Can gond katira really strengthen bones? Doctors bust viral myth
Doctors have cautioned against social media posts claiming gond katira strengthens bones and cools the body. They say its benefits remain unproven and advise people to rely on balanced diets, exercise and sound medical guidance.
Gond katira, a common ingredient found in Indian grocery stores, has become the latest wellness trend on social media. From claims of improving bone strength to keeping the body cool during summer, several Instagram videos are promoting the jelly-like substance as a health booster.
But doctors say many of these claims are not backed by science.
According to Dr. Akhilesh Yadav, Director of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, people should be cautious about believing everything they see online.
What is gond katira?
Gond katira is a plant-based edible gum that looks like small pieces of glass. When soaked overnight in water, it swells up and turns into a jelly-like substance. It is commonly added to summer drinks.
Doctors point out that it is different from the edible gum used in laddus, panjiri and other traditional recipes.
Although both are plant-based gums, they are not the same and are used differently.
Does it strengthen bones?
One of the biggest claims circulating online is that gond katira improves bone density. However, Dr Yadav says there is no strong scientific evidence to support this.
While gond katira contains small amounts of calcium and magnesium, the quantities are too low to make a meaningful difference to bone health. In comparison, a cup of curd provides much more calcium.
Can it cool the body?
Another popular claim is that drinking gond katira during summer lowers body heat and has a "cooling effect". However, doctors say there is no clinical proof to support this belief either.
Researchers have found that gond katira contains soluble fibre and may have prebiotic properties, which could be beneficial for gut health. But more studies are needed before any definite health benefits can be confirmed.
What should people do for better bone health?
People looking to maintain strong bones should focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate vitamin D levels.
Consulting doctors instead of relying on social media reels for health advice is a better option.
Gond katira is definitely not a magic remedy.
Good nutrition and physical activity remain the most effective ways to protect bone health.
Gond katira, a common ingredient found in Indian grocery stores, has become the latest wellness trend on social media. From claims of improving bone strength to keeping the body cool during summer, several Instagram videos are promoting the jelly-like substance as a health booster.
But doctors say many of these claims are not backed by science.
According to Dr. Akhilesh Yadav, Director of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, people should be cautious about believing everything they see online.
What is gond katira?
Gond katira is a plant-based edible gum that looks like small pieces of glass. When soaked overnight in water, it swells up and turns into a jelly-like substance. It is commonly added to summer drinks.
Doctors point out that it is different from the edible gum used in laddus, panjiri and other traditional recipes.
Although both are plant-based gums, they are not the same and are used differently.
Does it strengthen bones?
One of the biggest claims circulating online is that gond katira improves bone density. However, Dr Yadav says there is no strong scientific evidence to support this.
While gond katira contains small amounts of calcium and magnesium, the quantities are too low to make a meaningful difference to bone health. In comparison, a cup of curd provides much more calcium.
Can it cool the body?
Another popular claim is that drinking gond katira during summer lowers body heat and has a "cooling effect". However, doctors say there is no clinical proof to support this belief either.
Researchers have found that gond katira contains soluble fibre and may have prebiotic properties, which could be beneficial for gut health. But more studies are needed before any definite health benefits can be confirmed.
What should people do for better bone health?
People looking to maintain strong bones should focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate vitamin D levels.
Consulting doctors instead of relying on social media reels for health advice is a better option.
Gond katira is definitely not a magic remedy.
Good nutrition and physical activity remain the most effective ways to protect bone health.
