Carob bean gum is a natural product which is often used to improve the condition of the digestive tract. It has several health benefits, and is also an ingredient in many medicines. However, some people may have some adverse reactions. This article discusses the potential side effects, and also provides information on the process of making carob bean gum.
Processes used to make it
Locost bean gum is a vegetable based thickener that is commonly used as an emulsifier, fat replacer, and stabilizer in foods and beverages. It is found in ice cream, yogurt, and many processed food products.
Locost bean gum is a natural hydrocolloid polymer made up of a linear chain of mannose units. It has properties similar to guar gum, which is also composed of a linear chain of mannose units. In addition to its uses as a stabilizer, iota carrageenan is extracted from seed kernels of carob trees.
There are several processes available for the extraction of carob bean gum from the seeds. These processes can vary in cost, chemical requirements, and physical properties. However, each process has its advantages and disadvantages.
The first step of the extraction process involves removing the hull of the carob seed. This is done by heating the seed and mechanical abrasion. After the hull is removed, the endosperm of the seed is crushed and ground into a fine powder.
A second process of extraction involves the removal of the seed germ. The germ contains a high protein content. For this reason, the ash content of LBG is lower when the seed is purified from the germ.
The third process of extraction involves using sulfuric acid. This method is used for the extraction of a carob bean gum that has been pre-treated with distilled water. When the powder is cooled, it will form a strong gel. An advantage of this process is the ability to separate the coat from the germ easily with a blender.
The fourth process of extraction involves using aqueous alkaline solutions. For this purpose, the seeds were immersed in 800 ml of boiling water for one hour. Afterwards, they were filtered through a screen 45mm in order to separate the germ and endosperm.
Finally, a solution of the carob bean gum was prepared. This was mixed with isopropanol and precipitated. From the precipitate, a white fibrous precipitate was collected. After filtration, it was dried under vacuum for overnight.
Depending on the purpose of the carob bean gum, the particle size, ash content, and colour values can be varied. Different grades are produced for different applications.
Applications in biopharmaceutical industry
Carob bean gum is an important biopolymer for the food industry. It is widely used as a natural thickener in food and beverage products. It also has applications in textiles, cosmetics, and drug delivery devices.
This polysaccharide has a non-ionic structure and is composed of galactose and mannose units. Each unit is linked by 1- and 6- glycosidic linkages. These links give it a non-random distribution of galactose side chains. In addition to these linkages, the molecules have hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Because of this, it has excellent properties for gelling.
The gel forming properties of locust bean gum vary based on its rasio (ratio of kappa to D-mannose). Solutions with a high rasio have a lower gel strength than those with a low rasio. Locust bean gum has an excellent ability to form a gel when it is combined with other gums. However, it is only slightly soluble in room temperature water.
Locust bean gum has been used as an emulsifier and gelling agent. For example, it is often used as a stabilizing agent in ice cream. Likewise, it is used as a thickening agent in toothpaste and cream cheese. It is also used in the preparation of numerous dosage forms.
In the past, it was also used as a healthy alternative to chocolate. Carob fruit is a powerful antioxidant. In addition, it has been proven to prevent heart diseases. Another benefit is that it can reduce soil erosion.
Moreover, it has been proven to have a high biodegradable quality. Furthermore, it is a versatile biopolymer. Therefore, it has been combined with other biopolymers to develop films. Besides this, it has been shown to provide controlled delivery to a targeted biological site.
In addition, it has been found that it can increase the body of a solution up to four times. Additionally, it helps retain water under arid conditions.
This is because of its retentive and smooth texture. Among the other advantages of this polysaccharide, it also offers heat shock resistance.
Hence, it has gained significant attention in the biopharmaceutical field. Among the applications of this polysaccharide are as a food additive, drug delivery system, and catalyst support.
Health benefits
Carob bean gum has been known to have many health benefits. It is a natural polymer which is obtained from the seed endosperm of carob trees. This bio-adhesive polymer is biodegradable and has a good shelf life.
Many studies have been conducted on carob bean gum to study its potential for human consumption. It has shown significant antihyperlipidemic properties. It also helps to regulate plasma cholesterol concentrations.
Carob bean gum is a safe and effective way to reduce the total cholesterol and LDL levels in the body. Moreover, it is believed to improve satiety.
It also increases the body’s ability to digest food. Studies have found that carob powder reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic rats. Furthermore, it improved the expression of the LDL receptor.
Some studies have also suggested that carob can help manage diabetes. However, the use of carob should be used with caution. The recommended dose of carob depends on the user’s age and condition. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should avoid taking it. You can consult a doctor or health care provider if you have any concerns.
Aside from its antioxidant effects, it also has a positive effect on digestion. Specifically, its tannin content has been found to relieve diarrhea. In addition, it may also slow the rate at which starch is converted into glucose.
The carob fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, and fatty acids. It has been found to lower triglycerides and acylated ghrelin, a hormone responsible for severe hunger pangs after meals.
Several patents have been filed for the use of carob bean gum in foods. One of the most common uses of this plant is as a thickening agent. Another use is in dairy products.
Research has shown that carob bean gum has potential for reducing the risk of cancer. The antioxidant compounds present in carob, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, have been found to have great potential to prevent chronic diseases.
Lastly, there have been reports that carob could prevent oxidative cell damage. As a result, it may be useful in managing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Side effects
Carob bean gum (CBG), also known as carobin, is a thickener that comes from the seeds of the carob tree. It is mainly composed of high molecular weight polysaccharides such as galactomannan and mannopyranose. This is the type of saccharide that allows the gum to become a thickener when mixed in liquid.
Although CBG is considered a safe food additive, it does have a number of side effects. Some of these include digestive problems, such as diarrhea and constipation. Others can include allergy, asthma, and respiratory issues. If you experience any of these, you should avoid all carob-containing foods.
CBG has also been found to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. One study found that it reduced the total cholesterol level of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
There are also reports that indicate that it can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of using it.
In infants, CBG has been found to reduce the tolerance indices for regurgitation. This is transient and can be treated by feeding your child with an anti-reflux formula. Similarly, it can reduce the length of diarrhea.
It has been found that the extract from the carob pod may increase fat excretion in the feces. As a result, it should not be used by pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers.
Generally, the amount of carob used is not large. The recommended dose depends on the age and health of the user. Nevertheless, you should still contact your doctor or healthcare provider before using this product.
Carob is safe for most people, but some individuals are allergic to it. People with allergies should avoid taking it, especially those who have digestive problems.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is best to consult your doctor before using any product. Carob can be useful for the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach ulcers. Taking it can help deplete nutrients from the gastrointestinal system and help reduce diarrhea symptoms.
In addition to the benefits it provides to the body, carob is used for a number of health purposes. Among them are lowering cholesterol levels, treating obesity, vomiting during pregnancy, and digestion problems.
