Gond Katira: Nutrients, Benefits, Usage and Side Effects

Key insights: Cooling Powerhouse: Known for its incredible cooling properties, Gond Katira prevents heat strokes, soothes nasal bleeding, and keeps your body cool in scorching summers. Digestive and Weight Loss Ally: High in dietary fibre, it aids digestion, relieves constipation, and helps in weight management by curbing hunger and boosting metabolism. Liver and Immunity Booster: Gond Katira detoxifies the liver, improves its function, and strengthens immunity with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Skin and Menstrual Health Savior: Hydrates and rejuvenates skin, reduces wrinkles, and balances menstrual cycles while easing cramps and discomfort. Versatile Wellness Ingredient: Gond Katira is a multipurpose natural marvel for overall health, from refreshing drinks to skincare masks and herbal remedies.

Gond Katira, often simply called “gum tragacanth,” is a natural resin exuded from the stems and roots of certain plants in the Astragalus family. It’s typically available in flake or powder form and has no distinct flavour or odour, making it ideal for culinary uses. Gond Katira swells up when soaked in water, turning into a soft, jelly-like substance, making it suitable for drinks, desserts, and even some medicinal preparations.

Its unique texture and binding properties have also made it a popular additive in cosmetics, textiles, and food industries. However, for many health-conscious individuals, Gond Katira’s primary appeal lies in its nutritional profile and its natural health and wellness benefits. To know more about Gond Katira read on to:

Did You Know? Gond Katira prevents heat strokes and soothes nasal bleeding in summers. Packed with 65g of fibre, it aids digestion and supports weight loss. It detoxifies the liver, boosts immunity, and fights cancer cells. Its anti-inflammatory properties ease cramps and hydrate skin.

Gond Katira Nutritional Value

Here’s the nutritional value of Gond Katira per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value
Calories	300 kcal	15%
Carbohydrates	75 g	25%
Dietary Fiber	65 g	260%
Protein	5 g	10%
Fat	0 g	0%
Calcium	800 mg	80%
Magnesium	100 mg	25%
Potassium	1500 mg	42%
Sodium	50 mg	2%
Iron	5 mg	28%
Zinc	2 mg	18%
Vitamin C	0 mg	0%
Vitamin A	0 IU	0%
Vitamin B6	0 mg	0%
Vitamin E	0 mg	0%

Health Benefits of Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum)

Below are some of the amazing health benefits of Gond Katira:

1. Prevent Heart strokes

Because of its remarkable cooling qualities, Gond Katira is frequently used to make a beverage that aids bodily cooling throughout the heat. It lowers the body's temperature by acting as a cooling agent. In turn, this aids in avoiding heat stroke. During the hot summer, children often experience nasal bleeding, which can be effectively managed with Gond Katira.

2. Promotes Liver Health

The liver is the most important organ in the human body and is in charge of over 300 physiological functions. Being the body's hardest-working organ, it is highly vulnerable to harm from a variety of causes, including excessive alcohol consumption and unhealthy dietary patterns. Gond Katira is a natural remedy that keeps the liver healthy and improves liver function while also aiding in the removal of toxins from the blood.

3. Bolsters Immune System

With its abundant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components, Gond Katira boosts immunity and prevents infections. It also helps heal and regenerate nerve cells and prevents infections, colds, coughs, and flu. Additionally, research has shown that Gond Katira's anti-cancer properties slow down the growth of cancer cells.

4. Good for Pregnant Women

After giving birth, women become quite weak. Gond Katira has two benefits: it helps women gain physical strength and overcome the difficulties of parenthood. Additionally, it aids in regulating high blood flow during menstruation. In India, it's very common to consume gond katara ladoos.

During pregnancy, Gond Katira is highly beneficial. Both the mother and her child benefit greatly from them. Gondh is incredibly nourishing, and because it's high in calcium and protein, Gondh ladoo is one of the nutritious treats that pregnant women are typically given. It prevents back discomfort and helps build strong bones.

5. Glowing Skin

Since gond katara is a natural laxative and prebiotic, using it in a healthy diet benefits the skin. In addition, Gond Katara's incredible anti-ageing ingredients and antioxidants help to clear the blood vessels, regenerate dead skin cells, and make the skin appear glowing and flawless, free of wrinkles, dark spots, and blackheads.

6. Supports Digestion

Rich in nutritional fibre, Gond Katira is a wonderful herb that promotes healthy digestion and heals digestive issues. It contains enzymes necessary for regular bowel motions and a smooth digestion process. This herb's purgative properties make it a natural cure for some digestive issues, including diarrhoea and constipation. Additionally, it helps to stimulate the system's digestive movements.

7. Gond Katira For Weight Loss

As a natural supplement, Gond Katira aids in weight loss and helps you shed unwanted pounds. It provides the body with energy, increases metabolism, and aids in calorie burning because it is naturally high in dietary fibre. Adding this substance regularly helps you stay fuller for longer and lessens feelings of unwelcome hunger.

8. Gond Katira For Constipation

Because of its purgative qualities, Gond Katira is a great remedy for constipation. It offers a great deal of relief and acts as a laxative. To feel better, simply soak a tiny piece of Gond Katira in water for a few hours.

When the gum swells, it will resemble crushed ice. Mix this clear, jelly-like mixture with cold water and lemon juice. Considering that Gondh has no taste, one might also add some sugar.

9. Urinary Lewdness

Gondh Katira works wonders for involuntary urination or urinary incontinence. In cases of urinary tract irritation and obstruction, It aids in relaxing the muscles involved in the urinary system.

Gond Katira is thought to boost immunity and inhibit tumours. It has been administered as a paste and utilised as a contemporary burn therapy. Additionally, it is used as an herbal remedy for severe ailments like diarrhoea and cough.

10. Gond Katira Benefits for Periods

Tragacanth gum, also known as Gond Katira, is a common natural cure among women since it substantially benefits menstrual health. One of its main benefits is its capacity to control menstrual cycles. Gond Katira can be especially helpful for people with irregular periods by helping them develop a regular rhythm. This can lessen the discomfort associated with irregular menstruation and increase predictability.

Gond Katira's anti-inflammatory qualities are essential for reducing menstruation cramps. Lowering inflammation in the uterus and surrounding tissues, these qualities help ease the pain and discomfort that frequently come with menstruation. During periods, this all-natural calming effect helps improve general comfort.

Additionally, Gond Katira is well-known for its cooling qualities, which are particularly comforting for ladies going through their periods. They may feel hot, sweaty, and exhausted. The cooling sensation helps reduce these discomforts, making menstruation more comfortable.

Also, do check our related guides:

• Triphala benefits
• Best herbs and spices for digestion
• Punarnava herb benefits

How to Incorporate Gond Katira into Your Diet

Here are some tips for incorporating Gond Katira into your diet:

• Start small: Add just a pinch of Gond Katira to drinks like milk, lemon water, or smoothies to allow your body to get used to it. Slowly increase the amount over time.
• Use it in desserts: Gond Katira thickens and nourishes dishes like kheer, halwa, or gulab jamun.
• Make Gond Katira ladoo: Mix Gond Katira powder with nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners to make healthy energy-boosting laddus.
• Add to stir-fries or curries: Hydrated Gond Katira can be chopped small and sautéed with veggies or added to curries and stews as a nutritious thickener.
• Mix into dough: Knead a small amount of Gond Katira into doughs for parantha or poori to increase dietary fibre and nutrition.
• Drink Gond Katira milk: Soak Gond Katira in milk for 2-3 hours, then bring to a boil. This makes for a healthy beverage.
• Start slowly and drink plenty of water: When consuming Gond Katira to allow your body to adjust. Before adding it to your diet, consult a doctor if you have medical conditions.

Side Effects of Gond Katira

Although gond katara is generally safe to use, certain adverse effects may occur if taken in excess. One of the most common issues is that it can have significant laxative effects when taken in excess. This could lead to diarrhoea or an upset stomach. It's important to eat it in moderation to avoid upset stomachs.

Additionally, pregnant or nursing women should consult a physician before taking Gond Katira because there is insufficient data to confirm its safety in these situations. Since some persons may have an adverse reaction to the gum, a history of allergies should also be considered.

Finally, anyone with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should see a healthcare provider before consuming Gond Katira. It's always advisable to be careful and seek medical counsel if you're unclear about the potential negative effects.

Top Uses of Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum)

• In modern medicine, Gond Katira is used to make a paste to treat burns.
• It is commonly added to drinks, processed cheeses, salad dressings, and desserts to thicken them and provide cooling properties.
• Gond Katira drink provides comfort to the body.
• It works as a stabiliser, texture enhancer, and emulsifier in foods.
• It thickens sauces, ice creams, confections, etc.
• Used to thicken dyes for fabric printing and dressing textiles.
• It helps make glues and watercolours and provides gloss to ink.
• Artists use it in pastels since it doesn't stick to itself when dry.
• It binds powdered herbs together, like in incense.
• Used in paper making to bind ingredients.
• Used in leather working and as a textile stiffener.
• Used in cosmetics and as a growth medium in labs.
• Makes floral decorations for cakes.
• It forms a paste to hold brittle, dry colourings.

Tips for Use Gond Katira

Here are some tips for using Gond Katira:

• Dosage: Start with 1-2 teaspoons daily and slowly increase over time based on your body's tolerance and health objectives. Consuming small initial doses helps gauge suitability.
• Hydration: Drink ample water when taking Gond Katira to support digestion and avoid dehydration. As an absorbent substance, Gond Katira draws fluids from the body, so restoring moisture levels is essential.
• Preparation: Fully soak Gond Katira in water before eating or applying it topically to unlock its thick, gel-like properties. Well-hydrated Gond Katira is easier to consume and utilise.
• Consistency: Make Gond Katira part of your regular, daily health regimen to maximise benefits over time. Consulting a healthcare practitioner can help determine the appropriate use for your individual needs.

Following these simple guidelines while staying attentive to your body's responses can help you safely harness the nutritional value of Gond Katira.

Conclusion

Gond Katira, with its rich history and a broad range of health benefits, is a versatile and valuable addition to natural health routines. From cooling the body in hot weather to aiding digestion, supporting skin health, and managing weight, this natural gum offers numerous advantages for those seeking wellness through natural means. However, as with any supplement, moderation is key, and it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re new to Gond Katira or have specific health concerns. Embrace the wellness potential of Gond Katira and experience its rejuvenating effects firsthand by incorporating it into your daily regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gond Katira

1. Can Gond Katira be consumed daily?

Yes, Gond Katira can be consumed daily in moderation. A tablespoon of soaked Gond Katira is usually safe for most people.

2. Is Gond Katira suitable for all ages?

Gond Katira is generally safe for adults. However, it’s best to consult a doctor before giving it to young or elderly individuals with specific health conditions.

3. Can Gond Katira help with weight loss?

Gond Katira’s high fibre content can make you feel fuller, which may help reduce overall calorie intake. However, it should be part of a balanced diet for effective results.

4. How does Gond Katira benefit the skin?

Gond Katira is hydrating and can help improve skin elasticity when consumed or used topically. It’s often included in face masks to enhance skin hydration.

5. Where can I buy Gond Katira?

Gond Katira is widely available in health food stores, Ayurvedic shops, and online platforms like Zandu Care. It’s usually sold as flakes or powder.

References:

1. With its abundant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components, Gond Katira boosts immunity and prevents infections.(https://www.ijpsjournal.com/)
2. Since gond katara is a natural laxative and prebiotic, using it in a healthy diet benefits the skin. (https://www.ijpsjournal.com/)
3. Rich in nutritional fibre, Gond Katira is a wonderful herb that promotes healthy digestion and heals digestive issues(https://www.ijpsjournal.com/)
4. As a natural supplement, Gond Katira aids in weight loss and helps you shed unwanted pounds.(https://www.ijpsjournal.com)