Xanthan gum, a food thickening agent that has many benefits

Perhaps most of you are not very familiar with xanthan gum. Even though without realizing it, you can eat it quite often. Xanthan gum is an additive in many packaged foods on the market. So, what exactly is the function of xanthan gum? What are the benefits for health?

What is xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum is a substance added in the production of packaged foods to thicken the texture of these foods. These additives are actually a type of polysaccharide, namely carbohydrates formed from the fermentation of the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. These bacteria are usually found naturally in broccoli, cabbage, and kale.

In addition to thickening the texture of food, xanthan gum also acts as an emulsifier, aka food adhesive. For example, packaged foods that contain water and oil, such as salad dressing or mayonnaise. In fact, water and oil don't mix. However, with the help of this substance, these processed materials can be harmoniously integrated into a single whole.

Thanks to its thickening and adhesive functions, this substance is widely used in the processing of bakery products, packaged fruit juices, ice cream, sauces and soy sauce, low-fat foods, and gluten-free foods. Some body products are also often made with the help of xanthan gum, such as toothpaste, sunscreen, and shampoo.

What are the benefits of xanthan gum for human health?

So far, what we know is that additional ingredients in food are not good. But in fact, xanthan gum has many health benefits. Anything?

1. Helps lower blood sugar levels

Research conducted in 2016 stated that these additives can lower the glycemic index level of rice, thus making blood sugar less high after eating rice.

2. Lower cholesterol levels

A study conducted in a small scope revealed that eating foods containing these additives on a regular basis can reduce blood cholesterol levels. However, this still has to be proven by further research.

3. Help deal with dry mouth

These polysaccharides can play a role in replacing saliva and help treat dry mouth. Therefore, these substances are also used in various toothpaste products.

4. Acting as a laxative

If you have trouble defecating or constipation, you may want to eat foods that contain xanthan gum. The reason is, this substance is like a laxative which can stimulate bowel movements to remove waste.

5. Make food easier to chew

A study conducted in 2014 proved that this natural emusifier helps people who have difficulty chewing due to certain health problems.

Although its benefits are tempting to harvest, the role of xanthan gum for body health still needs further investigation. Therefore, do not consume too much of it until it actually proves beneficial.

Not everyone should consume xanthan gum in their diet

Even though it has been declared safe by the FDA, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, excessive use of xanthan gum can still pose certain health risks.

In fact, there are several groups of people who are not allowed to eat foods with these additives at all, namely:

• People who have chronic diarrhea or chronic indigestion. The reason is, this substance can be at risk of making diarrhea or digestive disorders worse.
• People who can't hold bowel movements or fecal incontinence. These additives have properties like laxatives, so that people with fecal incontinence will find it difficult to control or hold bowel movements.
• People who have allergies to this substance.
• People who have allergies to broccoli, cabbage, and kale. The reason is, this substance comes from bacteria that live from these plants.

What is the safe limit for consumption?

If you look at the individual packaged foods available in supermarkets, you will probably find many products with this thickening agent. However, the dose is usually only about 0.05-0.3 percent of the total weight of the product so it is still safe for consumption. The safe limit for daily consumption of xanthan gum is less than 1 gram.

However, even though the levels are quite small in a product and are safe for consumption, you also should not take them more than the limit. This does not mean that it is safe for you to consume packaged foods every day. Instead, choose fresh foods that tend to have better nutritional content.

x