Gum acacia has been used for years for the production of confectionery, stabilization of emulsions as well as plant-based drinks. It also serves as a natural nutritional supplement which you should definitely not miss in your diet. Why? We will tell you this in the following article.
Gum acacia or gum arabic is a natural dried sap that comes from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal and Acacia seya trees. Acacia is one of the most important medicinal plants in traditional and alternative medicine.
Gum acacia is a macromolecular complex composed of polysaccharides (97 %) and proteins (<3 %). It is a rich source of minerals, such as calcium, sodium, potassium and essential amino acids.
The rare commodity has gained enormous commercial value and thanks to its excellent properties and safety, it is also widely used in food industry and cosmetics. So where can you find acacia? Here are some examples.
Acacia’s versatility is also a key component of traditional lithography, printing and water based paints and besides that it has been used in the textile and pharmaceutical industries. As acacia is suitable for several industries, the same versatility prevails in its effects. The most interesting ones will be introduced in the following section.
Excellect prebiotic activity
Gum acacia is an excellent source of prebiotic fiber which ensures the viability and multiplication of probiotic bacteria in the large intestine. Simply put, probiotics can not exist without prebiotics. In this way gum acacia helps the intestines to function properly, maintain intestinal balance and promote overall health.
Reducing fat level and protecting the cardiovascular system
There exists evidence that gum acacia has a beneficial effect on improving the lipid profile (LDL cholesterol) in patients with hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia should not be underestimated as this health problem increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases occurrence.
It has also been scientifically proven that gum acacia helps to lower blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory effects and sore throat
Gum acacia is characterized by excellent anti-inflammatory effects. It has an effect on reducing inflammatory processes in various tissues and a positive effect on inflammatory bowel disease.
Moreover, it is used to treat an inflamed throat because it works as a sedative and at the same time forms a protective plaque on the throat mucosa. Currently, it is a component of anti-cold medicines, such as throat lozenges or cough medicines.
Obesity alleviation
Both fiber and gum acacia affect fat and glucose metabolism. Expert studies confirm that daily use of acacia can have a positive effect on reducing BMI as well as total body fat percentage.
There is also evidence that acacia gum reduces caloric intake and increases satiety. Acacia thus becomes an effective prevention of obesity which is maximally beneficial for your physical fitness.
Antidiabetic properties
The effect of gum acacia on intestinal glucose transport may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Acacia lowers blood glucose levels and thus has a beneficial effect in the treatment of diabetes.
Antioxidant properties
The list of beneficial effects of acacia on your body continues. Gum arabic has excellent antioxidant properties.
They have an effect on reducing oxidative stress. It should also be borne in mind that by treating diseases, such as diabetes, cancer or inflammation, acacia generally has an effect on improving overall immunity.
How to get it into the body
There is no part of the body that acacia would not help. Therefore, this natural substance should definitely not be lacking in your diet.
The problem, however, is that it is only found in small amounts in food. It means that you must supplement it through nutritional supplements or directly use pure gum acacia which can be incorporated into food.
Applications of Gum Arabic in Medical and Health Benefits – ScienceDirect
Full article: Applications of Natural Polymer Gum Arabic: A Review (tandfonline.com)
Springer MRW: [AU:, IDX:] (researchgate.net)
Health Benefits of Gum Arabic and Medical Use – ScienceDirect
The use of gum Arabic as a natural prebiotic in animals: A review – ScienceDirect
Applications of Gum Arabic in Medical and Health Benefits – ScienceDirect
Acacia gum: History of the future – ScienceDirect
Gum Arabic Dietary Fiber – ScienceDirect
