When you consume gond katira prior to your meals, it will swell in the stomach thus creating a feeling of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.
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Always remember to soak gond katira at least for 5-6 hours essentially, if you can soak it overnight, nothing like it. And, use only 1-2 tablespoon at a time. You can add it to your nimbu pani or you can make some refreshing summer drinks and add it to the same.
Gond katira, also known as tragacanth gum, is derived from plants valued for their several benefits and cooling properties, especially during scorching hot summers. When it is soaked in water, the dry gum swells and forms a translucent, jelly like substance that can be consumed. It has been used in Ayurveda for decades amid its several health-supportive properties. The natural coolant can regulate temperature, enhance digestion, and improve hydration.
The best time to consume gond katira is morning as it helps maintain hydration throughout the day while supporting energy levels. It can be consumed at night but daytime will offer higher benefits.
Gond katira contains soluble fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium, natural polysaccharides (retain water to enhance hydration), and natural carbohydrates. The presence of potassium can help you maintain the electrolyte balance.
Dietitian Shweta J Panchal took to her Instagram handle and shared the key benefits of gond katira to a question on why you should be eating it in summers. “It forms a gel like substance when you soak it in water, which will help you retain fluids which is especially important in a weather like summer. It prevents dehydration, which is very common in this season. It is also an excellent for you gut health." 1
It actually soothes your entire gut lining, and it can also ease constipation if you have like mild constipation. A lot of people also feel drained and fatigued because of summer heat. This will help prevent that as well without making you feel heavy, she added.
The dietitian said, “Always remember to soak gond katira at least for 5-6 hours essentially, if you can soak it overnight, nothing like it. And, use only 1-2 tablespoon at a time. You can add it to your nimbu pani or you can make some refreshing summer drinks and add it to the same. Simple and effective technique to prevent dehydration in this weather.”
When you consume gond katira prior to your meals, it will swell in the stomach thus creating a feeling of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake. It is because soluble fibre can slow down the gastric emptying and can regulate appetite thus making it a valuable addition to your weight management plans, according to Metropolis. 2
Meanwhile, According to Dr Manjula, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, “Gond katira, or tragacanth gum, is indeed used in traditional practices for its health benefits, some of which might indirectly support weight loss. It’s known for its cooling properties and ability to support digestive health. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re experiencing bloating, as it might help with gas and aid digestion by calming the pitta dosha (the heat element in Ayurveda)."
Manjula added, "When it comes to actual weight loss, gond katira doesn’t directly burn fat, but it could be useful as a supplemental aid. Its fiber content, when soaked in water, forms a gelatinous substance that can make you feel fuller, potentially helping to curb excessive eating,” according to a report featured in Ask Ayurveda. 3
Prevents Heat Stroke: Gond katira can function as a natural coolant for the body during hotter months. It has the ability to regulate body temperature that can prevent heat strokes and dehydration efficiently. When it is soaked in the water, it forms a hydrating gel that can cool the body from with thus offering immense relief from severe heat.
Supports Skin Health: The yet another powerful benefit of gond katira is its ability to enhance skin hydration and glow. It acts as a natural humectant that can draw moisture in to the skin thus enhancing appearance and elasticity. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can bring down acne, irritation, and redness, common during summer months. It offers the skin a protective layer by preventing loss of water.
Improves Hair Health: It offers collagen-supporting and hydrating qualities that can support hair health. It helps in improving scalp hydration and reduces dryness. It can help in maintaining strong and shiny hair with minimal breakage. The presence of polysaccharide matrix in gond katira forms a protective layer on the hair shaft that can support follicle health, according to a report featured in Metropolis.
The anti-inflammatory properties of gond katira can also sooth scalp and produce a healthy environment for strong hair growth.
Improves Digestion: The presence of high soluble fibre in gond katira can improve digestive health. It adds bulk to the stool and improve healthy and regular bowel movements. It can reduce constipation and support gut health. The smooth laxative action of gond katira is supported by its prebiotic effect that can boost the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Enhances Liver Health: Gond katira has been used in traditional medicine to improve gut health as it supports the removal of toxins by decreasing oxidative stress. The prebiotics effects of gond katira can lead to better gut health that can indirectly benefit the liver by reducing the absorption of dangerous substances.
FAQs
How does gond katira help with weight loss?
Gond katira contains soluble fiber that swells in the stomach when soaked in water, creating a feeling of fullness that can reduce overall calorie intake. This fiber slows gastric emptying and regulates appetite, making it a helpful supplemental aid in weight management, though it does not directly burn fat.
What is the best way to consume gond katira for health benefits?
Soak 1-2 tablespoons of gond katira in water for 5-6 hours or overnight until it forms a gel-like substance. It can be added to drinks like nimbu pani or other summer refreshments to prevent dehydration and support digestion effectively.
Can gond katira improve digestion and gut health?
Yes, gond katira's high soluble fiber content acts as a prebiotic, adding bulk to stool and supporting regular bowel movements. It soothes the gut lining, eases mild constipation, and promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria, improving overall digestive health.
Does gond katira provide benefits for skin and hair health?
Gond katira acts as a natural humectant, enhancing skin hydration and elasticity while reducing inflammation and acne. For hair, its polysaccharide matrix protects the hair shaft, improves scalp hydration, reduces dryness, and supports a healthy environment for strong hair growth.
How does gond katira help prevent dehydration and heat stroke?
When soaked, gond katira forms a translucent hydrating gel that acts as a natural coolant in the body, regulating temperature and retaining fluids. This cooling effect helps prevent dehydration and heat strokes during hot weather months.
Dietitian Shweta J Panchal via Instagram|why you should eat gond katira in summers?
Metropolis|Gond Katira: Benefits for Skin, Digestion & Hormonal Balance
Dr Manjula via Ask Ayurveda|Is gond katira good for weight loss?
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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