Is Gond Katira the new superfood your gut has been waiting for? Social media might make it look like a trendy health hack, but this jelly-like remedy has been a part of Indian households for generations. Now, with gut health becoming a growing concern, especially during summer, experts are looking back at traditional ingredients—and Gond Katira is stealing the spotlight.
Also known as tragacanth gum or almond gum, Gond Katira is extracted from the Astragalus plant. This natural resin, when soaked in water, swells into a translucent, jelly-like substance that blends easily into drinks and desserts without altering the taste. While its unique texture has made it a favourite in desserts like falooda, it’s the digestive and cooling properties that are making it popular again.
“Gond katira is full of soluble fibre and acts like a natural prebiotic,” says Fiona Sampat, Clinical Dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. “It helps grow good bacteria in the gut, which improves digestion and supports the immune system.”
Why everyone is calling Gond Katira a gut superfood
This old-school ingredient is now being seen as a natural and affordable superfood. Here’s why experts say it’s good for your gut:
- Improves digestion: Gond katira contains soluble fibre, which helps to form soft stools and makes bowel movements regular.
- Soothes the stomach: “It is especially helpful in people who suffer from acidity, gas, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),” says Sampat. “It has a soothing effect on the stomach lining,” she adds.
- Supports gut health: When the fibre in gond katira breaks down in the stomach, it creates short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These help protect the gut and reduce inflammation.
- Keeps you cool: Known for its natural cooling effect, gond katira is popular in the summer. It helps bring down body heat and may prevent heat-related problems like heatstroke.
- Helps with weight control: As it is low in calories and high in fibre, it makes you feel full. This may help people eat less and manage their weight better.
- Good for skin and hydration: Gond katira absorbs water and helps keep the body hydrated. Many people believe it also improves skin by reducing dryness.
Easy to use in everyday foods
One big advantage of gond katira is that it’s easy to include in your daily meals. After soaking, it turns into a jelly-like texture that blends into drinks and foods without changing their taste.
Here are a few ways you can use it:
- Mix 1 teaspoon in a glass of water with lemon.
- Add it to smoothies or milkshakes.
- Mix it into milk, buttermilk, or sherbet.
- Use it in traditional desserts like falooda.
“Because it has no smell or taste, it can be added to many things without affecting the flavour,” says Sampat.
Who should not have gond katira?
While gond katira is safe for most people, it may not suit everyone. “Some people with sensitive stomachs may feel bloated or nauseous if they eat too much,” warns Sampat. “If you have IBS with loose motions or are prone to diarrhoea, start with small amounts,” she adds.
As with all foods, it’s important to listen to your body. Try a small amount first, and see how you feel.
Gond katira may not be a miracle cure, but it’s a healthy and easy addition to your diet. It’s rich in fibre, helps cool the body, improves digestion, and supports your gut. And the best part? It’s already in many Indian kitchens.
“This is one of those ingredients that our grandparents always knew was good for us,” says Sampat. So, if you’re looking for a simple, natural way to support your gut health, you might want to give gond katira a try.