Xanthan gum is a popular food additive, commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier in many foods such as ice cream, sauces, dressings, puddings and more. You will see xanthan gum on keto recipes quite frequently. But is it okay to use on a keto diet?
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If you’ve been wondering this, it’s understandable. No one wants to use an additive in their food without knowing what it is and if it’s healthy to use. If you’re avoiding carbs for your diet, you might also be wondering if xanthan gum has carbs.
We’ll go over all of the specifics of this ingredient in this article, so you can feel good about using it in your food.
What is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is made from bacteria which ferments sugars to produce xanthan gum – a complex polysaccharide that can create strong gels when exposed to water.
It is used as a food additive in various products such as sauces, dressings, dairy products, and even toothpaste. It has a range of applications due to its ability to thicken, stabilize, emulsify, and help form gels with proteins such as eggs.
When xanthan gum is added to food or other products it helps create a consistent texture and keeps the ingredients from separating. This means that foods like salad dressing can stay mixed longer without having to be constantly shaken or stirred before serving.
In addition xanthan gum has also been found to improve the shelf life of certain products by preventing them from oxidizing or becoming stale.
Is it Healthy?
In terms of nutrition xanthan gum is made up of mostly carbohydrates but it does not contain any calories and is considered low-carbohydrate friendly. This makes it suitable for those following diet plans such as the ketogenic diet where cutting down on carbs is important.
It also contains trace amounts of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium which are beneficial for our bodies in small doses.
As mentioned before xanthan gum also has many uses beyond just food products and can be found in creams and lotions that are designed to help keep skin hydrated and moisturized. Its high viscosity helps create a protective layer on the skin’s surface that prevents water loss while providing long lasting softness and smoothness.
Additionally xanthan gum can serve as an excellent thickening agent for shampoos and soaps which helps them maintain their effectiveness over time without losing their foaming power.
Is Xanthan Gum Keto Friendly?
What about xanthan gum’s role in the ketogenic diet? Is xanthan gum really Keto friendly? After all, we did just say that xanthan gum is made up of mostly carbohydrates. However, the answer is still yes.
Xanthan gum is considered a low-carbohydrate food and can be consumed while following the ketogenic diet because it does not add carbohydrates or calories to your meal.
In addition to its low-carb status, xanthan gum offers many other benefits for those looking to follow a healthy lifestyle. Its water absorbing properties make it an excellent thickener for sauces and gravies, helping them maintain their consistency over time.
It also has excellent emulsifying capabilities that allow fats and oils to remain suspended in liquids such as mayonnaise and salad dressings. Finally, xanthan gum also helps form uniform gel mixtures with proteins like eggs – perfect for making light yet fluffy omelets or frittatas.
One of the things xanthan gum does is help to prevent the formation of ice crystals, which is key to a rich, creamy, smooth ice cream.
Is it Safe?
As you can see xanthan gum provides multiple benefits on the ketogenic diet which make it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy one of their favorite dishes without compromising on taste or nutrition.
In addition, xanthan gum is considered safe to consume by both the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
That being said, it’s important to remember that all ingredients should be used in moderation; too much xanthan gum could lead to digestive issues like bloating or stomach upset as well as possible allergic reactions in some individuals.
Overall xanthan gum is a great addition to any kitchen pantry if you are looking for something that will add texture and flavor without compromising on health benefits or nutrition facts.
Whether you are following a strict ketogenic diet or just trying out new recipes – xanthan gum can help you achieve delicious results every time!
What Is An Alternative to Xanthan Gum?
If you’re still unsure about it or are unable to find xanthan gum to use in your recipes, there are a few alternatives you could look for.
Alternative options to xanthan gum include agar-agar, guar gum, arrowroot powder, psyllium husk, and gelatin. All of these products offer similar benefits as xanthan gum, but their uses can vary depending on the individual recipe.
Final Thoughts on Xanthan Gum on Keto
Overall xanthan gum is an incredibly versatile ingredient that has many benefits ranging from improving texture consistency in foods, making skincare products more effective, increasing shelf life of food items, to providing essential nutrients in small doses.
Therefore it can be concluded that xanthan gum is an amazing addition to any kitchen pantry or beauty regimen.
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Laura is dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle after losing 52 pounds on the keto diet. As many of us do, she struggles with her weight and has found that one of the only diet lifestyles that allows her to maintain a healthy weight is a low-carb diet. She shares her favorite low-carb recipes here that are both easy to make and full of flavor, so you don’t even miss the carbs.