health benefits… Not only is it high in protein, but it also contains unique amino acids that improve sleep quality, lower blood sugar levels and protect your gut. It also reduces joint pain, improves brain function and promotes healthy skin.
But that’s not all… Studies show that the gelatin in Jello triggers hormones that signal satiety. This means, eating Jello can make you feel fuller, thus helping you to lose more weight. Keep reading to find out how adding Jello to your diet can help you on your weight-loss journey.
Is Jello Keto Friendly?
Jello is high in sugar and low in fiber and protein; therefore, it doesn’t make the best food choice for those following the Keto diet. However, there is a sugar-free version of Jello available that comes in some great new flavors, like Black Cherry. It contains zero carbs and only 10 calories per serving.
Sugar-free Jello is a good option for those following a low carb diet as long as you aren’t sensitive to artificial sweeteners like neotame, saccharin, sucralose, aspartame or acesulfame potassium.
How Many Carbs are in Jello?
A 100-gram serving of Jello contains 14 grams of carbs. If you are watching your carbs, choose one of the sugar-free flavors that Jello brand carries and stock up because this variety contains 0 grams of carbs per serving.
How Many Calories are in Jello?
There are only 62 calories in a 100-gram serving of Jello. Original Jello is fairly low in carbs, but if you’re following a strict calorie-reduction plan, you may wish to try sugar-free Jello. The sugar-free variety is even lower in calories, containing only 10 calories per serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Amount Per 100 grams of Jello Gelatin Dessert | |
| Calories 62 | |
| Total Fat 0 grams | 0% |
| Saturated fat 0 grams | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated fat 0 grams | |
| Monounsaturated fat 0 grams | |
| Cholesterol 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Sodium 75 milligrams | 3% |
| Potassium 1 milligrams | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 14 grams | 4% |
| Dietary fiber 0 grams | 0% |
| Sugar 13 grams | |
| Protein 1.2 grams | 2% |
Health Benefits
Bone and Joint Health
Studies show that the use of gelatin can be effective for joint and bone problems, such as osteoarthritis. In a study of 80 people with osteoarthritis, two groups were given either a gelatin supplement or a placebo for 70 days. Participants who consumed the gelatin supplement reported a significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness.
Brain Function and Mental Clarity
An amino acid in gelatin called glycine has been shown to improve memory and attention. This amino acid has been found to reduce the symptoms of some mental health conditions, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Research shows that glycine supplements significantly improved memory and certain aspects of attention. Although it remains unclear what causes certain mental illnesses, researchers believe amino acid imbalances may be to blame.
Improves Sleep Quality
The amino acid glycine, which is abundant in gelatin has been reported to improve sleep quality. Participants in one study who took 3 grams of glycine before bed had significantly improved sleep quality, fell asleep quicker and were less tired the next day than those who took placebos.
Improves Gut Health
Glutamic acid, one of the amino acids in gelatin, gets converted to glutamine in the body. Several animal studies found that gelatin was shown to help protect the gut wall from damage in rats. Glutamine is known to improve the strength of the gut wall and prevent “leaky gut”. Leaky gut is also thought to contribute to common disorders of the gut, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); therefore, eating Jello may help treat these conditions.
Helps Heal Liver Damage
Research shows that glycine also has protective benefits for the liver. This amino acid abundant in gelatin has been shown to help rats with alcohol-induced liver damage. In one study, rats given glycine showed a reduction in liver damage. Another study on rabbits with liver disorders given glycine showed improved liver function and blood flow.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Research studies on animals and human cells show that gelatin may also slow the growth of certain cancers. One test-tube study on human cancer cells found that gelatin from pig skin shrunk cancer cells from stomach cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. Another study determined mice with cancerous tumors given gelatin from pig skin had prolonged lifespans.
Side Effects
Jello is generally safe when consumed in normal food amounts. Gelatin sensitivities can cause an unpleasant taste, a sensation of heaviness in the stomach, bloating, heartburn, and/or belching. Gelatin can also cause allergic reactions and in some individuals, these reactions can be severe.
Related Questions:
Is Jello Good for Weight Loss?
Sugar-free Jello is fat-free, carb-free, and low in calories. Studies show it may even help you lose weight.
A study was conducted on 22 participants that were each given 20 grams of gelatin. Each participant experienced a rise in leptin, the hormone known to reduce appetite. Participants reported that the gelatin caused them to feel full.
Another study administered 23 healthy people either gelatin or casein, a protein found in milk, as the only protein in their diet over 36 hours. Gelatin was found to reduce hunger by 44% more than casein.
Is Jello Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
When eaten in normal food amounts, gelatin is considered safe by the FDA. In fact, foods that contain gelatin, like Jello are encouraged for women who are pregnant.
Gelatin is an excellent addition to a pregnancy diet since it’s a great source of protein and it has anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it has been shown to improve sleep, which can be a challenge for pregnant women and new mothers alike. Jello can even tame an upset tummy so eating it in the early stages of pregnancy might help prevent morning sickness as well.
Is Jello Safe for Diabetics?
Although the original Jello product is high in sugar, there is a sugar-free version available on the market that is safe for diabetics to consume. Furthermore, gelatin may be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes.
Studies show that taking gelatin may also help individuals with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. A study conducted on 74 participants with type 2 diabetes were either given either 5 grams of glycine or a placebo every day for 12 weeks. The group given glycine showed significantly lower blood sugar readings after three months, along with reduced inflammation.
Is Jello Vegan?
Jello is not a vegan product. Gelatin, the ingredient that makes Jello form into its wiggly texture, is made from the bones and collagen of mammals. Collagen is an animal protein that makes up connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and bones.
Is Gelatin Good for the Skin and Hair?
Research shows that gelatin can increase hydration and collagen production in the skin. It can also improve the thickness of hair and stimulate new hair growth.
Either a gelatin supplement or a placebo was given to 24 participants with alopecia, a type of hair loss. Active hair follicle numbers increased by 29% in the group given gelatin compared to just over 10% in the placebo group.
Hair mass also increased by 40% with the gelatin supplement, compared to a decrease of 10% in the placebo group. That means those who were given the gelatin experienced almost double the hair thickness than before the trial.