“Eat more fiber” is the common slogan among health workers and nutritionists today. Dietary fiber has amazing benefits to the body and practitioners recommend daily intake.
Fenugreek Gum Powder and Dietary Fiber
Insoluble fiber represents indigestible nutrients and has more water holding capacity. Their importance nutritionally is helping increase the bulk of the waste thus easier movement of the foods through the colons. People with problems of watery stool therefore benefit immensely from this form of fiber.
Soluble fiber undergoes a partial fermentation process in the digestive system and is broken down by bacteria in the system releasing fatty acids such as propionate and acetate, which have tremendous health benefits.
Research into the nutritional composition of the fenugreek seed shows that they have 20 – 25 % proteins, over 45% dietary fiber,20-25% soluble fiber, and 6-8% essential oils. These high levels of fiber make fenugreek a great source of dietary fiber, which must be utilized.
Galactose to Mannose Ratio Advantages
The herb fenugreek is in the family leguminosae, and the molecular composition of the seed is a distinguishing characteristic of the various hydrocolloids. The chemical structure consists of a mannan backbone with galactose side units attached to the structure by glycosidic bonds. The ratio of these mannan units to galactose is also a differentiating criterion among the different species. Unlike the others, fenugreek has a 1:1 ratio of mannans to galactose.
Due to this factor, the units are more evenly distributed in the structure, making it easier for hydration and more solubility. It also causes reduced viscosity in fenugreek as compared to others in the group. The molecules also easily disintegrate in solution without any special temperature requirements.
This makes fenugreek a great food ingredient over other natural hydrocolloids.
| Fenugreek Applications | Function | Usage Levels |
| Baked goods & Breads | Provides Texture, Retains Moisture | 0.15-0.45% |
| Gravies & Soups | Adds Viscosity and Suspension | 0.20-0.50% |
| Dressings, Sauces & Dips | Adds Viscosity, Suspension & stabilizes emulsions | 0.20-0.50% |
| Beverages | Adds viscosity and Suspension | 0.10-0.25% |
| Frozen Products | Increases freeze/thaw stability | 0.05-0.45% |
| Nutritional Bars | Retains Moisture | 0.05-0.25% |
| Meal Replacement Systems | Adds texture | 0.05-0.50% |
| Nutritional Beverages | Adds Viscosity, Suspension & Mouthfeel | 0.05-0.40% |
Metabolic Syndromes Managed Using Fenugreek Gum Powder
- Constipation and unstable digestive system resulting from fiber deficiency is corrected by incorporating fenugreek gum powder in our diet.
- Obesity; Research has shown that a high fiber and protein rich food enhances secretion on anorexigenic and insulin synthesizing hormones which enhance the bodies tolerance to glucose as well as reduce accumulation of fat in the body.
- Diabetes mellitus; According to a research done,100 gms with 50% dietary fiber of fenugreek consumed in 10 days showed a whopping 25% decrease in the level of glucose in the blood.
- Other conditions managed using this product include cholesterol levels, hypertension and some lung problems.
Daily intake recommendations
Nutritional researchers recommend a daily intake of at least 38 grams men and 25 g women adults 50 years and below. Over 50 years of age persons require lesser quantity of 30 grams men and 21 grams women.
Production of dietary supplements
Supplements comprising of fenugreek powder tablets or capsules combined with other nutrients are available for faster replenishment of body fiber.
Create healthy recipes
With the knowledge of the dietary fiber in this gum, it has gained widespread acceptance as a food ingredient in milk products and nutritional drinks. It is also a great thickening and gelling agent. Renowned chefs in the world use these hydrocolloids to create gluten free recipes, salad dressings, soup thickeners, in producing baked goods & breads, gravies, sauces & dips as a suspension and stabilize emulsions and even in making of whipped ice cream.
Conclusion
Fenugreek gum powder, which is also known as “Bockshornklee, Griechisches Heu” in German is available in the most pure form at “www.altrafine.com” is a great source of dietary fiber for our diets. The soluble fiber in the powder improves the digestive system and is critical in the regulation of the glucose levels in the blood. Body conditions addressed by this powder include constipation, diabetes, colon cancer and even some lung conditions. It is an important ingredient as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier in foods.
This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.