What Is Guar Gum?
Guar gum is a common additive in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. The powdered product has many uses, including stabilization, emulsification, and thickening of industrial products such as fiber supplements and body lotions.
Guar gum is extracted from the seed of the guar plant. It is produced by grinding the endosperm of the guar beans. Guar gum has a low caloric content and high fiber. Its intake makes one feel fuller after eating. Consumption of guar gum is also associated with potential side effects.
Individuals taking guar gum may complain of digestive disturbances as well as leaky gut reactions. It is advisable to consume it in moderation to minimize the occurrence of side effects.The gum can absorb large quantities of liquids in the digestive tract. Guar gum is the best thickening agent compared to others like cornstarch or locust bean gum.
It has been shown that Guar gum can hold eight times the amount of water that can be held by cornstarch.Despite its health benefits, it is advisable to be cautious when one is using guar gum. Diet products that contain guar gum can lead to effective weight loss.
Most weight loss supplements are formulated with guar gum since manufacturers claim that the gum can suppress appetite by swelling and absorbing liquids in the digestive tract.
However, the Food and Drug Administration challenged these claims by stating that excessive consumption of the supplements containing guar gum could lead to the formation of high amounts of gel that can obstruct the intestines and the esophagus.
Uses of Guar Gum
1. Treatment of Constipation
It has been shown that an oral administration of guar gum can help to relieve constipation in some individuals. Its ability to absorb and hold water in the intestines makes it an excellent laxative agent.
The bulk-forming ingredient helps in enhancing regular bowel movements as well as reducing symptoms that present with constipation.
2. Lower High Cholesterol Level and Normalize Blood Sugar Concentration
Studies have shown that individuals with a high cholesterol level in the body may benefit from the intake of guar gum. It also normalizes blood sugar level by reducing its absorption rate within the ileum after a meal.
3. Baking of Gluten-free Foods
Guar gum is the most commonly used binding gum in most gluten-free recipes. The gum's ability to hold water and air in place produce gluten-free doughs that are less crumbly.
4. Control of High Blood Pressure
Consumption of guar gum with each meal can be beneficial to individuals with high blood pressure. According to WebMD, guar gum works by lowering the high blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. However, its effectiveness is lower compared to psyllium husks.
5. Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
According to WebMD, guar gum can be used to reduce the stomach pain that is associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Administering the gum by mouth may improve the bowel function and the quality of life in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Prevention of Diarrhea Arising From Chemotherapy
Guar gum is capable of preventing diarrhea that occurs as a side effect of chemotherapy. However, there is insufficient evidence to these claims. More research is needed to rate the effectiveness of guar gum in the management of diarrhea that is associated with cancer treatment.
7. It Is Used as a Thickening Agent
Guar gum can be utilized for thickening and maintenance of the homogeneity of homemade yogurt. Other homemade products that require guar gum as an additive include almond milk, ice cream, and coconut milk, among others.
Risks and Side Effects of Guar Gum
Guar gum has a fast onset of action once it has been administered by the oral route. Once consumed, it's hard to control its activity in the digestive tract.
When it is taken in large amounts, guar gum can lead to effects such as obstruction of the small intestine, esophageal tear, and luminal obstruction. The patient may also present with pulmonary embolism.
Studies have also shown that guar gum can lead to allergic reactions in individuals that have soy allergies. Persons with a high exposure to guar gum are likely to suffer an allergic reaction. The allergies present with shortness of breath, itchiness, diarrhea, and asthma.
It has also been shown that consumption of diet pills with a high amount of guar gum could lead to adverse reactions such as choking, constipation, or obstruction of the intestines.
The obstruction arises due to the formation of a gel when the gum comes into contact with water in the digestive tract.
Top Guar Gum Products
1. Now Foods Guar Gum Powder
The product is available in an eight-ounce bottle. According to its manufacturer, the powder is 100 percent pure. It has been purely extracted from guar beans. NOW Foods Guar Gum Powder is free from products such as sugar, wheat, salt, yeast, and preservatives. The product is best for various baking applications.
Its primary use is in hypoallergenic recipes that utilize different whole grain flours. The guar gum powder helps in the thickening of the flours, allowing them to rise like a normal flour. The product has a rating of 4.6 stars out of a possible five on Amazon. It is being sold on Amazon at $4.85.
2. Bob's Red Mill Guar Gum
According to the manufacturer, the Red Mill Guar Gum is manufactured from ground seeds of an Indian tree. The product can be used as a thickening agent for various products including ice creams, salad dressings, and sauces. It can also be used as a binder for baked goods.
The product is gluten-free. Bob's Red Mill Guar Gum has a rating of 4.5 out of a possible five stars on Amazon. The product is sold at $13.93 on Amazon.
3. BulkSupplements Pure Guar Gum Powder
The product has been lab tested for guaranteed purity. The powder has no fillers and it is gluten-free. It is formulated with guar gum that is derived from the guar plant, which is grown in countries such as India and Pakistan.
The product can be used in the management of constipation and other issues in the digestive tract. It is also beneficial to individuals that have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. The product has a rating of 4.1 stars out of a possible five stars on Amazon. It is sold at $18.96.
Guar Gum Guide Review Summary
Despite the side effects that are associated with guar gum, its intake in smaller quantities is more healthy than problematic. Guar gum is a safe food additive to many individuals. However, it is advisable to take it in small amounts to avoid potential side effects.
