Xanthan gum is a food additive produced by feeding The Xanthomonas campestris bacterium strains a solution of glucose obtained from maize, soy, dairy, or wheat. It is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. The sugary solution is fermented by the bacteria, which creates a protective coating that is sticky and excellent for binding and thickening.
These characteristics make xanthan gum valuable in food manufacturing, particularly in gluten-free baking, where it aids in the combination of starches and enhances the texture, rise, and shelf life of baked goods made without gluten. Numerous household goods, including wallpaper paste and cosmetics, contain xanthan gum.
To enhance the texture, consistency, and shelf life of meals, including salad dressings, soups, sauces, and baked goods, xanthan gum is utilized in food preparation.
It is especially helpful for those who must have a gluten-free diet because they have celiac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. This is so that gluten-free alternatives to wheat flour can mimic the texture, crumb, and lightness of conventional baked goods without the need for additions like xanthan gum. In order to help trap air and imitate the elastic qualities of gluten, xanthan gum thickens and binds starches. It may be bought as a powder, and water can simply dissolve it.
But you may also find xanthan gum in your bathroom cupboard, not simply in the kitchen.Items like toothpaste, face creams, shampoos and body lotions may all contain xanthan gum. It helps emulsify and thicken these products, making them more visually appealing and easier to squeeze out or pour.
Xanthan gum may have some effect on your stomach and the rate of digestion when consumed in relatively high doses. This is due to the fact that xanthan gum binds to water and expands after consumption, which raises the amount of fluid in the colon and stimulates food movement in the digestive tract, encouraging softer, thicker stools and perhaps resolving constipation.
Another soluble fiber that serves as "fuel" for the good bacteria in your stomach is xanthan gum. These bacteria are crucial for your overall health and wellbeing, in addition to the health of your gut.
Additionally, some research suggests that xanthan gum-rich meals may increase satiety by reducing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the digestive system.These results are also observed when xanthan gum is added to rice, a side dish high in carbohydrates, where it decreases the dish's overall glycemic Index. Similar to this, xanthan gum may have a mild influence on cholesterol levels when taken in appropriate amounts, with a potential 10% decrease.
Xanthan gum may have a laxative effect when consumed consistently and in large enough quantities, typically in excess of 15g per day. It may also cause side effects, such as flatulence and bloating.
When taken in the quantities used by the food industry, xanthan gum is a permitted food additive (E415) and is regarded as safe for the general public, including newborns (over the age of 12 weeks).
However, if you are allergic to one or more of these items, such as wheat, maize, soy, or dairy, you may need to avoid xanthan gum because it can be manufactured from any of a number of common allergens.
