Guar Gum is used as a thickening, stabilizing, suspending, and binding agent.
Guar gum is used as a laxative. It is also used for treating diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and diabetes; for reducing cholesterol; and for preventing "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis)
Here are several ways you can use guar gum at home:
- Add a small amount of guar to homemade almond milk or other milk alternatives.
- When making sauce, marinade or dressing, especially if you are trying to keep calories and fat content low, consider adding guar to help add a creamy-like texture. Guar gum is common in fat-reduced or fatless spreads because it replaces viscosity, however these tend to be highly processed, so its better to make your own.
- Guar can help form a smooth texture in homemade lotion, toothpaste or conditioner. For a creamier feel, add guar gum powder to homemade shampoo made with baking soda. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of pure guar gum for the entire recipe.
- Try guar in gluten-free recipes like gluten-free pancakes, muffins, pizza crust or banana bread.