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

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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