Food with Xanthan Gum will show you that you can make delicious and healthy gluten free recipes using a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken sauces, soups, dressings, baked items and more!
Food With Xanthan Gum
The supplemental Xanthan gum aids in the thickening of some meals, like salad dressing. Additionally, it serves as an emulsifier to preserve well-mixed foods that otherwise separate, such as oil and water. The Xanthomonas campestris bacterium ferments sugar to produce the additive, which turns into a gel-like substance. Although the US FDA has deemed xanthan gum safe, some people prefer to cut out dietary additives from their diets.
Baked Goods
Many professionally made baked items include xanthan gum, a polysaccharide kind of sugar, as a sweetening agent. Because it helps stabilize the components and makes them doughy, as gluten would typically do, the addition is also a component of some gluten-free baked goods. Gluten-free baked goods can rise if necessary and bake properly because the components are able to adhere to one another when xanthan gum is added.
Dairy Foods
The authors of “Food Polysaccharides and Their Applications,” Alistair M. Stephen and Glyn O. Phillips, speculate that thickened dairy products may also include xanthan gum. Some dairy products that might contain xanthan gum include milkshakes, pudding, custard, whipped cream, yogurt, ice cream, and sorbets. These items also contain xanthan gum because it aids manufacturers in achieving the desired creamy texture for consumers.
Creamy Condiments
Xanthan gum is a common ingredient in condiments because it helps provide a creamy mouthfeel or keeps some ingredients from separating. For instance, xanthan gum is commonly found in salad dressings to assist keep the oil and acid, which is typically vinegar or water, from separating while the product is kept on store shelves or in home refrigerators. Another illustration, say Stephen and Phillips, is mayonnaise. Xanthan gum gives the condiment a creamy texture while preventing the separation of the oil and water. Xanthan gum may also be present in several jams, jellies, and sauces, including gravy.
Additional Foods
Xanthan gum may be used in some canned meat products, such pate, to aid maintain the desired consistency of creaminess and thickness. Xanthan gum is also present in many beverages that are powdered. The xanthan gum makes the beverages sweeter and easier to combine with water. Xanthan gum is also present in many frozen and ready-to-eat dinners and pastry fillings. If you’re adamant about eliminating this chemical from your diet, thoroughly examine food labels to identify products that don’t have xanthan gum.
Potential health benefits
Lowering or stabilizing blood sugar
A 2016 study discovered that rice’s glycemic index might be lowered with xanthan gum. After consuming rice that had been coated in xanthan gum, a group of persons had reduced blood sugar levels.
The advantages were greatest when individuals ingested xanthan-coated rice as opposed to taking xanthan gum before or after meals.
Therefore, xanthan gum-containing meals may provide the greatest reduction in blood sugar levels.
Blood sugar levels may be stabilized by xanthan gum. According to a 2013 study, combining xanthan gum with beta-glucan, a plant-based sugar, may help avoid blood sugar rises.
Reducing cholesterol
Xanthan gum may lower cholesterol levels when consumed in very high concentrations, according to some research. For instance, a 1987 study discovered that men who drank xanthan gum for roughly 3 weeks saw their cholesterol levels drop by 10%.
There isn’t much proof that using xanthan gum by itself can reduce cholesterol levels. These findings need to be confirmed by a more recent investigation.
Saliva substitute and treating dry mouth
Xanthan gum may be a useful and safe saliva substitute for people who experience chronic dry mouth. Some varieties of toothpaste for dry mouths contain xanthan gum to help lock in moisture.
Laxative
Because xanthan gum helps to bind water, it may also help act as a laxative. The food thickener swells in the digestive tract, helping the intestines to remain moist and supporting gastrointestinal function.
Making it easier to swallow
Swallowing can be challenging in several conditions, especially if the mouth and throat are dry. According to a 2014 study, xanthan gum can aid those who have dysphagia, a problem of the swallowing process, in properly ingesting meals.
This is accomplished via xanthan gum, which thickens both saliva and food, making it simpler for both to pass through the throat. As a result, eating might be safer and the danger of choking may decrease.
Treating cancer
Xanthan gum may help treat some forms of cancer by slowing their growth. A 2009 study, for example, looked at mice with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Mice treated with xanthan gum lived longer, and their tumors grew more slowly.
Role in gluten-free food
Foods containing gluten can cause severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms in those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Many baked items contain gluten in the form of flour and other components.
Products that are gluten-free rely on alternatives to mimic the elasticity, crumb, and feel of bread that contains gluten. Gluten-free baked items may benefit from the thickening and moisture-binding qualities of xanthan gum.
Xanthan gum: What you should know about this ingredient in most packaged foods
Many foods contain the food ingredient xanthan gum.
The shorter the ingredient list, the easier it will be to read a nutrition label. There is often less place for strange additions, chemicals, or other items that, in my opinion, just don’t belong in genuine food when there are fewer ingredients listed on a food label. An ingredient list with strange-sounding or difficult-to-pronounce components is another indicator that the food you’re consuming is highly processed (and not so wonderful for your health).
These days, xanthan gum is one ingredient that is pretty much in everything, especially gluten-free items. It is a widely used culinary additive that can be found in everything from salad dressing to baked goods. According to Amy Gorin, a registered dietician nutritionist in the New York City region, “it’s frequently used in gluten-free and vegan baking, as it works to emulsify and bind ingredients, as well as to add volume to a finished product.”
However strange-sounding xanthan gum may be, what does it represent for your health and is it safe to consume it daily? What it is, where it can be found, and whether or not you should avoid eating it are all explained here by a certified dietitian.
What is xanthan gum exactly?
In food products, xanthan gum serves as a binder, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It must be made because it cannot be found in nature.According to the USDA, it is produced by fermenting a certain kind of carbohydrate with bacteria, such as sucrose or glucose.
Particularly, xanthan gum is a soluble fiber and polysaccharide. This means that your body cannot digest it, which is not necessarily a bad thing but may present a problem for some people who have digestive problems.
Is it safe?
Xanthan gum is generally safe and could possibly be beneficial to your health. Consuming xanthan gum may have a laxative effect as one of its adverse effects. This can aggravate a sensitive stomach or worsen any digestive problems you may already be experiencing. You should be aware of how much xanthan gum and fiber are in your diet even if you aren’t concerned about those symptoms since you don’t want to consume too much of a good thing.
“Side effects like gas and diarrhea may occur if you ingest excessive amounts of fiber, or even more than you are used to. According to Gorin, consuming too much fiber can impair your ability to absorb nutrients.
Researchers have discovered that xanthan gum may benefit patients who have swallowing disorders and assist normalize blood sugar levels, among other health benefits. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to inhibit tumor growth in animals with skin cancer.
Should you avoid xanthan gum?
The majority of specialists agree that xanthan gum is quite safe, but there aren’t enough human research on the substance to draw firm conclusions on how long-term intake impacts your health. Avoiding it may help you avoid unwelcome symptoms or worsened symptoms if you do have digestive problems. These gums should be safe for the majority of people to eat when consumed in moderation. Only when you start consuming too much could you experience issues, according to Gorin.
This article’s information is not meant to be taken as health or medical advice; rather, it is meant for educational and informational reasons only. If you have any concerns about a health objective or a medical issue, always seek the advice of a doctor or other trained health expert.
FAQS
Sure! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about xanthan gum:
- What is xanthan gum? Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide, a type of carbohydrate, that is produced through the fermentation of sugar by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is a white or light beige powder that is commonly used as a food additive and food thickener.
- What is xanthan gum used for? Xanthan gum is used in a wide range of food and industrial applications. In food, it is commonly used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, emulsifier, and suspending agent. It is often used in gluten-free and low-fat foods to improve texture and help prevent ingredient separation. It can also be found in many other products, including sauces, dressings, beverages, baked goods, ice cream, and more.
- Is xanthan gum safe to eat? Yes, xanthan gum is considered safe to eat and has been approved for use as a food additive by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It is not known to cause any adverse health effects when consumed in typical food amounts. However, like any food ingredient, some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to xanthan gum and may experience gastrointestinal symptoms. If you have any concerns, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.
- Is xanthan gum gluten-free? Yes, xanthan gum is gluten-free, as it is not derived from gluten-containing grains. It is often used as a thickening agent in gluten-free foods to improve texture and mimic the properties of gluten in baked goods and other products.
- Can xanthan gum be used in cooking or baking at home? Yes, xanthan gum can be used in cooking and baking at home. It is commonly used in gluten-free recipes to help improve the texture and stability of baked goods. It can also be used in small amounts to thicken sauces, dressings, and other liquids. However, it’s important to use xanthan gum according to the recommended amounts in recipes, as using too much can result in a slimy or gummy texture in foods.
- Can xanthan gum be used in other applications besides food? Yes, xanthan gum has a wide range of industrial applications as well. It is used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and oil drilling, as a thickening, stabilizing, and suspending agent. It is also used in some medical formulations, such as oral suspensions and ophthalmic solutions.
- How should xanthan gum be stored? Xanthan gum should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause clumping. It should be protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for storage is recommended.
- Can xanthan gum be used as a substitute for other thickeners? Yes, xanthan gum can be used as a substitute for other thickeners, such as guar gum, cornstarch, or arrowroot, in many recipes. However, substitution ratios may vary, and it’s important to follow the recipe instructions or consult a reliable source for guidance on proper substitution.
- Is xanthan gum a natural ingredient? Xanthan gum is derived from natural sources, as it is produced through the fermentation of sugar by a bacterium. However, the final product is a processed ingredient and is generally considered to be a semi-synthetic or modified natural ingredient.