It is also known as guar gum, guar gum, guar gum, guar gum. It is a food additive added to some foods. Although it is said to be beneficial for health, it is also known to have negative side effects. Therefore, its use in some products is prohibited.
Now let's talk about what you need to know about guar gum.
What is guar gum?
This additive is obtained from a legume called guar bean, also known as guaran. It is a type of polysaccharide, or long chain of carbohydrate molecules stuck together, and consists of two sugars called mannose and galactose.
Guar gum is a powder product used to stabilize, emulsify and thicken the texture of some foods and industrial products.
What does guar gum do?
It is used as a food additive in many processed foods. It is especially useful in food production. Because it dissolves in water, it is absorbed and forms a gel that thickens and binds products. It is used as a thickener. It is considered safe to use in certain amounts in various food products.
In terms of nutrition. it is low in calories. However, it is high in soluble fiber. One tablespoon (10 grams) provides 30 calories and 9 grams of fiber.
Guar gum absorbs large amounts of fluid in the digestive tract. In this way, it normalizes blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
What is guar gum?
This additive is used in diet meal replacement foods, diet pills or other weight loss supplements. Because manufacturers say that it reduces appetite by swelling and absorbing water in the digestive system.
Guar gum nutritional value
The guar plant is produced from beans that contain an endosperm high in polysaccharides, particularly galactomannans, a type of sugar called mannose and galactose. Once formed from the endosperm of the bean, it is cleaned with alcohol or another cleaning agent to prevent the growth of bacteria.
When combined with water or liquid it thickens to form a gel-like texture that is well maintained at temperature or pressure.
Guar powder has a white to yellowish color. It also doesn't have much of a taste or smell. Therefore, it adapts to many different food products. This additive is a vegan product as it is derived from the bean plant.
What foods is guar gum found in?
This substance, which is widely used in the food industry, is found in the following products:
Ice cream
Yoghurt
Salad dressing
Gluten-free baked goods
Sauces
Kefir
breakfast cereals
Vegetable juices
Pudding
Soup
Cheese
Guar gum has a variety of uses due to its structure; It can also be found in food, household supplies, or beauty products. For example;
Adds thickness or creamy texture to foods like soups.
It binds together ingredients found in yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products. It does this by preventing oil droplets from separating, so it's often found in products that contain a source of oil.
It prevents the separation and collapse of solid particles in sauces, marinades or other mixtures.
Prevents coagulation or separation of ingredients found in plant-based milks (flax, almond, coconut, soy or hemp).
It helps slow down glucose absorption when consumed with a meal.
It thickens hair cleansing products such as shampoo or conditioner. It also keeps the oils in place and prevents the texture of the lotions from changing.
It creates a gel-like consistency in products used on the hair or body.
It provides the thick consistency of the toothpaste.
It helps ingredients found in medications or supplements stay attached and not separate.
Besides its use in foods, other important uses for this substance are in the mining, textile, explosives and paper manufacturing industries.
Guar Gum Benefits
Guar gum is known for its ability to thicken and stabilize food products. In addition, it is stated that there are some benefits.
Because it is high in fiber, it is a beneficial substance for the digestive system.
One study found that it helps relieve constipation by speeding up movement through the intestinal tract.
In addition, it promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut. It acts as a prebiotic by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Lowering blood sugar
Studies show that this additive can be effective in lowering blood sugar.
This is because it contains soluble fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar and leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels.
Lower cholesterol
Soluble fibers such as guar gum have a cholesterol-lowering effect.
Fiber binds to bile acids in our body. This ensures that it is excreted and reduces the amount of bile acids in the circulation.
This forces the liver to use cholesterol to produce more bile acids. That leads to a decrease in cholesterol levels.
Decreases appetite
Some studies have found that this additive helps with weight loss and appetite control.
Fiber moves through the body undigested. In this way, it helps to provide satiety while reducing appetite.
It is also effective in reducing calorie intake.
One study looked at the effects of guar gum on weight loss in women. It was found that those who took 15 grams of guar gum a day lost 2,5 kilograms more than the others.
Helps create gluten-free baked goods
Guar gum is a common binder in gluten-free recipes and cooked foods.
It prevents gluten-free dough from crumbling and crumbling after cooking.
Protects components without separating
rich in probiotics kefir or when making yogurt, guar gum maintains the uniformity of the texture and is useful for thickening.
Studies show that guar gum helps to provide bloating and a feeling of satiety in the digestive system due to its high carbohydrate content.
For this reason, it is often added to recipes, fiber supplements, or laxatives as a filler.
Guar Gum Damages
This additive adversely affects health when consumed in large quantities. Less is not harmful. When consumed too much, mild digestive symptoms such as gas, diarrhea, bloating and cramps are seen. For this reason, the amount of use in some products is limited.
In some people, this additive can cause an allergic reaction. It is a rare condition. If you are allergic to soy products, you should limit your guar gum consumption.
How to Use Guar Gum?
Guar gum is sold in major grocery stores. It is not recommended to use this additive when making recipes with acidic foods (such as those made with citrus or lemon juice). Because it can cause it to lose its texture.
Buy guar products that are as pure as possible and contain as few ingredients as you can find.
Guar gum can be used at home as follows;
Add a small amount of guar to homemade almond milk or other milk alternatives.
When making sauces or pickles, you can add this ingredient for a creamy texture, especially if you're trying to keep the calorie and fat content low.
You can also try this additive in gluten-free recipes such as gluten-free pancakes, cakes, pizza or banana bread.
