Guar gum - the benefits and harm to the body

Guar gum (E412, Guargum) is a complex of water-soluble polysaccharides that does not cause harm to human health. This is a natural food supplement. It acts as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier.

Method of obtaining and harvesting

In order to obtain a valuable additive, the method of extraction from the fruits of cyamopsis tetratkrylnikovy (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba) is used. It is mined mainly in Africa, Pakistan, India, as well as Australia and America. There are several popular names for the plant from which the gum is extracted - guar, Indian acacia, pea tree.

With the healing purpose of harvesting the fruit takes place in October. They are peeled by simple peeling, ground into a powder.

Historical facts

Indian acacia and its pods have been officially used as plant raw materials for cattle and people since 1907. In 1980, the unsuccessful results of using E412 in dietetics of the United States were recorded, resulting in hospitalization and deaths. Scientists went deeper into the problem and found out the inexpediency of using the substance to reduce weight.

In the international market, the additive has been popular and in demand since 1957.

Chemical composition

• Galactomannan (80%).
• Proteins (5%).
• Fat (0.7%).

Substance has a wide range of application. In addition to eating, guar gum is used in traditional medicine and cosmetology.

Guar is not considered a pharmacopoeial plant in the regions of Russia, but it has found its application in traditional medicine of Asian countries, as well as in treatment using homeopathy. In England, guar gum is officially recognized as a medical substance.

Healing and unique properties

• Antisclerotic.
• Detoxification.
• Lower cholesterol.
• Preventive. It takes care of the cardiovascular system, leads the pressure in the normal state.
• Hypoglycemic.
• Absorbent.
• Blood purifying.
• Coagulating.
• Antispasmodic.
• Immunomodulatory.
• Promotes growth and development of beneficial microflora.
• Reduces appetite.
• Promotes better digestibility of useful substances.

Indications for use

• Constipation.
• Stomach cramps.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Reduced immunity due to infectious diseases.
• Improving the activity of beneficial microflora after taking antibiotics.
• Diabetes.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes.
• Cholecystitis.

E412 is a harmless food additive. There are no contraindications even for pregnant women. Moreover, guar gum benefits the woman and the fetus, subject to moderate consumption and compliance. A prerequisite is the use of large amounts of water. Lack of fluid can cause the formation of a bolus.

Can this supplement harm health?

An increased amount of a substance can lead to a disorder in the work of the digestive system: diarrhea, bloating, gas formation, vomiting. With obstruction in the digestive organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines), the gum is contraindicated in order not to aggravate the existing problem. Individual intolerance is also possible.

Compatibility with drugs

You can not use the additive in parallel with hormonal drugs, as the gum is able to reduce the absorption of estrogen. In combination with penicillin and metformin, guar acts overwhelmingly and reduces the effect of drugs.

Guar gum in cosmetology

The cosmetic properties of the resin were originally studied and evaluated in Europe, but now it is a widely used substance everywhere. The ability to form a protective layer in the form of a thin film does not allow the external aggressive influence of the environment on the skin to be affected. Prevents the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, wind and pollution. Cosmetics with gum in the composition are characterized by good moisturizing abilities.

Home Recipes

1. Cleansing and moisturizing tonic. Guar gum is combined with a hydrolate of medicinal plants; in a simpler version, pure water is used. The best time to use is morning. Allows you to create a protective barrier for the whole day for the dermis, to moisten it. Taking the rule of applying such a tonic, they achieve smoothing and complete elimination of visible skin defects.
2. Effective rejuvenating mask. Sheets aloe vera (2 large) peeled. Vitamin E (2-3 drops), an arbitrary pinch of guar, is added to the extracted pulp. Mix, cover food wrap, insist in a warm place for 30 minutes. The composition is distributed evenly on clean, steamed face skin and neck and decollete area.
3. Moisturizing gel. Guar gum (1 g) is mixed with ether of lavender (20 drops), chamomile hydrolate (160 ml.) And grape seed oil (40 ml.) Are added. Gum is poured with hydrolate, set aside in a refrigerator for 8 hours. Add the rest of the ingredients, punch with a mixer. Store in a glass bottle. Such a composition can narrow pores, even out the color, moisturize and protect from drying out.
4. Hair conditioner. Hydrolatum from medicinal herbs is combined with essential oils (jojoba, wheat germ), rinsed hair after washing. Achieve smoothness, silkiness and shine.
5. Mask-hair care. To warm home-made kefir (300g), add a chicken egg (1pc.), A pinch of guar gum. All are mixed until uniform, applied to the hair under the cap for an hour.