Surprisingly the wallpaper and salad dressings they have one thing in common: it is the xanthan gum, a food additive that is not very well known, but which we all almost certainly consume every week.
Since it is located in many industrial foods and in the past it has been linked to respiratory and digestive problems, there have been many reservations about its safety of this supplement, but the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) considers it safe for food consumption.
Will it really be beneficial to our health?
Index
What is xanthan gum?
La xanthan gum it's a food additive which is added to foods such as thickener or stabilizer. It is produced when it cup sugar is done ferment from the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris.
This fermented sugar creates a sticky substance, which is dried and made into dust. When this powder is added to a liquid, it creates a viscous and stable solution, with a very strong thickening power.
Xanthan gum it is produced in the laboratory, but it is a soluble fiber that our body cannot break down; in fact, it creates a gelatinous substance in the digestive system, which slows down digestion.
Where is xanthan gum found?
We can find xanthan gum in:
- Food: can improve the flavor, texture and shelf life of many products; it is also frequently used in gluten-free cooking as it provides elasticity and softness. The most common foods that contain this additive are: salad dressings, baked goods, fruit juices, soups, ice cream, sauces, gluten-free products.
- Personal care products: allows cosmetics to be thick and creamy and to suspend solid particles in liquids; among these products we include: toothpastes, creams, lotions, shampoos.
- Industrial products: thanks to its ability to withstand different temperatures and ph, xanthan gum allows it to better adhere to surfaces and thicken liquids; the industrial products that contain it are: fungicides, herbicides, detergents, putty, paints, adhesives and wallpaper glue.
Xanthan gum and health benefits
- Sugar in the blood: this thickener can help lower blood sugar levels; turning into a gelatinous substance in the stomach, it affects the rate at which the blood absorbs sugar.
- Cholesterol: when consumed in large quantities, it can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Weight loss: People who consume this additive have noticed a greater sense of fullness after meals.
- Bowel regularity: Consuming xanthan gum increases water movements in the intestine and this can help intestinal regularity.
- Thickening properties: It is used to thicken liquids for those who have difficulty swallowing, such as the elderly or people with neurological disorders.
Xanthan gum and digestive problems
For most people who use xanthan gum, the only downside is digestive difficulty; high doses of this thickener can cause:
- Increased frequency of bowel movements
- Increased stool production
- Increased intestinal gas
- Altered intestinal bacteria
These side effects they are rare and occur if you exceed 15 grams of daily intake.
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