01-05-2025
What Is Gond Katira, the Cooling Superfood Instagram Can't Stop Talking About?
Last Updated:
Gond Khatira, a natural gum with high fibre and mineral content, offers digestive, anti-inflammatory, and bone health benefits—especially valuable during pregnancy.
Gond Khatira, also known as Tragacanth Gum, is a natural gum obtained from the stems and branches of certain plants found in India, Turkey, and Iran. Commercially, it is available in the form of flakes and ribbons. It is a viscous, odourless, and tasteless substance that is neither mutagenic, carcinogenic, nor allergenic in nature. When soaked in water, Gond Khatira swells and transforms into a gel-like substance.
Gond Khatira has wide applications across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Its diverse industrial uses are largely attributed to its unique chemical structure.
Besides industrial applications, Gond Khatira also offers several health benefits, primarily due to its nutritional composition and high fibre content. According to Avni Kaul, leading pregnancy nutritionist and founder of Nutri Activania, here's what you need to know:
Per 100 grams, Gond Khatira contains approximately:
70 Kcals
35 grams of carbohydrates
30 grams of fibre
5 grams of hydrates
0 grams of fat
9 milligrams of sodium
When incorporated into a balanced diet, Gond Khatira can offer several potential health benefits. In India, it is commonly used to prepare nutrient-rich, energy-dense dishes such as laddus for pregnant and lactating women.
Acts as a Laxative:
Gond Khatira is not fully digested by gut enzymes. Instead, it is fermented in the gut, functioning as dietary fibre. This property may help relieve constipation, a common issue during pregnancy.
Functions as a Prebiotic:
It serves as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria, thereby supporting and enhancing digestive health.
Possesses Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Gond Khatira has been found to reduce oxidative stress and protect against DNA damage, making it a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
Provides Analgesic Effects:
It may help alleviate back pain and joint discomfort. Certain components of Gond act on the nervous system to reduce pain sensation. While promising, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness as an analgesic. It also helps lubricate joints, contributing to improved joint health.
Supports Bone Health:
Rich in calcium and magnesium, Gond Khatira may contribute to increased bone density and overall bone strength.
