Benefits of Gum Karaya

Gum Karaya is also known as “Sterculia Gum” and “Indian Transgranth Gum”. It is a natural product obtained from a tree and is popular for being a versatile agent in different industries.

In this blog, we will discuss the incredible benefits of gum karaya in different industries and in general.

Let us first understand what exactly Gum Karaya is.

Gum Karaya (Sterculia Gum) is a natural gum extracted from the bark of the Sterculia Uren Tree a native tree to India. It is a clear and viscous (thick and sticky) substance used in different industries like food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc for its unique properties. Its unique properties enable gum karaya to act as a natural binder, emulsifier, thickener and stabilizer.

Benefits of Gum Karaya in the Food Industry

There are many things we need to consider in the food industry like texture, consistency, thickness, storage days, etc. The following are the benefits of gum karaya in the food industry:

Act as a Thickening Agent to achieve the perfect consistency & texture

• Gum Karaya is used as a thickening agent to achieve the desired consistency and texture of food products like sauces, salad dressings and gravies.
• Gum Karaya also acts as a binding agent which is useful in the production of processed foods and bakery products to improve the consistency and elasticity of the dough.

Acts as a Fat Replacement

• Gum Karaya can be used as a replacement for fats in low-calorie foods to help food products maintain texture.

Acts as a Stabilizer & Emulsifying Agent

• It prevents the crystalization of sugar in food products like candies for a smoother texture. And act as an emulsifying agent to increase the shelf life of the product.
• It plays a very important role in the production and manufacturing of frozen foods. Gum Karaya acts as a stabilizer in frozen foods like ice creams. As a stabilizer, it helps to prevent large ice crystals for a smoother consistency. It is also used in the emulsification process of ice creams. It helps to combine water and fat which help to get a creamier texture.

Benefits of Gum Karaya in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Gum Karaya is a natural polysaccharide. It has various benefits in the pharmaceutical industry.

Acts as a Natural Laxative

• Gum Karaya has natural laxative properties. Therefore, in the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in medicine formulas as it can help to cure digestive-related problems like constipation and boost regular bowel movements.

Acts as a tablet binder in tablet formulas

• Gum Karaya increases the cohesiveness (the property of sticking together) in tablets to ensure they hold together and also disintegration (breaking into smaller parts) after the tablet is ingested so that it will get released and absorbed properly in the body.

Benefits of Gum Karaya In The Cosmetic Industry

Acts as a Film Forming Agent In Cosmetics

• The film-forming property of gum karaya ensures a thin protective film that prevents water loss and also protects the skin when any cosmetic product is applied. This property is essential in cosmetic products like face masks and skin-protecting lotions.

Acts as a natural binder in cosmetics

• Gum Karaya acts as a natural binder to hold different ingredients together which is important in cosmetics like powders, foundations, etc.

Other Benefits of Gum Karaya

Non Toxic & Safe

• Sterculia Gum is a natural gum known for being non-toxic & safe for both environment and consumption. It has minimal side effects and it is highly preferable as an alternative to artificial synthesizer.

Conclusion

From being non-toxic, the benefits of gum karaya are not limited to the food, pharmaceutical and beauty industries. It is widely used in dental care products, as an antiseptic for wound healing, binding and thickening agent in the manufacturing of paper and textiles and many more.