Guar Gum:
Common Usage In Making
Gluten Free Healthy Snacks
Guar gum, commonly used to make healthy snacks in gluten free baking, is derived from the seeds of the guar plant which is commonly grown in hot arid climates, especially Pakistan and India. After processing, the seeds are reduced to an off-white coarse to finely-ground powder. This powder is what is used commonly as a thickener or bulking agent in the food industry. Common Uses In The Food IndustryThe powder from the guar plant in its natural state has the thickening abilities of being eight times stronger than regular cornstarch. It also makes an excellent emulsifier (prevents oil and water droplets from separating) and is a stabilizer (prevents solid particles from settling).Some common places it can be seen in use: - Dairy- it is used as a thickener in milk and yogurt, also adds texture to ice cream and sherbet
- Meat- used as a binder to hold ingredients together
- Dressings(salad) and sauces- stabilizes the spices, fruits and vegetable bits so they do not all settle to the bottom
- Gluten Free Baking- added to GF baking flours to add elasticity to the dough to increase yield, it also prevents the separation of water in pastry fillings to keep the crust dry and flaky
Nutritional and Medicinal EffectsGuar gum is a bulk-forming laxative which aids in providing regular bowel movements and relieves constipation. Because of its capabilities of expansion, when it arrives into the intestines it helps to stimulate more free-flowing bulk which aids in emptying the bowels. This ultimately contributes to greater colon health by eliminating bacteria at a more consistent rate.The gum also has the capability of slowing down digestion of a meal, thus being of benefit to the diabetic. Increased expansion promotes a feeling of fullness leading to less food being consumed. Also, since it is water-soluble, it slows the absorption of the sugars in the foods we eat, which therefore results in maintaining more normal blood glucose levels. Guar gum is often prescribed though as a laxative to relieve constipation. It can also be detrimental for any individual which tends to having re-occuring diarrhea. Start with its use slowly and let your body adjust because of the possible side effects.
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This site is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of your professional medical treatment plan. Although all of the information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, we still recommend you carefully check all food labels before consuming any food product. We can not assume any legal responsibility for any illness obtained while following the advice contained on this site.
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