Gond Katira, or tragacanth gum, is a crystal, gum-like herb that comes from the sap of the shrub of the genus Astragalus. It is also known as Gum Arabic and is grown in the Middle East. This gum-like herb swells up in the water and can turn it into a paste.
Many Asian countries, especially India, use this wonder herb for medical and culinary purposes. It is famous for its numerous benefits in Ayurveda and its healing properties for illnesses like cough and diarrhea. Iran is one of the highest producers of Gond Katira. It is also used as an ingredient for other industrial materials, such as paper marbling. In this article, we will discuss the nutritional value and fascinating health benefits Gond Katira.
Table of Contents
Nutritional Value Of Gond Katira
100 grams of Gond Katira contains 70 calories. Other nutritional components of Gond Katira are:
- 9g sodium
- 5g carbohydrates
- 0g fat
- 30g fiber
Gond Katira Benefits
Below is a list of the various health benefits of Gond Katira:
1. Strengthens immunity:
Gond Katira contains strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that can help bolster your immunity. The antioxidants prevent cell damage by neutralizing free radicals in your body. Its anti-inflammatory compounds can combat chronic inflammation in your body and make your immune system strong.
2. Improves digestion:
Our digestive system can benefit your overall health as Gond Katira is known for its advantages to your digestive system. The soluble fiber in Gond Katira contains soluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Hence, it can improve digestion by keeping your gut healthy. Due to its gel-like consistency, it also provides a protective coating to your stomach lining, potentially alleviating issues like acidity and gastritis.
3. Prevents heat stroke:
Gond Katira is cherished for its natural cooling properties in many tropical countries for its cooling effect on your body. Drinks with Gond Katira can lower your body temperature in areas with hot weather, preventing heat strokes. Moreover, it can also hydrate you and ensure the smooth functioning of your organs.
4. Lowers weight:
Gond Katira can be a healthy addition to your diet if you want to lose weight. The soluble fiber in Gond Katira gives a feeling of fullness that can curb your appetite. It also gives your body energy that can help you power through the day without eating too many calories.
5,. Benefits skin health:
Gond Katira can improve your skin in many ways. Applying Gond Katira on your skin provides moisture and makes it look fresh. Gond Katira can also help relieve skin conditions, such as rashes and sunburns, due to its cooling nature. The jelly-like substance is high in antioxidants that can prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It is also helpful for healing acne and pimples by calming your skin.
6. Supports bone health:
Gond Katira contains calcium, which is vital for maintaining your bone health. It also has magnesium and phosphorus that can improve your bone strength and structure. You can use Gond Katira to strengthen your joints. It can also benefit women post-menopause by helping strengthen bones.
7. Treats urinary conditions:
Gond Katira can benefit people with urinary problems, such as urine incontinence. It can relieve inflammation and blockages in your urinary tract, improving urinary control.
8. Controls blood pressure:
You can benefit from Gond Katira if you suffer from high blood pressure. Its cooling properties can relieve inflamed arteries. Its cooling properties can reduce stress, helping you control blood pressure. However, if you have hypertension, you should consult your doctor for treatment.
9. Benefits for pregnant women:
You may feel excessively hot when you are pregnant, and Gond Katira can be helpful in that. Gond Katira benefits pregnant women by providing a cooling effect in the summer. Furthermore, it contains nutrients that can help maintain your overall health.
It can relieve stomach issues that are common in pregnancy. Gond Katira is also helpful for new mothers as it is nourishing. Gond Katira ladoos are famous in India for being a nutritious food for new mothers. In addition to that, it is also good for the bones and prevents back pain. However, discussing with your gynecologist before altering your diet during pregnancy is important.
10. Benefits for men:
Men can improve their sexual well-being by Gond Katira. It can increase sex drive and provide energy to your body. It can help with sexual issues like early discharge. According to traditional medicine, it can also improve sexual health issues, including low sperm count in the long run.
11. Benefits for women:
Gond Katira is highly beneficial for women. It can help balance hormones and help maintain menstrual flow. Gond Katira is advantageous for pregnant women and helps boost bone health after delivery.
Moreover, Gond Katira can provide nourishment to you if you are a lactating mother. It supports overall health in women and can give energy to your body after delivery. Bone health is also a concern after menopause in women, so if you are going through menopause, you can use this herb to improve bone strength.
Gond Katira Side Effects
While Gond Katira is considered safe for consumption, use it wisely and under the supervision of your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or have an underlying disease. You should use it in moderate quantity as too much of it can negatively impact your health. Here are the side effects of Gond Katira that you must know:
1. Allergic reaction:
As Gond Katira is a plant-based substance, an allergy to the plant can cause an allergic reaction. You should consult a doctor if you feel symptoms such as redness, swelling, or rashes after consuming Gond Katira.
2. Dehydration:
While Gond Katira can provide your body with hydration, drinking enough water with it is necessary. Insufficient water intake with Gond Katira can lead to dehydration.
3. Medicine interactions:
Gond Katira can interact with certain medicines and cause problems for you. You should consult your doctor before consuming Gond Katira if you take medications or have an underlying disease.
4. Gastrointestinal issues:
Having too much Gond Katira can harm your gastrointestinal health. It can cause problems, such as gas and bloating, making you uncomfortable. If you suffer from stomach issues, you should exercise caution when having Gond Katira. Refer to a gastroenterologist for treatment if you feel your health is compromised.
Conclusion
Gond Katira is a transparent or yellowish jelly-like herb that becomes a gel once dissolved in water. It is known for its various benefits in traditional medicine and is used mainly in Middle Eastern on Asian countries. It has a natural cooling effect that can lower your body temperature and relieve inflammation.
Gond Katira can benefit you by lowering your blood pressure, strengthening your immune system, and preventing certain diseases. It is also helpful for those trying to lose weight as it is high in dietary fiber and can leave a satiating effect. It hydrates the body and supports a healthy digestive system. It is also helpful for protecting your overall health and providing you with strength. Gond Katira benefits women by improving their health during pregnancy and post-pregnancy; however, consult your doctor before consuming it when you are pregnant.
Similarly, it also benefits men by enhancing their sexual health and overcoming sexual inadequacies. Additionally, Gond Katira also provides many benefits to the skin. It nourishes and hydrates your skin while providing anti-aging effects. Applying Gond Katira gum can also relieve conditions like heat stroke or sunburn due to its cooling effect. Try adding Gond Katira to your diet in a limited amount to get the maximum results.
Gond Katira comes with its drawbacks. Some people can be allergic to its plant and should not use it. You should also drink sufficient water along with it to prevent dehydration. Consuming Gond Katira in extensive amounts can have adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort. If you eat Gond Katira for its health benefits, you should talk to your doctor if you have any underlying issues or take medications.
