Guar gum
What is guar gum?
Guar gum, also known as guaran or guar gum, is a carbohydrate obtained from the seeds of the guar bean. The guar bean is a legume that originally comes from India or Central Africa and is now mainly cultivated in India, Pakistan and the USA.
Guar gum consists of indigestible glucomannan molecules that form a linear chain of mannose with branched galactose units. These molecules have a high water-binding capacity and form a viscous gel on contact with water.
How is guar gum used?
Guar gum is used in the food industry as a thickening and gelling agent. It improves the consistency and stability of soups, sauces, desserts, jams, ice cream, yoghurt and other products. It can also act as an emulsifier and promote the mixing of fat and water.
Guar gum is also used in the cosmetics, paper and pharmaceutical industries. It gives shampoos, creams and medicines a gel-like texture and can be used as a binding agent or carrier. In the oil industry, guar gum is used in fracking to increase the viscosity of the liquid.
In the EU, guar gum is approved as a food additive under the number E412. It may be used in all foods, including organic products. There is only a maximum quantity restriction for some products.
What are the benefits of guar gum?
Guar gum has a number of benefits for the health of humans and dogs. As it is indigestible, it has hardly any calories and can act as a dietary fiber. It can increase the feeling of satiety, stabilize blood sugar levels and stimulate intestinal activity.
Guar gum can also lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of bile acids in the intestine. Bile acids are formed from cholesterol and are necessary for the digestion of fat. If they are not absorbed, the body has to break down more cholesterol.
Guar gum can also have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen the immune system. It can also protect the mucous membranes and help with gastrointestinal complaints.
What are the disadvantages of guar gum?
Guar gum also has disadvantages for the health of humans and dogs. As it swells strongly, it can lead to constipation or intestinal obstruction if the dosage is too high or the liquid intake too low. Flatulence and diarrhea can also occur.
Guar gum can also trigger or intensify allergic reactions. It may contain traces of harmful substances such as saponins, fluoroacetic acid or allergenic proteins.
Guar gum, also known as guaran or guar gum, comes from the seeds of the guar bean and is used as a thickening and gelling agent in the food industry. It has many benefits, such as improving the consistency of food, stabilizing products and even health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels and promoting gut health. However, it can cause constipation or allergic reactions if consumed in excess.
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If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊
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