What is Gondh/ Edible Gum? Health Benefits and Side effects

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What is Gondh/ Edible Gum?

Gondh/Edible gum is a type of natural gum that is extracted from the saps of the Acacia trees. It is mainly obtained from the mountain areas of the Middle East. It also grows all over Africa and Indian subcontinents like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Gondh is also known as Gond, Dink, Acacia gum, Tragacanth gum, Dragon gum, Gum elect, Qujah, Locoweed, Shiraz gum, Goat’s thorn, Qatari Shiraz gum, Kothri, Antu, Thumma jiguru, Majakhniram, and Ela-imbul-kinihiriya.

Gondh/Edible gum is a unique type of natural translucent, amber-colored resin that has been used for many centuries for its traditional medicinal and culinary properties. It is usually harvested in the form of translucent droplets or crystals that can be dissolved in water easily and is usually tasteless and odorless.

Gondh/Edible gum is usually used in the winter season to provide heat to the body. It is also known to boost stamina and improve health. It is known to be an important part of Ayurvedic treatment due to its medicinal properties.

Health Benefits of Gondh

Gondh/Edible gum is packed with various important nutrients like proteins, calcium, and magnesium. It is known to have several health benefits that include the following:

Beneficial for pregnant and lactating mothers:

• Gondh can be consumed during pregnancy as it could be beneficial for both, the mom and her baby. 
• It helps in strengthening the bones of the expecting mother and also prevents back pain.
• It can also be given to lactating mothers as edible gum is considered to be a galactagogue that helps in increasing the production of breast milk by increasing the levels of prolactin.

Regaining strength after pregnancy:

• Women tend to lose their energy during pregnancy. Gondh helps them in regaining their strength by providing important nutrients.
• Gondh also helps in regulating the menstrual blood flow after childbirth. ( Know more about- Diet Plan for Pregnant Women )

Maintaining joint health:

• Gondh is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• This helps them maintain joint health and is a traditional remedy used to treat conditions related to arthritis and joints.

Provides warmth during winters:

• Gondh helps in generating heat within the body and is therefore used during the winter season.
• It provides warmth and energy during the winters.

Helps in digestion:

• In certain traditional practices, gondh is used to help in digestion.
• It tends to have a soothing effect on the body’s digestive system and also prevents conditions like constipation.

Improved overall health:

• The resin consists of antioxidants that help fight the free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress.
• This helps in supporting the overall health and improving the immunity of a person.

Improved cardiovascular health:

• Gondh is thought to improve the blood circulation in the body.
• This improves the overall cardiovascular health of a person.

Improved respiratory health:

• Gondh is a traditional remedy used to treat respiratory problems.
• It can help reduce the symptoms of cold and cough.

Helps in loss of weight:

• Gondh/Edible gum has a high fiber content and the ability to increase the metabolic rate of the body.
• This results in an increased feeling of fullness and a lower frequency of getting hunger pangs, eventually helping in weight loss.

Healing of mouth ulcers:

• A finely grounded gondh paste can be used for quick relief from painful ulcers. 
• It also helps in reducing the inflammation and redness associated with mouth ulcers.

Treatment for urinary incontinence:

• Gondh can act as a natural remedy for urinary incontinence.
• It helps the urinary muscles to relax in case of urinary tract inflammation or urine blockage.

Improved libido in men:

• Gondh is known to be an excellent remedy for sexual problems in men.
• It helps in enhancing the libido in men.

Breast enhancement in women:

• It is claimed that gondh is an effective type of breast enhancer in women.
• It helps women who have small breasts and are looking to increase their size.

Useful for the skin:

• Gondh contains anti-aging properties.
• It helps delay fine lines and wrinkles and provides a glow to the skin.

Nutritional value:

• Gondh/Edible gum is a rich source of essential nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins.
• This contributes positively to the overall nutritional intake and improves the general health of a person.

Side Effects of Gondh

Although Gondh/Edible gum has several health benefits, one should restrict its consumption to prevent any side effects like:

• Blocking of gondh in the intestine or choking. This can be prevented by drinking more water with gondh.
• Allergic reaction to people who are sensitive to gum.
• People with breathing problems should avoid it’s consumption.

( Know more about- Benefits and Side effects of Milk )

Dishes Prepared with Gondh

Some of the common dishes that can be prepared with gondh include the following:

• Gondh/Edible gum ladoo: Roasted gondh is combined with whole wheat flour, jaggery, nuts, and ghee to make nutritious, energy-rich gondh ladoos. Sesame seeds can also be added instead of nuts as a variant of gondh ladoo.
• Gondh Raab: Gondh crystals are dissolved in warm milk. Cardamon, jaggery, and a pinch of turmeric are added to this soothing drink for the winter.
• Gondh kheer: Gondh crystals can be added to the traditional rice kheer to make it more nutritious.
• Gondh paratha: Powdered gondh and finely chopped dry fruits can be added to the paratha dough and cooked in ghee to prepare a delicious and nutritious paratha.
• Gondh chikki: Gondh can be combined with nuts and jaggery to make a crunchy winter snack.

Conclusion

Gondh/Edible gum is a nutrient-rich edible gum that offers various health benefits. It can be consumed in the form of ladoos, health drinks, and many other forms. You can include it in your diet to enjoy a delightful and healthy winter treat. Get the best treatments at the best hospitals in India. Also book full body health checkup at the best hospitals in India.