GOND VS GOND KATIRA: WHICH IS HEALTHIER?

With increasing inclination towards health and fitness, people are gradually moving back to the basics to fix their health and well-being. Interestingly, India is a treasure trove of several health-enriching ingredients, which were traditionally consumed to boost health and immunity. One such ingredient, which is again gaining limelight due to social media, is Gond and Gond Katira. These gums have been traditionally used in many home remedies and traditional medicines to treat and heal several health issues. Here’s all you need to know about these two popular gums and what makes them different from each other. Read on to find out...

What exactly is Gond?

Gond is commonly known as gum Arabic or Acacia gum, which is derived from the sap of the Acacia senegal tree. It is a natural gum made up of complex carbohydrates and is known for its solubility in water.

How was Gond used?

Traditionally, gond has been used for centuries in ancient medicines, especially in various countries like India, Africa and Middle Eastern countries. Here are some of the uses of Gond:

High in fiber

Gond is often used as a dietary supplement due to its high fiber content and prebiotic properties. Soaking it gives a thick consistency, which helps in healing digestive ailments.

Cooking

In terms of cooking, gond is mostly used as a thickening agent in foods and beverages.

Medicinal Uses

Lastly, gond has been traditionally used for its soothing effects on the digestive system, including relief from diarrhea and dysentery.

Lesser known health benefits of Gond:

Gond helps in improving gut health by acting as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and boosting digestive function. Moreover, gond possesses antioxidant properties that can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. It also has potential benefits for respiratory health, as its soothing properties can alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions like coughs and colds. Furthermore, gond may aid in maintaining blood sugar levels by contributing to improved glycemic control, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

What is Gond Katira?

Gond Katira, or Tragacanth gum, is also extracted from the sap of various species of the Astragalus tree. This gum is a complex polysaccharide that does not dissolve easily in water but forms a gel-like substance when hydrated. Traditionally, Gond Katira has been extensively used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Gond Katira and its culinary uses?

Gond Katira is a versatile ingredient that forms a unique gel-like texture and can be used in various culinary applications. It is primarily used as a thickening agent, which maintains balance in both sweet and savory dishes with its unique taste and texture.

In Indian cuisine, Gond Katira is commonly used in traditional sweets like falooda and kulfi, which gives the delicacies a nice chewy texture and enhances the experience. It is also added to water and other beverages as it provides a refreshing and cooling twist to the drinks.

Health benefits of Gond Katira?

Gond Katira is known for its cooling properties and is mostly consumed in summers as it provides a respite from the scorching hot weather and issues related to it. Since ages, Gond Katira has been added to the drinks to alleviate heat-related conditions such as heat stroke and excessive body heat, making it a popular ingredient in summer beverages and desserts.

It also promotes digestive health by providing a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which can help with symptoms of acidity and indigestion. Gond Katira has natural hydrating properties, which can support skin health and improve moisture retention, contributing to a healthy, glowing complexion. Its high fiber content further aids in maintaining overall digestive function and regularity.

Which one is better?

The question of which gum is better largely depends on the use of these gums:

For culinary uses

If you need a versatile thickening agent for a variety of recipes, gond (Gum Arabic) is a reliable choice due to its solubility and mild flavor. On the other hand, if you're working on traditional Indian sweets or need a gum with cooling properties, Gond Katira is a better choice.

For health benefits

Both resins offer unique health benefits. Gond is more suited for digestive health and immune support, while Gond Katira is beneficial for its cooling effects and digestive support.

For Skincare

Gond Katira’s hydrating and soothing properties make it a better option for traditional skin care remedies.