It’s always a topic of debate between the people that whether there is a difference between Collagen VS Gelatin or not. Most people think that both are the `same in respect to all the points but the opinion varies too.
Collagen and Gelatin, both are the form of protein that is derived or extracted from animals collagen protein. These collagen protein are thus be found in the connective tissues of animals like sheep and pigs. Muslims have their contrast so they prefer collagen and gelatin that is derived from other sources or animal other than a pig.
Both collagen and gelatin have most of properties similar but their nutrition value and culinary use vary from each other. They both are prepared and processed in different ways.
The main physical property that varies is the Collagen VS Gelatin is the gelatinizing property of gelatin. The collagen, when added to the liquid result, is rapid dissolve whereas when gelatin is added, need a proper heating time to dissolve then it is gelatinized at a cool temperature to form a jelly material.
Before proceeding to know the difference between the collagen and gelatin, we should know the individual properties of both of them.
The confusion that arises between the collagen and gelatin is because of their two different forms of the same thing. They both are initially derived from the same origin but further their different use divide them into two forms.
Structurally, collagen is seen as a tough, elastic protein. The structure is complex and versatile.
It is found in tissues of skin, joints and ligaments and tendons. It is mostly found in connective tissues.
Collagen has been essentially used for health and without having the proper required amount of collagen we can die.
If our body is not producing enough collagen, you need to have the required amount in your diet. There are many diseases that can occur in our body, due to a lack of collagen in the body.
The amino acids like proline, glycine, and arginine assemble in our cells. These amino acids can be easily added to our diet and are very important for us.
The processed collagen is termed gelatin. People who don’t eat snacks or like to eat raw food and prefer cooked, roasted and baked foods, love to do experiments with processed collagen that is gelatin. The difference between collagen and gelatin is the processed process as people like.
The process of slow heating results in gelatinized form, jelly. Just when we whipped the egg and the ruled beaten eggs can never be turned into yolk and egg whites again, the process of formation of jelly is the same.
The process called denaturing, in which protein changes its shape. This irreversible collagen becomes liquid and then cool gelatin looks and feels jiggly and wiggly. When collagen gets heated and forms a jelly structure called jell-O.
Gelatin forms the best soups and stews. Its gelling property makes it the most used ingredient in recipes. Gelatin is the most important source of amino acids.
Gelatin has many uses. Daily use of gelatin can be an alternative to collagen supplements. Most people like to have it in deserts while some people like it in their basic cuisine.
Gelatin has many health benefits, which mainly include the health of the gut, nails, and hair and also help your skin to be more elastic.
The difference between collagen and gelatin is the dissolving tendency of both. Collagen is rapidly dissolved in liquid while gelatin becomes a jelly-like structure when heated in lukewarm water.