Benefits of Gum Arabic (Samagh al Arabi) and How to Use it for Health and Beauty

Gum Arabic has been a valued commodity for hundreds of years- so much so, that wars were even fought over it at one point. So what makes gum arabic so great?

Origin of Gum Arabic

Gum arabic comes mainly from Africa, and Sudan especially. It is a sap naturally produced by special species of the acacia tree. 

 Health Benefits of Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic has been confirmed to have several therapeutic actions, such as being hypoglycemic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiulcer. GA is used in traditional medicine to protect against hepatic, renal, and cardiac complications in diabetic and chronic renal failure patients. The studies on the effects of GA on lipid metabolism in experimental animals are also documented. Ingestion of GA can decrease plasma cholesterol concentrations both in human and animals.

• Improved absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract
• Anti-obesity (gum arabic lowers the body mass index and body fat percentage)
• Lipid lowering potential (gum arabic decreases total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride)
• Immune function via modulating the release of some inflammatory mediators
• Prebiotic improving the intestinal barrier function, preventing colon cancer, and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel diseases
• In rats, a protective effect on the intestine against the adverse actions of the NSAID drug meloxicam

What is better? Powdered or Whole Gum Arabic?

Gum Arabic is sometimes sold in powdered form. This is very convenient, because you can mix it quickly into a drink. However, powdered Gum Arabic is less effective than whole Gum Arabic tears.

The reason Gum Arabic is more effective in its natural state is because it is more fresh. When the Gum Arabic dries, it forms a hardened shell around the outside which prevents beneficial compounds from dissipating. When it is powdered, however, the process of dissipation goes much more quickly. 

As in everything, Allah is with those who are patient!

Yes, it takes more time to use Gum Arabic in its natural form, but it is more effective and cheaper, too!

How to use Gum Arabic

Internal Consumption

Take one or two pieces and put them in water overnight. In the morning, it should be more or less dissolved. You can also stir it to accelerate the dissolving process. 

One great way to consume Gum Arabic is to add it to drinks, juices, or smoothies. It has a nice flavor and texture and can thickens the drinks that it is added to. 

External Use

Gum Arabic also makes a great skin beautifier. Dissolve it in a small amount of water overnight like you would use or internal consumption, but then add a small spoonful of starch, the juice of half a lemon, and a spoonful of honey. 

Mix thoroughly, and then apply to the face or skin. Leave it to dry completely (15 minutes or so) and then remove. Enjoy glowing and refreshed skin!