Acacia Gum (Gum Arabic): Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More

Acacia gum or Gum arabic is extracted from Acacia Senegal trees. It is the best way to absorb soluble fibers. The dietary fibers are very good for maintaining body weight and reducing fat. 

In addition, it also plays a significant role in cardiovascular health. It promotes heart health and reduces the risks of heart diseases. The acacia gum or gum arabic contains a high content of dietary fiber which means it lowers cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.

Each plant of acacia has different properties and advantages. The acacia gum is thick and it fills your stomach thus making you eat less and increasing the chances of fullness. This helps maintain the weight and cholesterol level.

Acacia Gum or Acacia Gum Fiber – What is It?

Gum Arabic

Acacia gum is a sticky substance that contains a high amount of dietary fiber. It is very good for maintaining your health. 

The gum arabic has other names as well such as Senegal gum, Indian gum, etc. It also originates from Combretum, Albizia, and another genus. Acacia gum comes from Senegal tress which is one of the species of acacia.

This gum has high nutrition which you can add to your daily routine. However, it is better to consult your doctor before you start consuming it.

Note

Before eating/consuming acacia gum/gum fiber, please consult your doctor first. Otherwise, it may cause bloating, gas or nausea/vomiting.

Acacia Gum Benefits

Acacia gum/gum arabic provides a wide variety of benefits that are as follows:

1. Relieves Pain and Irritation

Acacia gum is best at relieving pain. It effectively reduces the pain in the stomach and sore throat. Since it has a sticky material, therefore, it is very good at relieving pain and irritation.

2. Heals Wounds

As acacia gum contains chemicals like alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids so it heals wounds quickly. These chemicals increase the speed of the healing process. Moreover, many scientists and doctors recommend acacia gum for this purpose.

3. Promotes Oral Health

One of the species of acacia provides an extract which is Acacia catechu, also known as black hair. This substance is very good for removing plaque and manufacturing toothpaste and mouthwashes. Moreover, acacia gum removes up to 90% of plaque from the teeth.

4. Good Source of Fiber

Acacia gum is not only good for your diet but also maintains cholesterol and blood sugar level in your body. Furthermore, it balances the cholesterol and aids in losing fat and maintaining body weight.

5. Good for Sore Throat and Coughs

It controls severe coughs and sore throat. The sticky material of the gum of acacia or gum arabic covers your throat and prevents irritation. Additionally, it eases the pain and rawness in your throat.

6. Restricts Blood Loss

The acacia plant-infused tea helps wash the wounds and remove bacteria. It is very useful for stopping the bleeding in case of cuts or wounds. Moreover, it suddenly restricts the heavy blood flow out of any wound.

Side Effects of Acacia Gum

Taking an inadequate amount of acacia gum for more than 6 weeks may cause adverse effects on your health. These include bloating, gas, nausea, and loose stools.

Furthermore, it is crucial to consult your doctor before intaking gum fiber. According to health research, up to 30 grams of acacia gum per day for 6 weeks maximum is safe.

However, it is safe as many foods contain a good amount by many manufacturers of acacia gum in various countries.

Additionally, acacia gum reduces the effect of Amoxil antibiotics therefore, you should avoid this combination. You can take one thing at a time.

Note

Acacia gum is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Please consult your doctor before consuming it.

Gum Acacia Powder

Gum Acacia Powder

Gum acacia powder is made by grinding the gum pieces into powder. It has a high amount of soluble dietary fibers.

The purpose of the acacia gum powder is to make its simple use in the diet. Further, you can add this powder to your drinks or beverages. Fortunately, it has a mild taste therefore, it does not affect the taste of your food or drinks.

Acacia Gum Uses

Acacia gum is used in food as a source of dietary fiber and nutrition. It provides several health benefits that include positive impacts on digestion, and intestinal functioning, reducing disease risks, and promoting heart health.

Furthermore, it also helps heal wounds quickly. The acacia gum is very useful in the pharmaceutical industry for making medicines.

The acacia gum balances the cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels in your body. Moreover, it effectively removes plaque from the teeth. It is also the best way to lose weight.

Gum arabic contains polysaccharides and glycoproteins due to which it has glue and binder properties. It is, therefore, safe to eat acacia gum.

Although its properties and proportions may vary, therefore, some manufacturers become thoughtful about using it to avoid toxicity.

Besides that, it is still good and useful for soft drinks and hard gummy candies such as marshmallows, M&Ms, and gumdrops.

It is not just confined to the food items some artists use acacia gum for watercolor as a binder. While the photographers use it for developing and gumming the photos.

In addition, it is the best at increasing the viscosity of liquid substances such as pharmaceutical products, medicines, and also cosmetics like mascara.

The wine companies make their best use of fining the wine. Moreover, it is used to make homemade cones, shoe polish, adhesives, stamps, etc.

Last but not the least, acacia gum/gum arabic works fine for Lithographic printers which restrict the oxidation of printing plates. It helps to keep the non-image areas from water during the printing.

Summary

Acacia gum or Gum Arabic is useful in the manufacturing of various pharmaceutical products and toothpaste. It heals wounds, improves digestion, and eases pain. However, you should first consult your doctor for an appropriate dosage. In conclusion, adding acacia gum to your diet will change you from within in so many positive ways.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What is acacia gum good for?

Answer: Acacia gum is a natural gum that has been used for centuries by indigenous people of Central Africa to treat toothache and pain. It is a natural plant-based adhesive that can be used as an alternative to animal-based glues like gelatin. It dissolves in water and won’t dry out or shrink.

Q) Is acacia gum the same as xanthan gum?

Answer: Xanthan gum is derived from a bacterium called Xanthomonas campestris and acacia gum comes from the Acacia tree. So, both gums are not the same.

Q) Is acacia gum toxic?

Answer: Acacia gum is not toxic, but some people may be allergic to it. So, please consult your doctor before using it.

Q) Is acacia gum prebiotic?

Answer: Acacia gum is prebiotic, meaning it supports the growth of healthy bacteria. Acacia gum can be found in chewing gums and other products that contain acacia.

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2 thoughts on “Acacia Gum (Gum Arabic): Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More”

  1. I have been using acacia gum powder for 2 months now plus Acacia Multivitamin in late afternoon and have seen not only weight loss but Cholesterol too! Now I am still trying to find the gum, as it is supposed help with healing of teeth when you use it after leaving EVOL in mouth for 20 min. then spit it out ! Then use (although I think it was white in video I saw) Acacia Gum if I read it right! It works by by chewing it when you go to bed and it works overnight in the mouth and helps heal teeth!
    So I hope you know what I am talking about! Thank you, oh I also bought both the Acacia Powder & Multivitamin for Women with Aacaci at Natural Grocers in Canon City Colorado, 81212!
    Maybe you can contact them about the Acacia Gum that you chew alhought I also understand it as a funky taste too! Tahnk you for taking the time to read all this!

    Reply

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