Cyamopsis tetragonolobus
It is assumed to have developed from the African species Cyamopsis senegalensis. It was further domesticated in India and Pakistan, where it has been cultivated for many centuries. Guar grows well in semiarid areas, but frequent rainfall is necessary.
Contents
Uses
- Used to make guar gum.
- In several food and beverages guar gum is used as additive in order to change its viscosity or as fiber source.
- Used in dairy products like ice cream and as a stabilizer in cheese and cold-meat processing.
Benefits
- Relief for digestive discomfort
The latest on the health benefits of guar gum comes from the Gastroenterology Unit at Italy’s University of Genoa, where, in a series of studies, digestive-disease expert Edoardo Giannini added small amounts of this soluble fibre to the diets of a group of people with . Giannini’s first study, published in the journal Nutrition, attracted worldwide attention because the guar gum appeared to ease both the diarrhea and constipation that can come with IBS and soothed abdominal pain. - Feeding the good bugs
Bacteria aren’t just illness-causing villains. A growing stack of research shows that maintaining a healthy balance of ‘good bugs,’ or probiotics, in your digestive system could help ward off gastrointestinal problems, discourage the development of allergies in children and even influence how much you weigh and how well you. One key to nurturing the beneficial bugs: feed them well with ‘prebiotics’ such as guar gum. - Lowering cholesterol
In the 1980s and 1990s, scientists in Finland took a closer look at guar gum powder’s effects in people with diabetes and high cholesterol, with intriguing results. University of Kuopio researchers asked 39 people with type 2 diabetes to have a teaspoon (5 milligrams) of guar gum, stirred into milk, juice or water, 3 times a day. After 13 months, their total cholesterol levels had fallen by up to 7 percent.
Cautions
- Please consult your nutritionist.
Interactions
n/a
Other names
Gavar, Guwar, or Guvar bean
References
Source: Besthealthmath, http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/why-you-should-be-taking-guar-gum-for-better-health/
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guar#Food
EtsyStudio, https://www.etsystudio.com/listing/224085042/indian-cluster-bean-guar-bean-gum-bean
Image source: https://www.etsystudio.com/listing/224085042/indian-cluster-bean-guar-bean-gum-bean