Guar Gum

History:

Guar Gum is a water-soluble, dietary fiber that is mechanically extracted from the seed of the Guar bean by mechanical separation of the endosperm from hulls and germs of the seeds. The Guar shrub is a coarse, summer-growing, leguminous annual that is probably native to India and is widely distributed across Africa and Asia, and found cultivated in small quantities in the United States and Australia. It is deep-rooted and well adapted to semi-arid regions; and in India, when farmers realized its drought-tolerance, they grew it as a forage crop for cattle, which gave the plant is name, Guar, meaning "cattle fodder." Food reserves are stored in the beans as a gum, which, when extracted, forms viscous solutions that gel in cold water. The development of Guar's industrial uses took place mainly after World War II, when traditional suppliers of Locust Bean gum were unable to meet the increasing demand for water-soluble polymers. Guar Gum is a cold-water-soluble polysaccharide, consisting of mannose and galactose units. The ability to hydrate without heating makes it useful in many industrial, food and medicinal applications. It is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer because it prevents oil droplets from coalescing. The largest market for Guar Gum is in the food industry, where it is used as a thickener and binder of free water in sauces, salad dressings, ice creams, instant noodles, processed cheeses and meats, to name a few. Guar Gum is widely used commercially in the textile and paper industries, where it is employed as sizing to improve finishing and density of papers and fabrics. In addition, it is used as a waterproofing agent in the explosives industry and also in oil drilling and mining industries. In the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sector, Guar Gum is employed as a thickener and stabilizer in toothpastes, shampoos and a binder in tablets. Guar beans are eaten green as tasty (and healthy) vegetables like snap beans, and, of course, Guar Gum is an important dietary fiber that enhances good health. Guar Bean endosperms contain the polysaccharide, galactomannan gum (consisting of mannose and galactose units), a fiber that forms a gel in water. Other constituents include protein, ash and amino acids.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day between meals.

Contraindications:
Those who have had gastrointestinal surgery or colon disorders should not use Guar Gum Herbal Supplement. If taking the diabetes drug, Glucophage, Guar Gum may reduce the absorption of this medicine, and diabetics should discuss Guar Gum's use with their physicians before using it. Like Psyllium, Guar Gum should be taken with plenty of water, because without adequate liquids, it may swell and, in extreme cases, may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty swallowing. People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take Guar Gum, and those who take prescription medications should not take them at the same time.

Capsule Information:
Our Guar Gum supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.