Often in food there are mysterious components, the properties of which nothing is known. In modern society it has become fashionable to keep track of the composition of what lies on the shelves, and many people ask themselves: Maltodextrin - what is it, because this component is present in children's and sports nutrition, sweets.
Maltodextrin - what is it?
Food additive maltodextrin is a molasses, a product of incomplete hydrolysis of starch (rice, potato, wheat or corn). In its pure form, it looks like honey, and in dried form it looks like a creamy powder without a smell and a pronounced taste. The composition is able to quickly absorb any liquid and has other useful properties, thanks to which it is widely used in the food industry, medicine, cosmetology and other fields. With its help achieve different technological goals. The substance can be found under a different name:
- grape or starch sugar;
- glucose;
- syrup;
- dextrose;
- dextrinmaltose.
Maltodextrin - the pros and cons
Maltodextrin is a multicomponent mixture, not an individual substance. Its composition includes maltose, maltotriose, glucose and polysaccharides. The field of application is wide. Starch sugar can act as a thickener, baking powder, sweetener, moisture retainer, used to increase the caloric content of the product, digestibility, solubility, uniformity, etc. But there are both supporters and opponents of using this substance in various products, especially for baby food.
Maltodextrin is a benefit
The substance poses no danger to human health, except for people suffering from diabetes and obesity. Allergic reactions to gluten are also possible in cases when the starch is derived from wheat. First of all, maltodextrin is sugar, carbohydrate, which has high energy value. Among its useful properties can be identified:
- active cleavage and assimilation;
- beneficial effect on the intestines;
- lowering cholesterol.
Manufacturers of food, dietary supplements, sports supplements understand that a substance such as maltodextrin is an absolute benefit to their wallets. With its help, they seek to increase the shelf life of products, moderate sweetness, the necessary density, the lack of lumps in food. This carbohydrate in production is used legally, it is considered safe.
Maltodextrin - harm
There is no exact research to establish whether maltodextrin is harmful or what kind of danger it poses. However, opponents have a lot of substance, especially young mothers who buy baby food with molasses content. Than maltodextrin is dangerous:
- it can be produced from GM products;
- regular and abundant use of the substance can make the intestines more vulnerable to infections;
- additive promotes weight gain, which is not always good;
- has no nutritional value and health benefits;
- possible side effects - flatulence, diarrhea.
Maltodextrin or sugar - which is better?
As a substance with a high glucose content, maltodextrine is used relatively often instead of sugar. Comparing these two carbohydrates, you can find differences that do not speak in favor of the former:
- sugar is much cheaper than dextrose;
- on indicators of glycemic index sugar also wins (70 to 110);
- you have to add flavors to improve the taste of dextrinmaltose.
Admirers of a healthy diet who prefer natural products packed, can easily find a substitute for maltodextrin. This is especially important for those who have problems with obesity, blood sugar and allergic reactions. Quickly split carbohydrates can be found in dates, honey, fruits with pectin (apples, pears, citrus fruits, guava). Dextrose can be replaced with a natural non-nutritive sweetener stevia.
Where is maltodextrin contained?
Maltodextrine in food often occurs. It is included in the formula of fast food (soups, cereals, drinks, sauces, etc.), as a substitute for fat in ice cream, sausage, milk, etc. Carbohydrate can also be found in:
- baking;
- marmalade and sweets;
- groats;
- canned fruit;
- meat semi-finished products;
- frozen yogurt;
- chips;
- energy drinks;
- sports nutrition;
- nutritional bars;
- dry milk and baby food;
- dressing for salads, etc.
Maltodextrin for weight loss
In its pure form, dextrose is sometimes used for weight loss as an energy component. He gives the necessary calories during exercise, bodybuilding and other loads. Carbohydrate promotes the acceleration of metabolism and is part of the energy sector. But there is a danger for those who use maltodextrin, the glycemic index of which is higher than that of sugar. It stimulates the production of insulin and can not be used by diabetics. Without physical exertion, he threatens with a set of excess weight.
Maltodextrin in sports nutrition
The properties of a complex but fast carbohydrate are such that it splits faster than glucose and distributes it evenly throughout the body. Maltodextrin in sports is a frequent phenomenon. It is applied before and after training, for a set of muscle mass and recovery. A sports supplement geyner without maltodextrin can not give the body that volume of useful glucose and return energy after a grueling workout. You can consume carbohydrate yourself or as a part of proteins. It is used:
- cyclists;
- sprinters;
- boxers;
- Powerlifters and other athletes.
Maltodextrin in bodybuilding
Consumption of active carbohydrate promotes rapid growth of muscle mass, so bodybuilders love it. In this sport, the nutritional supplement is indispensable, as it is a source of glucose - energy, allowing you to feel lively in training and after them. If there are no contraindications, it is safe to use maltodextrin for weight gain. It is added in large quantities to protein-carbohydrate complexes (geyners), designed for rapid muscle building.
Not only athletes are concerned about the question, what is maltodextrin? Those who follow their food and the health of their loved ones, especially children, can meet this carbohydrate as a part of a huge number of various goods on the shelves of stores. Do not worry - the substance is not recognized as a frightening food supplement E, and is ranked as food. The main thing is to know the measure.