Guar gum is derived from the seeds of the guar plant Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, native to India and Pakistan. Lithuanian name Kampuotoji pupene.
Guar gum is similar in properties to locust bean gum (made from the powdered seeds of the locust bean), also known as carob gum. Like guar gum, this powder is made from the endosperm of the seed of a legume plant. However, there are differences between the two types. While guar gum dissolves quickly in water at room temperature, and for carob resin, water needs to be heated to around 85 °C to dissolve well.
To avoid confusion, the much-loved ‘chocolate’ Carob powder is made from the carob pods, and caron resin is made from the seeds of the carob.
Guar gum is a natural thickening and stabilising agent (E412) widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
In addition to its culinary uses, guar gum has attracted attention for its potential health benefits.
The manufacturing process of guar gum consists of several steps
The guar plant is cultivated for its seeds. When the plant matures, the pods containing the seeds are harvested.
The pods are threshed to separate them from the plant. The seeds are then cleaned to remove any dirt or debris.
The cleaned guar seeds are divided into two parts, known as endosperms. The endosperm is rich in galactomannan, a polysaccharide that makes up most of the guar gum.
The endosperm is ground into a fine powder using specialised grinding equipment. This process helps to release galactomannan from endosperms.
The crushed powder is mixed with water to form a semi-liquid mixture. The galactomannan in the powder hydrates and begins to swell.
The hydrated suspension is then mechanically separated to separate the galactomannan from the insoluble parts of the seed.
The separated galactomannan is dried to produce the final product, guar gum.
Benefits of organic guar gum
Digestion. Guar gum is a soluble fibre that can help improve digestion. When taken, it produces a gel-like substance in the intestine that promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. Studies show that guar gum can help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and improve overall bowel function.
Blood sugar regulation. For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, organic guar gum may be useful in regulating blood sugar levels. The fibre content of guar gum slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, improving glycaemic control after meals.
Cholesterol management. Studies show that organic guar gum can help lower LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Its ability to bind with bile acids in the intestine helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol.
Attention
Although organic guar gum is safe for most people, excessive use can cause side effects such as bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort.
It is very important to use guar gum sparingly and to take into account individual needs.
Use of
Guar gum improves the texture and volume of baked goods such as breads, cakes and pastries, leading to improved quality and longer shelf life.
Guar resin is commonly used in plant-based dairy and yoghurt products to give a creamy consistency and prevent the separation of ingredients.
Guar gum is an excellent thickener for sauces, gravies and dressings, creating a smooth and consistent texture.
Used in desserts and ice cream.
Guar gum can be used as a substitute for gelatine, which is neutral in taste and smell.
Recommended use
For hot food (sauces, stews, puddings) – use 1-3 teaspoons of powder per 1 litre of liquid.
For cold foods (salad dressings, ice cream, puddings) – use 1-2 teaspoons of powder per 1 litre of liquid.
For internal use, guar gum is safe for most people, but it is recommended to be used for no more than two years.
Pregnant women. Guar gum can be safe for up to 4 weeks.
For breastfeeding. There is not enough reliable information to know whether guar gum is safe to use when breastfeeding.
For children. Guar gum is safe for children aged 4 years and older.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://www.webmd.com
NOTE. The information contained herein should not be construed as a recommendation for treatment or other health issues.
We encourage you to make personal decisions about your personal health, taking into account a wide range of sources of information.