FOODFINDSASIA.COM | What is Xanthan Gum and Its Benefits | Xanthan gum is basically an ingredient that goes into food to either make it thick or to blend other ingredients together. It is mostly found in baked goods. Additionally, xanthan gum is also used in the thickening of toothpaste and in binding makeup products.
Xanthan gum was approved as a food ingredient in the US in 1968 and since then it is being used as an additive in different foods. In the recent years, it has become very popular, especially for people who follow a low-carb or keto diet.
There are many ways you can use this product in your cooking. For example, you can use it in your baking recipes such as this keto cookie recipe.
If you are not able to use xanthan gum, don’t worry. Cornstarch, gelatin or guar gum are also some ideal xanthan gum substitutes when making sauces, gravies and baked goods. It’s gluten-free and imparts no added flavors.
In addition to just being able to thicken and blend foods, it has health benefits as well, which we have enlisted below:
#1. It keeps diabetes at bay
Diabetes is a very common disease which is especially prevalent in the US. As you grow old, it becomes crucial to tackle the problem of diabetes. While plenty of treatments exist on the web to cure diabetes, the xanthan gum has proven results in just a handful of uses.
Studies show that if a person mixes xanthan gum in their juice, it will lessen the amount of their blood sugar significantly, curbing the problem of diabetes.
#2. It suppresses hunger
Xanthan gum is proven to make people feel fuller. A study conducted on 9 individuals who ate muffins with xanthan gum reported to have a suppressed hunger after consuming the edibles. So, if you are looking to keep cravings at bay and avoid eating at unreasonable hours then xanthan gum will be your savior.
#3. It tackles tooth decay
With every day of drinking soda and coffee, and subjecting our teeth to different trials, it is quite common for our teeth to start decaying. This can be prevented with the xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is already used in toothpaste in order to form a layer over teeth to protect them from any harmful agents and keep our teeth healthy.
#4. It is a substitute for saliva
Diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome leads to a dry mouth consistently which can be really tough to deal with. In this regard, xanthan gum has proved to be quite beneficial. It basically acts as a substitute for saliva and reduces dryness in the mouth.
In addition to people with Sjogren’s syndrome, individuals undergoing kidney dialysis can also benefit from xanthan gum.
#5. It is added in medicines
Like we discussed earlier, xanthan gum is added to foods, medicines and cosmetics to thicken them or at least bind them together. It is very commonly used in medicines made for people with dry mouth problems. In addition to that, it is also used in cosmetics for a smoother application.
#6. It lowers blood pressure
It is crucial to have a stable blood pressure to have a healthy and safe life. There are so many contributing factors that lead to fluctuation in blood pressure, which can’t be tackled all at once. But, by using xanthan gum, you significantly reduce your chances of getting troubled with high blood pressure.
#7. It relieves constipation
Xanthan gum is very popular and great laxative. Studies have shown that people who take xanthan gum as a substitute for their usual laxatives, pass stool more consistently and its amount increases as well. So, whether you had something bad to eat or you are just feeling bloated for no reason, you now know that you can resort to xanthan gum to relieve your body of any symptoms of constipation.
Final Words:
To conclude, we would say that there are plenty of benefits associated with xanthan gum. If you are still unsure about it then you should try seeking reviews from your family members or friends. They’d give you the best advice. Start off slow and use it to treat one problem at a time and see if it works for you!
