Everything you need to know about this zero-calorie sweetener
Did you know that sucralose, a zero-calorie sweetener, is about 600 times sweeter than table sugar? In fact, this sugar substitute has conquered the food industry thanks to its interesting properties. In this article, we will learn about what sucralose is, its benefits and harms, and how to use it in our daily lives.
What is sucralose?E955)?
History and origin
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener discovered by researchers Leslie Hogg and Shashakant Phadnis in 1976. This discovery is the result of a collaboration between Tate & Lyle and Queen Elizabeth College, University of London. The story goes that Shashikant Phadnis, a doctoral student, misunderstood his professor's instructions to “test” the chemical and accidentally tasted it. To his surprise, it turned out to be very sweet. Since then, sucralose has been marketed using this code E955 Under different brands, including Splenda, which has become one of the most recognized brands in the world.
Installation and manufacturing
Sucralose is Unnatural sweeteners Derived from table sugar (sucrose). The manufacturing process involves replacing three hydroxyl groups (-OH) of sucrose with chlorine atoms. This chemical modification makes sucralose about 600 times sweeter than sugar and gives it resistance to high temperatures. Industrial production of sucralose involves several stages, including hydrogenation, chlorination, and purification of the final product. These steps are regulated by health authorities to ensure product quality and safety.
Benefits of sucralose
No calories
The main advantage of sucralose is that it contains no calories. Therefore it is especially appreciated in diets Lose weight And control Blood sugarespecially in people who suffer from Diabetes.
Thermal stability
there Heat stability It is one of the main advantages of sucralose over other sweeteners. Unlike sugar and some natural sweeteners, sucralose does not decompose when exposed to high temperatures. This property makes it particularly suitable for cooking, baking and other cooking applications where heat is used. Additionally, sucralose retains its sweet flavor under these conditions, allowing consumers to enjoy its benefits without sacrificing taste.
Control blood sugar
Controlling blood sugar is a big problem for people with diabetes. Sucralose does not affect blood sugar levels, making it an attractive option to replace sugar in the diet of diabetics.
Defects and differences
Health effects
The health effects of sucralose have been studied extensively since its discovery. Most studies show that sucralose is safe for human consumption and has no significant harmful effects. However, some research suggests that sucralose may have negative effects on gut flora and carbohydrate metabolism. Other studies also point to potential concerns about increased appetite and calorie consumption, although these findings are not conclusive. It is important to note that sucralose is considered safe by global health authorities, but its use in moderation is still recommended.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of sucralose is a growing concern. Sucralose releases into wastewater and aquatic systems can have negative effects on aquatic plants and animals.
In fact, some studies have shown that it can persist in the environment for long periods of time. Potential effects of sucralose on aquatic organisms include changes in behavior, growth, and reproduction. Efforts are currently being made to develop more effective wastewater treatment methods to reduce the environmental impact of sucralose and other pollutants.
Use of sucralose in industry
food
Sucralose is widely used inFood Industry To replace sugar in low-fat products, sugar-free drinks and diet foods. It is also found in some medications and oral hygiene products.
Opposite
in'Pharmaceutical industrySucralose is used as an excipient in medicines to improve their taste, especially for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Sucralose substitutes
There are other zero-calorie sweeteners on the market, such as aspartame, acesulfame K, and stevia. Each has advantages and disadvantages in terms of taste, thermal stability and health effects. It is important to educate yourself and choose the sweetener that best suits your needs and preferences.
Tips for responsible consumption
To consume sucralose responsibly, the following is recommended:
- Read labels on food products to know their composition;
- Prefer products containing natural rather than artificial sweeteners, if possible;
- Eat foods and drinks that contain sweeteners in moderation.
Your frequently asked questions
Is sucralose safe for your health?
Most studies indicate that sucralose is safe for human consumption, but some research has raised questions about its possible side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to consume sucralose in moderation.
Can you use sucralose in cooking and baking?
Yes, sucralose is heat stable (up to 200°C) and can be used in cooking and baking. However, it is important to note that sucralose may taste slightly different from table sugar, and the proportions used may vary depending on recipes.
Is sucralose suitable for diabetics?
Sucralose does not affect blood sugar levels and can be used by diabetics to replace sugar in their diet.
What is the difference between sucralose and stevia?
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener derived from sugar, while stevia is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Although both are calorie-free and do not alter blood sugar levels, they have differences in taste, thermal stability, and health effects. Stevia is a more natural alternative to sucralose.
The last word
Sucralose is a zero-calorie sweetener that has undeniable benefits for people looking to control weight or blood sugar levels. However, it is important to remain vigilant about your consumption and choose natural alternatives when possible.
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Everything you need to know about this zero-calorie sweetener