Guar Gum
What is Guar Gum?
Many people consume it, but few are aware precisely what is Guar Gum. Originating from the dry regions of Asia and Africa, guar gum is made from legumes known as guar beans. It is a polysaccharide, made up of the sugars mannose and galactose. Most people encounter it as a food additive that is found in many popular processed foods, most notably ice cream, yoghurts, salad dressings and sauces. Its major advantage as a food additive lies in its ability to provide stability and thickness to food and snacks. Guar gum is high in soluble fiber while low in calories.
Where does guar gum come from?
Guar beans are principally grown in India where between 2.3 and 3 million tons of beans are produced annually. This represents about 80% of the world’s guar bean production. Other commercial levels of guar bean production occur in Pakistan, Africa, Australia and the USA.
What is guar gum used for?
Guar gum is often used in keto recipes and serves several practical purposes including
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Use as an emulsifier or stabiliser, a small amount can help to prevent ingredients from separating or “settling.”
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Acting as a thickening agent instead of common starches or flours. Guar Gum actually has nearly eight times the thickening capacity as cornstarch.
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Can help to bind ingredients together and is particularly useful when preparing low carb batters or doughs.
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Can be used to add texture to a recipe.
The benefits of guar gum
Several studies have provided indications that guar gum can be beneficial to the health of those who consume it. These potential health benefits are:
It may aid digestion and relieve constipation – Due to its high fiber content, guar gum may provide relief to those experiencing constipation by enhancing movement within the intestinal tract. Furthermore, as a prebiotic it can encourage the growth of good bacteria and have a positive impact on the reduction of harmful bacteria within the stomach.
It can lower cholesterol – Prior research conducted in the 1990s found that people with type 2 diabetes that were given guar gum three times a day experienced a reduction in cholesterol levels by up to 7 per cent. The reason is because fiber attacks bile acids that are present in the body causing them to be expelled from the body. The liver then uses up cholesterol to produce more bile acids therefore decreasing a person’s overall cholesterol levels.
It can lower blood sugar levels – Because it contains a high amount of soluble fiber, guar gum can slow the absorption of sugar and lower blood sugar levels. This makes it a potentially advantageous additive for those who suffer from diabetes.
How to use guar gum in baking
Guar gum powder is commonly used for baking purposes, particularly when using gluten free flours. Typically you should add approximately a tablespoon of guar gum for every cup of gluten free flour when making bread, whereas biscuits or cookies might require as little as a teaspoon per cup of flour.
Where do you buy guar gum?
Guar gum is becoming more sought after as more people switch to gluten free or keto diets. It isn’t necessarily easy to find in local supermarkets and it’s availability may depend upon local store stocking policies. Health food outlets may be another source. However, if you are looking for a reliable supply that has been produced organically, then you need look no further than Buy Organics Online.
Guar Gum Australia
At Buy Organics Online you can purchase guar gum that has been sourced from only the most trusted brands from Australia and internationally. Don’t delay, add this and other great food items to your kitchen pantry today!