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9 Health benefits of guar seeds

Flaxseeds

Guar is generally found in Asia and USA. Its appearance is like french beans though they are a little smaller and flatter in size. It is commonly used in vegetable curries. It is high on fiber and proteins. Guar seeds are pounded and processed to a powdered form to obtain guar gum. Guar plant has an ability to grow even in dry or dessert like climate and can sustain a drought too. Guar seed is virtually tasteless and its many applications are used in the food industry as it is a highly natural soluble fiber which is easily digested and absorbed by the body. Guar gum also acts as a natural thickening agent for soups, gravies, sauces, ice-creams, salad dressings and curries while providing fiber at the same time. It can also be used in place of white flour especially for people who are allergic to gluten. It also helps to lessen the calorie intake in food and maintains the desired thickness and texture at the same time. The usage of this gum varies from dairy to paper.

guar beans

Health benefits of guar seeds

1. Weight loss:

The gum obtained from guar seeds has a unique additive feature ideal for weight loss. Guar gum has a water binding and expanding capacity when it comes in contact with the water. Its expanding quality keeps the stomach full for a longer period of time thus resulting in a delayed digestion and less calorie intake. This ingredient efficiently replaces flours and fats and yet provides the desired results required to maintain the thickness and texture of food as it contains almost 1 calorie per gram in comparison to flour at 4 calories per gram and fat at 9 calories per gram. Though the continuous use of guar seeds is effective for a weight loss, but it will be difficult to keep the weight off once you stop its usage. Some people may be allergic to guar seeds and may experience gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, etc., so it is better to consult a doctor before you add them in your regular diet and simply stop its usage if you experience any of these disorders.

2. Diabetes:

The guar seed powder considerably slows the breaking down and absorption of nutrients present in food which leads to decreased carbohydrates and sugar breakdown resulting in lower blood sugar levels after meals. So, people suffering with diabetes can manage their sugar levels more effectively. A candy bar of guar gum is rich in fiber and its expanding quality satiates hunger easily. A study shows that people who ate guar gum candy for lunch experienced decreased hunger and increased fullness for 3 to 4 hours after the meal. Guar gum also decreases blood sugar and insulin after meals. Though the regular usage of pounded guar seeds does not improve insulin sensitivity but it definitely improves the insulin response and glucose levels in body. The soluble fiber present in guar gum helps to reduce cholesterol and helps in preventing and managing diabetes. Though guar gum improves your glycemic index and this herbal supplement is highly appreciated, but never replace your prescribed medication with it and take your doctor’s advise before regulating it in your diet.

3. Cholesterol:

Guar is a highly soluble fiber. Its high fiber and protein properties make it beneficial for reducing high cholesterol and produces good cholesterol. Guar gums fiber rich content also reduces triglycerides and fights bad cholesterol. The presence of fiber in the seed extract absorbs reduced amount of cholesterol from the diet. This food also mars the frequent hunger pangs and reduces the daily intake because of its expanding quality keeping the stomach full for longer hours. The American Heart Association establishes its regular intake for a deceased risk of heart disease. Its expanding nature also decreases the fat intake thus reducing the calorie consumption which results in improved cholesterol level over a period of time. Though there is very little or no risk involved in the consumption of guar seed extract and its intake is very beneficial in the long run but do not depend only on it for lowering your cholesterol.

4. Food additive:

The guar seeds are husked and processed to form guar gum. This grounded white has thickening, stabilizing and binding qualities. Its gel like property attracts water and binds the food adding fiber content at the same time. The seed extract can be used for recipes which require white flour and is very useful for people suffering from gluten allergy. It can also be added to replace fat content in the flour for calorie conscious people. The addition of guar powder to any recipe provides the desired results as far as the color, texture and thickness is concerned. Guar beans are a rich source of protein and it can be added to cakes, curries, coconut paste, cheese, salad dressings, sauces, etc. Guar gum also prevents the desserts from becoming too watery, thus stabilizing the formation efficiently. So it can be added to instant puddings, whipped cream, ice creams and cappuccino, etc., and its smooth and creamy texture prevents the formation of crystals providing it a fluffier texture. Its additive quality may not be very well received by some people as it may irritate the digestive tract thus causing diarrhea though it is seen in very rare cases.

5. Laxative:

The gaur gum extract is a soluble fiber and its high fiber quality is beneficial for treating and keeping constipation at bay. This medicinal gum regulates the digestive tract and keeps it healthy. When gaur gum comes in contact with water, it expands and acts as a bulk laxative. Since primitive times its usage is commonly employed to prevent and treat constipation. If it is taken before sleeping, its laxative content helps in inducing a healthy bowel movement next morning. Its fibrous nature also regulates the water content in the feces thus softening the stool to prevent constipation. But one should consume balanced doses of guar gum to avoid gastrointestinal side effects such as loose motions and gastric disorder. It should also be consumed with 8 oz of water to prevent obstruction of esophagus and small intestines.

6. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases:

Since guar gum has cholesterol and glucose lowering properties, it efficiently reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks. Guar gum inhibits the cholesterol plaque deposits on to the walls of blood vessels, thus preventing the hardening of arteries. Eventually the cholesterol deposits reduces the flexibility of the blood vessels because of the hardening effect and causes blood pressure. This can induce a higher risk of blood vessel rupture and in case of any injury, the walls of artery may form blood clots which may block the blood circulation and can create a fatal situation. The formation of cholesterol deposits can also shrink the size of blood vessels which can lead to obstruction of blood circulation causing poor oxygenation of some tissues and cells.

7. Industrial agent:

The stabilizing properties in guar seed extract makes it beneficial in the mining industry as it stabilizes the foam as a floating agent. It acts as a strengthening and binding agent in the tobacco industry. The water preserving property present in the guar gum makes it useful in oil drilling as it reduces friction and lubricates and cool the drills. Guar gum is also used in the explosive industry as a thickener for explosives and water proofing them. It is vastly used in the paper industry to decrease the appearance of pores in the craft paper, photographic paper and wrapping paper and thus improving the quality of paper. The textile plants use it as a thickening agent in dyes and providing a shiny finish to fabrics and yarns.

8. Agricultural and poultry uses:

In United States, guar i
s used for soil building purposes as it has nitrogen extracting properties directly from the atmosphere. It extracts nitrogen through the root nodules that cultivates nitrogen fixing bacteria thus making the quality of sand more fertile. Guar produces a taproot which goes deep in the soil and extracts moisture from the soil. This plant is tolerant of high temperatures, drought and dry conditions also. The guar plant and seeds are also fed to the cattle and poultry as it has high protein value. It is mainly fed to milking animals to obtain more milk and higher percentage of fat in the milk.

9. Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics:

Guar gums binding property is very commonly used for sustained release tablets. It is also useful for stabilizing cough syrup and anti-inflammatory medications and vitamins. Lot of cosmetics also use guar gum to smoothen and thicken toothpaste, shaving cream, conditioners, lotions and ointments. It provides lubrication and shine to a variety of cosmetics. The cosmetics with guar gum base are also known as organic cosmetics and are safer than chemical laden cosmetics as their base is derived from plant base.

So the multi functional guar seed is not only full of benefits, but it’s also very low on the risk factor. Even though this extract is expensive, but its varied functions and properties not only make it popular but is definitely worth a buy. Scientific study defines guar seeds as a packet of potential health benefits. Its extensive use in textiles, explosives pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, medicines, paper and food industry make it a boon for mankind. So, it would not be wrong to say that this bean with slightly bitter taste is nothing but a miracle seed.

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