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You might have heard about Xanthan Gum and are wondering what it is and whether or not it is safe for you to use. Xanthan gum has been around for quite some time now, but most people don’t know much about it. It has been used by famous industries to make food products better and more delicious, but it has also been used by the medical field for various treatments over the years. It's made by fermenting corn sugar with Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. Here's what you need to know about the most common xanthan gum side effects and health benefits.
About Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a common food additive that's used to thicken foods and beverages. It's also used as a thickener in ketchup, salad dressing, ice cream, and toothpaste.
It is made from glucose produced by the fermentation of sucrose or glucose syrups with a specific strain of bacteria as mentioned above. Most commercial xanthan gums are formed by reacting these bacterial exudates with a base at alkaline ph. The resulting polysaccharide solution is heated until it evaporates into fibers that are then filtered out and dried.
Xanthan Gum Health Benefits
Xanthan gum is a natural ingredient that's been used for centuries. The beneficial properties of xanthan gum include:
Thickener
Xanthan gum acts as a thickener in foods, stabilizing the viscosity and texture of liquids, such as salad dressing and cream soups. This thickening property is also one of the reasons why xanthan gum is used in personal care products, such as toothpaste and shampoo. It helps to create a nice, creamy texture that feels smooth on your skin.
Stabilizer
Xanthan gum helps to keep other ingredients from separating and settling to the bottom of your jar or container, making them easier to mix together without clumping up on you!
Emulsifier
When mixed with water like when you're making salad dressing or vinaigrette sauce, xanthan gum will help keep all those ingredients mixed together so they don't separate after sitting at room temperature for hours - which makes it much harder on your digestive system if this happens (especially if you have an upset stomach already). You'll feel better after eating these kinds of dishes made with Xanthan Gum instead!
Gluten-free baking
In gluten-free baking, xanthan gum serves as a binder and provides elasticity, which is typically provided by gluten in traditional baked goods. This helps to improve the texture of gluten-free products and prevent them from becoming overly crumbly.
Personal care products
Xanthan gum is used in various personal care products, such as toothpaste, shampoo, and body wash, due to its thickening and stabilizing properties. It can also help to retain moisture in the skin and hair, making it a popular ingredient in moisturizing products.
Industrial applications
In addition to its food and personal care uses, xanthan gum has found applications in various industries, such as oil drilling. It is used to thicken and stabilize drilling fluids, and textile production. It can help to create a smoother, more uniform finish.
Toothpaste and Shampoo
It is a common ingredient in toothpaste and shampoo, contributing to their consistency and performance.
Moisturizers and Body Wash
Xanthan gum is also found in moisturizers and body wash, where it helps to retain moisture in the skin and hair.
We are Offering Xanthan Gum in these Countries
- Wholesale Xanthan Gum Suppliers in China
- Xanthan Gum Europe Supplier
- Xanthan Gum India
- Xanthan Gum USA Suppliers
Related: Whey Protein Concentrate and How Is it Made?
Xanthan Gum Side Effects
Despite the xanthan gum benefits, there are also some side effects to be aware of. Let us have a look at a few of them:
Xanthan Gum and Diarrhea
The most common xanthan gum side effects are diarrhea, stomach cramps and gas. This happens because of the high fiber content in xanthan gum. If you're prone to having bouts of diarrhea, then it's best that you take this into consideration before consuming xanthan gum. It can cause softer stools, which may be beneficial for some but uncomfortable for others. For people who don't suffer from gastrointestinal issues, this shouldn't be a problem!
Xanthan Gum and Weight Gain
It's possible that an excess of xanthan gum can cause weight gain. This is because the fiber content in it contributes to its satiety index, which means that those who eat more fiber tend to feel fuller for longer.
Xanthan Gum and Sugar Intolerance
If you're prone to sugar intolerance, then xanthan gum may not be for you. This is because it's made from corn syrup solids or maltodextrin, both of which are high in sugar. If your body can't process these sugars well, then consuming too much of them can cause stomach aches and diarrhea.
Allergic Reactions
Rare allergic reactions to xanthan gum may occur, especially in individuals with severe corn allergies.
Related: Xanthan Gum Recipes
Final Verdict: Is xanthan gum good for you?
If you are wondering “ is xanthan gum healthy, then you should know it is safe to consume, but you should be aware of the possible side effects of ingesting too much xanthan gum. The good news is that you can monitor your intake by reading labels and avoiding products that contain this additive. So, it is kind of good for you, but it can cause some adverse reactions in some people. If you suspect that you're one of them, then consider eliminating xanthan gum from your diet.
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