Gum Arabic
Gum arabic and its uses
Gum arabic has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of health problems, such as colds and coughs. What are the benefits of gum arabic? What are its uses?
Gum arabic (Sengalia Senegal) is the product of the acacia tree, which is found in abundance in the tropical regions and is particularly found in Sudan, which is the largest producing country. It is famous for its gum known as hashab. What are the most important benefits of gum arabic?
Side interactions and permitted doses
After knowing the benefits of gum arabic, it is important to know that until now no official documentation has been recorded regarding the safety of using gum arabic or not, and there is not enough information available about its interactions, and there is not enough research on the safety of its use and its side effects, especially on pregnant and breastfeeding women.
However, some of the negative reactions that were recorded were as follows:
An allergy that may be caused by the type of gum (Acacia gum).
Respiratory problems.
skin desies.
Kidney and liver damage.
Raising cholesterol levels in the body.
What is gum arabic made of?
After knowing the benefits of gum arabic, it is important to know that gum arabic is a mixture of polysaccharides and proteins, and contains:
A group of multiple distinct sugars such as; Arabinose and ribose.
A group of acids, salts, minerals, and enzymes.
Gum arabic has been known for its many uses, especially in herbal medicine and traditional treatments since ancient times. Acacia gum is usually used to modify some of the physical properties of foods, such as texture, or extend the life of the product. Among the most important benefits of gum arabic and its uses are the following:
1-The effect of gum arabic on cholesterol levels
Several studies have been published in this regard:
Some studies have found that eating gum arabic has an effect on cholesterol levels in the body, as it helps in lowering them, but these studies are not sufficient.
In a study conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), it was found that there is no relationship between eating gum arabic and lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
In a clinical study on patients with high cholesterol for a period ranging from 4 to 12 weeks, the gum had no effect on cholesterol, but it was a high source of soluble fiber that contributes to lowering cholesterol.
2- Gum disease and oral health
Many experiments have shown that gum has an effect on the health of the mouth and teeth by strengthening the gums and combating their diseases, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, and preventing the formation of plaque, and these are among the benefits of gum arabic.
In a clinical study that studied the effect of chewing gum made from gum arabic for seven days, it was found that:
Promote gum and mouth health.
Fight plaque formation.
Especially if we compare it to regular gum.
3- High source of fiber
One of the benefits of gum arabic is that it is famous for being a high source of dietary fiber, as 90% of its components are water-soluble fibers, which:
Enhances the functioning of the digestive system.
It contributes to reducing the risk of heart and arterial diseases.
4- Promoting digestive health
One of the benefits of gum arabic is that it is a high source of dietary fiber, which makes it:
Effective treatment against constipation.
It helps relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
It enhances the functioning of the intestines and digestive system, and constitutes suitable food for beneficial intestinal bacteria.
5- Regulating sugar levels in diabetics
It has been found that a diabetic patient's consumption of gum contributes to regulating blood sugar levels, although the evidence from clinical trials on this is not numerous, but its high fiber content is what contributes to regulating blood sugar levels.
6- Treating colds and throat pain
It was found that gum arabic:
It contributes to alleviating irritation in the mucous membranes.
Reduces the symptoms of common cold and influenza.
It contributes to treating sore throat and coughs and accelerating the healing of mouth ulcers and wounds.
7- Weight loss
Since gum arabic is a high source of dietary fiber, this is an advantage that makes it play a role in the weight loss process, as fiber helps fill the stomach and increase the feeling of fullness, thus reducing the amount of food eaten, and this is one of the benefits of gum arabic.
Uses of gum arabic
Gum arabic has a number of uses for which it has been known since ancient times, especially among the ancient Egyptians, the most important of which are:
Treating wounds and burns.
Treating digestive problems.
Colds and coughs.
Gonorrhea.
Leprosy.
In addition to the above, its modern uses have evolved into:
It is used in the field of pharmacy, medicines and pills industry.
It is used as an emulsifier in many industries.
It is used to heal wounds.
Prevents bacterial growth.
It contributes to enhancing oral and dental health and preventing the growth of bacteria and the deposition of layers of plaque.
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