Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum: Keto Friendly?

Xanthan gum and guar gum are popular food additives, but are they keto-friendly? Here’s what you need to know.

 For more details on this topic, check out the full article on the website:

Timestamps
0:09 Xanthan gum 
1:32 Guar gum
1:48 Xanthan gum vs. guar gum

 Today we’re going to talk about xanthan gum and guar gum. Are they both keto-friendly, and which one is best? 

What is xanthan gum?
Xanthan gum is an additive used in a lot of different foods as a thickener and to provide texture. It’s used in a lot of bread recipes because it can replace gluten. 

Is xanthan gum keto-friendly? 
Xanthan gum usually made from corn, glucose, or soy. It’s technically keto-friendly. It has zero net carbs, and it won’t affect your blood sugars. But, if you were to consume this, you would want to make sure the product you’re buying is non-GMO. 

What is guar gum?
Guar gum comes from the guar bean. 

Is guar gum keto-friendly? 
Guar gum has zero net carbs, and it is keto-friendly. 

Xanthan gum vs. guar gum
Xanthan gum and guar gum are very similar. The big difference is the source. Guar gum is going to be non-GMO naturally. But, Xanthan gum could be GMO, so it’s important to make sure the product you buy is non-GMO.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, 56 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of The New Body Type Guide and other books published by KB Publishing. He has taught students nutrition as an adjunct professor at Howard University. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thanks for watching! I hope this video helps you better understand xanthan gum and guar gum.

[jackneals]

Does this guy have the ability to read minds??? He ALWAYS puts out videos on topics that I am thinking about and need information on!!

[singit]

I love that you are SOOO healthy that YOU are the standard to acheive... and although some of my beloved keto channels choose to be more lazy or dirty, you are still a major source for accuracy. Thank you for what you do... 💜

[johnnypenso]

Guar gum is a more natural alternative to Xanthan gum when you need a thickener. If you're going to use either one make sure and do your research. Some people can't tolerate them and you really have to get the amounts right as a little goes a long way. The difference between a tsp and a half tsp in a recipe can be the difference between success and failure.

[Brownmahfun]

Xanthan Gum was used on oil rigs to thicken the sludge used to transport oil and water.
It binds to the intestines and reduces absorption of nutrients.

[HonkGoldfisz]

I use guar gum for making gravy out of fat/meat juices left on pan after frying! It is really efficient to use. I use no more than half teaspoon or teaspoon per pan. 300g tin I buy lasts me forever. The key is to dissolve it in little bit of oil or any other fat because it pulls together water but not fat! Then just the solution pour into anything you want to make thicker and stir fast !

[Kelly_Silverman]

Thank you for breaking this down! There are a lot of "Keto" products on the market right now (bars, cookies, sweerve cakes, products by lankto etc) and they use ingredients that some of us never heard of.
I appreciate you breaking down these ingredients! ♥️

[MariaTorres-gueg]

You are a blessing, doctor!! Life goes on !

[alexyehorov]

Wow, that’s legit explanation, learned something new today, haha.
Love it

[lars]

We need newer videos on these kind of food ingredients Dr. Berg! What about lecithins, glycerines, hydrolyzed proteins, sorbates, and other common preservatives??

[najeebenton]

Thanks, this topic can help through a lot of confusion because of the gum in there names. Thank you for clearing this up.

[dawne]

I have been gluten free for 16 years now. Most people had never heard of it back then. Gluten free options were rare. At least where I lived. You had to make everything yourself. Low carb 9 years.
I have cooked with both those ingredients. You have to mix them in with another powder ingredient to stop clumping. Depending on the recipe, that is not always possible or you are adding unwanted carbs. I hated cooking with both.
There is a powder from the konica root called glucomannan. Even when making gravy, I just have to sprinkle it on hot broth drippings and wisk in. No large clumps. I have also used it when my mayo hasn't thickened quite enough. If I need thickening, it's my go to.

[georgekallis]

I use glucomannan powder from the konjac root almost zero carbs and all fiber. Very keto friendly and non GMO.

[MrMishal]

Dr Berg, I really appreciate the fact that you are carrying on with regular videos and refusing to spread FEAR by overindulging in Corona-based information 👍🏻👍🏻

[faviolaandaya]

Dr Berg Thank you a billion times for the information you give us! 😊💕💞💟👍

[olgajimenez]

Hey Dr. Berg! Could you please do a video also on Sunflower and Sot lecithin? These are in many things like coconut milk, Lily’s chocolates etc. THANK YOU.

[isabellajones]

I have seen some recent papers claiming that Xanthan Gum reduces blood sugars, which makes it more attractive.

[BrodiPhoenix]

Dr Berg, Type 1 Diabetic here. First off THANK YOU! I am Considered LADA because I have antibodies but my pancreas is still producing very little amount of insulin. Using 10units of long lasting a night. Some days I don't have to take that and it will be normal, but I choose not to do that. IF and Keto for past two years. A1C 5.4-5.6. Been on long lasting insulin for 9 years. My first year of diagnosis at 15 years old, I used short acting but haven't since then. No nerve issues or neuropathy. Weird situation. Don't have answers. But hopefully this lifestyle lasts for years to come.

[abdursask]

Nigella sativa ( black Seed ) can be used as a zinc ionophore as its main active constituent is thymoquinone or hydroxychloroquine . Please do some research on this and let us know what you think.
Thanks for your amazing content

[DStrayCat]

I consume a lot of Coconut milk. I purchase Only natural. There are a lot of Coconut Milk products containing Gar Gum, which I won't buy. My thinking is, if they need to Thicken the coconut milk, it is an inferior product... I tend to treat all foods containing thickeners in the same light... I ask myself, if the basic product requires thickening and what thickening is accomplishing... Is it merely cosmetic? Great little video :-)

[ashalt]

Yes! I''ve been wondering about this!