What is xanthan, the secret ingredient to prepare gluten-free pasta and desserts (and how to replace it in recipes)

All about Xanthan or Xanthan Gum: what it is, where it is found and how to replace it in recipes, especially those without gluten

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All about Xanthan or Xanthan Gum: what it is, where it is found and how to replace it in recipes

Lo xanthan o xanthan gum o xanthan gum it is an exopolysaccharide produced by various microorganisms, in particular phytopathogenic bacteria, and once isolated it can be used in various fields for its binding function, and more.





La xanthan gum is a food thickener based on bacteria that infect many plants. It is an ingredient used in a wide variety of foods, as well as in cosmetic and personal care products, such as toothpaste. While it may offer some health benefits, it is primarily used to change the texture of food, and not for specific health needs.

Index

Xanthan gum: what it is

Xanthan gum is an exopolysaccharide, which is a type of sugar produced by a bacterium called Xanthomonas campestris, through a process of fermentation. Xanthomonas campestris infects a wide range of cruciferous plants, such as cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, causing disease and wilting.

It was discovered by scientists in 1963 and has since been well researched and considered safe, so there is no limit to the amount of xanthan gum a food can contain.

Xanthan gum is made by extracting bacteria from different plants; the finished product does not contain viable bacteria, so there is no risk of infection.

What is xanthan, the secret ingredient to prepare gluten-free pasta and desserts (and how to replace it in recipes)

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What is xanthan used for?

Xanthan gum serves two main purposes:

  • How thickening agent: is added to toothpaste and other products to keep them evenly thick. It is also used in industry, for example, to help thicken drilling oil.
  • How emulsifier: Its ability to bind moisture means it can prevent products from separating. For this reason, it is an ingredient in some salad dressings and oil-based cosmetics. But above all it is used in recipes that use gluten-free flour, such as rice or corn flour, to make the product bond well (for example it is widely used in the preparation of rice pasta, even self-produced)

(Read also: Agar agar: the vegetable gelatin from algae. Ownership, uses and where to find it)



In what products and foods it is found

Xanthan gum can improve texture, flavor, and texture shelf life and the appearance of many foods. It also serves as a stabilizer, because it allows food to withstand different temperatures and pH levels. In addition, it works as a thickener and prevents foods from separating.

It is frequently used in the gluten-free cooking, as it can provide the elasticity and softness that gluten gives to traditional baked goods.

Here are some foods that contain xanthan gum:

  • Salad dressing
  • Bakery products
  • Fruit juices
  • Soups
  • Gelato
  • Sauces and gravies
  • Syrups
  • Gluten-free products
  • Low-fat foods

It is also found in many personal care and beauty products, as:

  • Toothpaste
  • Creme
  • Lotions
  • Shampoo

Xanthan gum is used in many industrial products thanks to its ability to withstand different temperatures and pH levels, adhere to surfaces and thicken liquids.

Here are some products with xanthan gum:

  • Fungicides, herbicides and insecticides
  • Cleaners for tiles, grout, oven and toilet
  • Paints
  • Fluids used in oil drilling
  • Adhesives such as wallpaper glue
What is xanthan, the secret ingredient to prepare gluten-free pasta and desserts (and how to replace it in recipes)

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Health benefits

Some research suggests that xanthan gum can improve health in the following ways:

Lower or stabilize blood sugar

Uno study of 2016 found that this could lower the glycemic index some rice. After a group of people ate xanthan gum-coated rice, their blood sugar levels were lower.



So foods containing xanthan gum could offer the most potent blood sugar lowering benefits.

Furthermore, this substance can also stabilize blood sugar. One study of 2013 found that xanthan gum mixed with beta-glucan (a type of sugar found in plants) could help prevent blood sugar spikes.

Reduce cholesterol

Some research suggests that, when taken in very high doses, it can lower cholesterol levels. A study 1987, for example, found that men who consumed xanthan gum for about 3 weeks experienced a 10% reduction in cholesterol. Despite this, it is important to point out that, at the moment, there are not many studies regarding the benefits of xanthan gum on cholesterol.

Substitute for saliva and as a treatment for dry mouth

La xanthan gum can be a useful and safe substitute for saliva for people suffering from chronic dry mouth. Some varieties of dry mouth toothpaste contain xanthan gum to help retain moisture.

Laxative

Since xanthan gum helps to bind water, it can also help act like laxative. The food thickener swells in the digestive tract, helping the intestines to stay moist and supporting gastrointestinal function.

Makes swallowing easier

Some diseases can make swallowing difficult, especially when the mouth and throat are dry. One study of 2014 found that this substance could help people with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, to swallow food safely. Xanthan gum does this by thickening food and saliva, making it easier for both of you to move around your throat. This could reduce the risk of suffocation and make eating safer.

Treating cancer

Xanthan gum can help treat some forms of cancer, slowing its growth. One study 2009, for example, looked at mice with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Mice treated with this substance lived longer and their tumors grew more slowly.

Role in gluten-free food

For people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, gluten-containing foods can cause intense stomach pain, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Gluten-free products rely on substitutes, which can make them resemble the crumb of gluten-containing bread in texture. There xanthan gum thickens the food, potentially improving the properties of gluten-free baked goods.

Other potential benefits of xanthan gum:

  • Help in weight loss: one study noted that people experienced increased fullness after consuming xanthan gum; for this reason, it is considered effective in weight loss as it increases the sense of satiety.
  • Thicken liquids: Research has shown that it is effective for thickening fluids for those who have difficulty swallowing, such as the elderly or people with neurological disorders.

(Read also: Isinglass: how to replace it in the kitchen. The veg alternatives in the various recipes)

Risks and contraindications

There is no evidence to prove the adverse health effects associated with xanthan gum. In 1987, researchers asked five men to consume xanthan gum every day, for over 3 weeks. There were no negative health consequences; on the contrary, there have been some modest improvements. These findings suggest that xanthan gum is safe for most people.

This substance, however, is not recommended for:

  • People with a history of diarrhea or intense gastrointestinal pain, because it promotes intestinal transit.
  • People with a history of fecal incontinence, as xanthan gum can act as a laxativecan make bowel control more difficult.
  • Allergy, i.e. people with a history of adverse reactions to this substance.
  • People who are seriously allergic to cruciferous plants, such as broccoli, kale or kale, because xanthan gum is produced by the bacteria that live on these plants and, as a result, products containing xanthan gum can be contaminated.
  • People with severe food allergy, they should speak to a doctor before using it.

Xanthan alternatives and substitutes in recipes

There are so many alternatives to xanthan gum, capable of performing the exact same functions as thickening food and ensuring a uniform consistency:

  1. La psyllium fiber works well as a binding agent and adds fiber to food.
  2. I Chia seeds they absorb water and make food more gelatinous.
  3. La gelatin helps moisturize food and maintain an even texture.
  4. THEagar it is an alternative vegan to other thickeners, such as gelatin.
  5. I ground flax seeds they can bind food and give a more even texture.
  6. La guar gum it is a white powdered substance often used in sauces and soups because it has a thickening action.
  7. THEalbumen it works as a binding and leavening agent; it is widely used in baked goods and in the making of desserts because it gives a soft texture.
  8. THEcornstarch it has a consistency very similar to xanthan gum and gives volume and texture; it is often used in sweet recipes to add volume and a soft texture.
  9. La carrageenan it is obtained from red algae, and is a plant-based product that can be used instead of gelatin or xanthan gum in various sweet and savory preparations.
  10. THEagar , is a gelling substance of natural origin that is obtained from some seaweed and which has a very delicate flavor. This feature makes it suitable for different types of both sweet and savory preparations. It is no coincidence that vegan gelatin is also defined and, among other characteristics, like xanthan, it makes it possible not to divide the ingredients in gluten-free recipes.

Also read: 10 healthy (and plant-based) alternatives to the most common food ingredients

Where to find xanthan or xanthan gum

Given its widespread use especially for preparing gluten-free recipes, xanthan is now very widespread online and in natural product stores, but also on the shelves of large-scale distribution dedicated to products for celiacs.

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