Summers are here, and all of us are experiencing intense fatigue and weakness as a result of the scorching temperature. We look out for ways to keep our bodies chill and there’s nothing better than enjoying natural foods that can cool down the body from the inside out. Ice-creams and cold drinks are some of the popular ones people prefer, but if you’re a health-conscious person then you should be avoiding those stuff at all costs, instead swap for natural food that not only cools down the body but is nourishing and energising as well. One such amazing ingredient blessed with a boast of nutrition and health-benefiting traits is Gond Katira. It is a popular herb in Indian kitchens for ages, Gond Katira is well-known for its delectable taste and cooling qualities.
Dive into this article to know the benefits and many reasons why it should be a must to add food to your summer diet regimen.
What Is Gond Katira?
Gond Katira is a crystalline herb acquired from the sap of the plant Locoweed (Astragalus gummier shrubs). It is also known as Tragacanth gum which is valued for its natural cooling and health-benefiting properties. This herb has been used since times immemorial in Ayurvedic medicine for healing a host of health conditions like cough and dysentery. Gond Kaitra is a jelly-like compound that is odourless and tasteless, appears white or pale-yellow solid crystal and dissolves in water and takes the form of soft jelly. Gond katira is cultivated mainly in Middle Eastern countries and Western Asia. Having this natural coolant keeps the body cool in the extreme summer season and fends off several health anomalies.
Gond Katira Nutrition
These crystalline herbs are an incredible source of dietary fibre, and natural prebiotics which assist in lowering the body’s heat to a great extent. It encompasses the key macronutrients including carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats.
Nutritional Value Per 100-gram Gond Katira:
- Calories 70
- Total Fat 86 g
- Carbohydrates 35 g
- Fibre 30 g
- Protein 9.51 g
- Sodium 9g
Potential Health Benefits Of Gond Katira
Keep The Body Cool /Prevent Heat Strokes
One of the amazing benefits of this herb is that it is widely used as a natural cooling agent during the summer. Gond Katira is beneficial in cooling down the system from the inside out in the sweltering heat of summer. Gond Katira is a key ingredient used to make many refreshing drinks like shikanji, milkshakes, ice cream etc. Having this natural coolant daily during summer can lower the risk of heat strokes and maintain your overall health. Furthermore, it controls nose-bleeding issue that develops in children during hot summers.
Also Read: Sharbat: Relish These Summer Coolants To Beat Heat, Recipes And Health Benefits
Promotes Liver Health
The liver is the vital organ in the human body that is responsible for the proper functioning of more than 300 bodily processes. Since it is the hardest-functioning organ in the body, it is easily prone to damage due to several factors like alcohol overuse and poor eating habits. Gond Katira is a natural medicine that helps to clear the toxins from the blood and keeps the liver healthy and enhances liver function.
Supports Digestion
Bestowed with ample amounts of dietary fibre, Gond Katira is an amazing herb that stimulates digestive function and treats gut problems. It contains several enzymes needed for a smooth digestion process and regularises bowel movements. The purgative nature of this herb acts as a natural remedy for several gut-related problems like constipation and diarrhoea. In addition, it is also helpful for stimulating intestinal movements in the system.
Bolsters Immune System
Being a storehouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, Gond Katira strengthens the immune system and keeps infections at bay. It also aids in nerve cell recovery and regeneration and keeps flu, colds, coughs, and infections under control. Also, some studies have disclosed that the anti-cancer trait of Gond Katira slows down the formation of cancer cells.
Also Read: Amla: Benefits, Uses For Hair and Health Conditions, Supplements And Recipes
Gond Katira For Weigh Loss
Gond Katira works as a natural supplement that promotes weight loss and helps you lose extra kilos. Being intrinsically rich in dietary fibre, it offers the body energy, boosts metabolism and helps in burning calories. Regular addition of this ingredient aids in reducing unwanted hunger pangs and keeps you satiated for a longer time.
Glowing Skin
Adding Gond Katira as part of a healthy diet regimen is immensely valuable for the skin, as it is a natural laxative and prebiotic. Apart from this, amazing anti-ageing components and antioxidants in Gond Katira aid in cleansing the blood vessels, regenerating dead skin cells and making the skin look radiant and blemish-free devoid of dark spots, blackheads, wrinkles etc.
Uses
- Mix Gond Katira with water to make refreshing drinks, lemonade, milkshakes etc
- Make a fine paste of this ingredient and apply it on burns to heal the wounds
- Used as a thickening agent while making sauces and other dishes to add extra texture to food
- Have Gond Katira with milk to get a sound sleep
Gond Katira Side Effects
Though it offers a multitude of benefits, there are some side effects if not consumed in moderate amounts and in the right way. If you don’t have it with enough water, there are chances of causing blockages in the digestive tract. After having this coolant, you should drink plenty of water to avoid suffocation issues. As it is obtained from locoweed plants, test it by eating in minimal amounts and see if it causes any allergic reactions. In people with breathing problems, it is best to avoid it in any form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Gond Katira Used For?
Gond Katira, also known as Tragacanth gum, is widely used for its potent medicinal and culinary qualities. It is known for its cooling effects and is often used in traditional summer beverages and desserts to cool the body. This powerful ingredient is largely used in traditional medicine to soothe sore throats, relieve constipation, and reduce inflammation. It is also utilized as a stabilizer and thickening agent in food products.
Is Gond Katira Good For Skin?
Yes, Gond Katira is beneficial for the skin. It has hydrating and cooling properties that help maintain skin moisture and soothe irritation. It is often used in face masks and beauty treatments to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and provide a natural glow.
Is Gond Katira Good For Acidity?
Gond Katira can help ease acidity due to its natural cooling and soothing qualities. It helps neutralize stomach acid and can offer respite from heartburn and acid reflux. Consuming it in a drink form, such as mixed with water or milk, can be particularly effective.
How To Use Gond Katira For Females?
Gond Katira can be beneficial for females in several ways:
It can be consumed in small amounts by pregnant women to help with constipation and overall digestive health.
It is often included in traditional postpartum diets to help with recovery and lactation.
Regular use in beauty routines can improve skin and hair health.
To use, soak Gond Katira overnight in water until it becomes a gel. It can then be added to milk, smoothies, or desserts.
Is Katira Good For Hair?
Yes, Gond Katira is good for hair. It strengthens hair follicles, promotes hair growth, and adds shine to the hair. Its hydrating properties help combat dryness and frizz. It can be used as a hair mask by mixing the soaked gel with other natural ingredients like yogurt or aloe vera and applying it to the hair and scalp.
Which Gond Is Best For Joint Pain?
The best Gond for joint pain is Gond Siyah or Gond Ladoos made from edible gum derived from tree bark. This type of gond has anti-inflammatory properties and is traditionally used to strengthen joints and alleviate pain. Consuming Gond ladoos, often prepared with other beneficial ingredients like ghee and nuts, can help improve joint health and reduce pain.
(This content is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Recent Progress on Modified Gum Katira Polysaccharides and Their Various Potential Applications
Mahendra Singh,1,† Chaitany Jayprakash Raorane,2,† Alka,3 Divya Shastri,4 Vinit Raj,2,* Seong-Cheol Kim,2,* and Minkal Tuteja5,*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9460252/
Important of Katira Gum (Gond Katira) or Tragacanth Gum as a Herbal Medicine
Elnaz Ebrahimian, Ferdowsi University Of Mashhad
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294260099_Important_of_Katira_Gum_Gond_Katira_or_Tragacanth_Gum_as_a_Herbal_Medicine
