Sarcocolla Gum (Maskhora/Anzarot) انزروت/ماسخورہ

Overview

The plant from which Sarcocolla gum is obtained is called Milkvetch, which has many species. Sometimes it appears as a shrub with a height of one meter, sometimes it appears as a perennial herbaceous plant. The trunk of the species that grows as a shrub is thick and without blades. The stems of most of the Milkvetch species are relatively thick and have dense and abundant blades. These blades are strong, elongated, slightly curved, very sharp, very pale brown and creamy. The stem gum of a species of milkvetch is known as Sarcocolla. There are two types of this gum: yellow and red. This gum usually appears as small pieces, with irregular shapes, sometimes spherical and sometimes angular. Its taste is very bitter.

Benefits

Digestive Health:

Sarcocolla gum is rich in soluble dietary fiber, which can help support digestive health in several ways:

Promotes bowel regularity: The soluble fiber in sarcocolla gum absorbs water in the digestive tract, forming a gel-like substance that can help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements, thus alleviating constipation.

Supports gut microbiota: Sarcocolla gum serves as a prebiotic, meaning it provides nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. This can help maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota and support overall digestive function.
Blood Sugar Control:

Consuming sarcocolla gum may help regulate blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance:

Slows glucose absorption: The soluble fiber in sarcocolla gum can slow down the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract, which may help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.

Improves insulin sensitivity: Some studies suggest that regular consumption of dietary fiber, such as sarcocolla gum, may improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Cholesterol Management:

Sarcocolla gum has been associated with improvements in cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol:

Lowers LDL cholesterol: The soluble fiber in sarcocolla gum can bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream and promoting its excretion from the body. This can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Weight Management: Due to its high fiber content, sarcocolla gum may help promote satiety and reduce appetite, which can aid in weight management efforts:

Increases feelings of fullness:

Sarcocolla gum expands in the stomach, promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing hunger cravings, which may help control calorie intake and support weight loss or weight maintenance.
Potential Anti-inflammatory Effects:

Some research suggests that sarcocolla gum may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall health.