Gum tragacanth is a natural gum derived from the sap of the tragacanth tree. When soaked in water, it forms a crisp, jelly-like substance. Tragacanth gum has long been used as a nutritious food with cooling properties, popular in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces. Tragacanth gum can be made into various refreshing drinks, often combined with rock sugar, basil seeds, or ginseng.
1 Benefits of Tragacanth Gum
Tragacanth gum is rich in essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B1, B2, and C. It offers a range of health benefits:
Weight Loss: Tragacanth gum has a strong water-absorbing capacity, creating a sense of fullness and reducing the desire to eat. This makes it ideal for those looking to lose weight. However, it is important to use it in moderation as excessive consumption may lead to intestinal obstruction.
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Skin Care: Tragacanth gum is effective in treating acne, pigmentation, age spots, and scars. It also contains antioxidants that slow down the aging process, promoting smooth, radiant, and youthful skin.
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Blood Sugar Control: Research suggests that tragacanth gum can help regulate blood sugar levels, stabilize blood pressure, and prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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Stress Relief and Improved Sleep: Consuming about 10g of tragacanth gum daily promotes deeper sleep and helps alleviate fatigue, resulting in increased energy levels.
2 Tragacanth Gum Pricing and Purchasing
Tragacanth gum comes in three forms, each with different soaking times and prices. However, their health benefits remain the same.
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Stick Form: Requires the longest soaking time of approximately 24 hours for full expansion. Price ranges from 70,000 to 300,000 VND per kilogram.
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Pellet Form: Soaking time is around 12 hours, and the price is typically 250,000 to 320,000 VND per kilogram.
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Powdered Form with Sugar: Soaking time is 30 minutes to one hour. Price ranges from 350,000 to 370,000 VND per kilogram.
Tragacanth gum is widely available, and you can purchase it from specialty stores or online. If you have friends or family who are familiar with the product, they may be able to recommend reliable sources for high-quality gum.
Tragacanth gum is a specialty of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces. When visiting these regions, you can find it at souvenir shops or, if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, try Nang Gio (address: 1/2 Chien Luoc, Binh Tri Dong, Binh Tan District). Nang Gio specializes in natural tragacanth gum from Phan Rang, Ninh Thuan, an area known for its sunny and windy climate, which contributes to the high quality of the gum.
Reference: 4 Snow燕 – A Delicious and Cooling Delicacy for Healthy Skin
In this article, we’ve shared insights into tragacanth gum, a specialty of the sunny and windy regions of Vietnam. If you’re looking to beat the heat this summer, give tragacanth gum a try! Thank you for taking the time to read this article.