Introduction
It is scientifically proven that taking dietary fiber daily up to 25/30 g/day is part of a healthy diet. Different fibers have different functions in the body. some are good for digestion and others are for improving other metabolic activities (1). This topic we are going to discuss particularly about acacia fiber and what are its benefits.
Acacia fiber is made from the sap of acacia tree, an evergreen tree from Africa. This is a soluble fiber with benefits like regulating the blood sugar level and cholesterol level. Helps in relieving constipation and diarrhea. helps in keeping the liver healthy by preventing the absorption of certain toxins and helps in weight loss.
Composition
Acacia fiber is basically Acacia gum also known as gum Arabic. obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal and A. seyal. The main composition is complex polysaccharides with highly branched galactan polymers with galactose and/or arabinose side chains, possibly terminated by rhamnose or glucuronic acid residues (2).
Nutritional profile
Fiber
Acacia is high in dietary soluble fiber. It dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance which is beneficial for absorbing many toxins from the body. Gum acacia can help reduce blood glucose and insulin levels after it is eaten with a meal containing a carbohydrate that raises blood glucose levels (3).
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates present in the acacia are non-digestible and thus act as a low-calorie source of dietary fiber.
Other contents are No or low amount of protein, no fat, and zero calories. these qualities make Acacia good for weight loss and lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Benefits of Acacia Fiber
1. Good for digestion
Acacia fiber acts as a prebiotic. Studies on humans suggested that Acacia gum increases the amount of bifidobacteria in the stool which is an indication of good intestinal health. The intestinal ecosystem balance by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of bacteria, such as bifidobacteria or lactobacilli, which is considered to benefit the host (4). Thus, it acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and supporting gut microbiome balance.
2. Lowers the blood sugar level
Studies suggest that acacia fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels. The dietary supplement of this gum helps in improving the nutrition of type 2 diabetic patients. Also helps in improving their poor glycemic control and lipids and BMI (5).
3. Weight management
Increased dietary fiber intake also correlates with lower body weight, body fat, and prevention of weight gain, Decreased hunger, increased satiety, and decreased body weight have been demonstrated in studies using insoluble and soluble, viscous, and non-viscous fibers (6). The dietary fiber of acacia also helps in weight loss. although there is very limited research that suggests the direct effect of this fiber on weight loss. However sufficient studies suggest that consuming this fiber improves stationary response and lowers blood glucose levels (7). There is a correlation between increased dietary fiber intake with lower body weight, body fat, and prevention of weight gain (6).
4. Manage cholesterol
Acacia fiber contributes to good heart health by reducing cholesterol levels thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests that fiber helps in reducing serum cholesterol by approximately 10.4% (8).
Side effectsÂ
- Some people may have allergic reactions to acacia hence best to consult a dietician or a doctor before using these supplements.
- It is very important to mix the supplement very well before consuming it. Hence go through the instructions manual before taking it in order to prevent choking or blockage of the esophagus, stomach, or intestine.
Other properties of Acacia fiber
- This fiber is not affected by acidic environment or heat. Hence they are used worldwide as an emulsifier and as a stabilizer in the food industry.
- Acacia fibers are neutral in taste and are low in viscosity.
- There is almost no side effect or discomfort of this fiber.
- Low in calories and good for a weight-loss diet.
- Low glycemic index hence is perfect for a diabetic person and also not carcinogenic (9).