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Guar gum is a polysaccharide derived from the guar bean. It is used in a variety of industries due to its thickening and stabilizing properties.

History

The guar bean has been cultivated in India and Pakistan for centuries, but the extraction and use of guar gum in industrial applications is a relatively recent development, beginning in the mid-20th century.

Production

Guar gum is produced by removing the husk and germ from the guar bean, leaving the endosperm, which is ground into a powder. The powder is then hydrated to form a gel, which is used in various applications.

Uses

Guar gum is used in a variety of industries due to its thickening and stabilizing properties. In the food industry, it is used as a thickener and stabilizer in a variety of products, including ice cream, sauces, and baked goods. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a binder in tablets and capsules. In the oil and gas industry, it is used in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to help carry sand and other proppants into fractures in the rock.

Health effects

While generally recognized as safe for consumption, some people may experience digestive issues when consuming large amounts of guar gum. It is also a potential allergen.

See also

• Xanthan gum
• Locust bean gum
• Cellulose gum