Locust bean gum: health effects and what it is used for

Carob or locust bean gum is obtained from the seeds of the carob, the fruit of the carob tree, a very common tree in the Mediterranean region, America and Australia. The largest growing areas are in the Spanish regions of Valencia and Catalonia. Do you know what it is used for and what its health effects are?

What is locust bean or locust bean gum?

To obtain carob gum, the seeds are subjected to an acid treatment that removes the skin. Then the seeds are split so that the endosperm, which is hard, can be separated by means of a sieve. This endosperm is ground with rollers to get the locust bean powder.

This whitish powder is chemically a galactomannan, that is, a polysaccharide composed of the monosaccharides galactose and mannose. It is dietaryly a Soluble fiber.

locust bean gum it is not the same as carob flour. This is obtained from grinding the carob pods without the seeds, after having been dehydrated. This carob flour has a slightly sweet flavor and is very similar to cocoa, which is why it is used to make alternative dietary products to chocolate, low in fat and rich in fiber, calcium and other minerals and antioxidant compounds.

Locust beans: what is it used for

Locust bean, when it comes into contact with liquids, becomes a colloid and a gel if a little sodium borate is added. Its physical properties make it a binder and thickener additive Widely used by the food and cosmetic industries. In ingredient lists it is often identified with the code E410.

Even a small amount of locust bean gum gives liquids a gelatinous texture and thickens them.Since it increases the volume of mixes, it is often used in alternative gluten-free products.Flour is insensitive to heat, acid and salt and can therefore be used in a variety of ways. ensures that mixtures are homogeneous.

You will find locust bean gum in the ingredient lists of the following products, among others:

Jams and preserves.Jellos, puddings and mousses.Drinks based on vegetable milks.Ice creams.Fruit or vegetable preserves.Empanadas and other similar products.Baked products (especially gluten-free products).Food for diabetics.

You can find carob bean gum in all organic supermarkets or health food stores. It is also available through online stores.

Carob Gum: Health Effects

Locust bean gum is generally well tolerated. As soluble fiber, in theory, it helps lower bad LDL cholesterol and contributes to the good state of the intestinal microbiota (it’s a prebiotic). In addition, it contains small proportions of protein and calcium. However, it is used in such small amounts that little beneficial effect can be expected compared to whole foods rich in soluble fiber.

It is approved as a food additive without restrictions, it can even be used in baby food and in products with organic certification.

It is used for infantile reflux

Locust bean gum is used as an additive in infant formulas for infants experiencing reflux, which is characterized by frequent bouts of vomiting.

Helps thicken formula and prevents it from going back up into the esophagus after entering the stomach. It also slows the rate at which food passes from the stomach to the intestines. This can also reduce intestinal problems and reflux in babies.

As with all foods and products that are ingested, an allergic reaction is always possible. People with a soy allergy should take special care because a cross reaction is possible.

Sustainability of locust bean gum

The tree It is ideal for sustainable organic farming. Its cultivation even has ecological value, because it thrives even in poor, dry and nutrient-deficient soils. Like olive trees, carob trees are ideal for reforesting semi-desert landscapes.

Tree roots protect dry areas from erosion and oxygenate the soil. In hot growing regions, its canopy provides protection from sun and wind and provides important habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

Harvesting the ripe carob pods is time consuming and expensive as it is done by hand and cannot be automated. Carob cultivation does not require any pesticide. On the other hand, carob wood is durable and resistant, suitable for fences or furniture, among other uses.