A substance called “glycerin” was first obtained in 1779 as waste in the production of soap. Since then, it has been successfully used in almost all areas of industry, including food.
Glycerin - what is it?
Today, food glycerin is produced from almost all types of oils and animal fats by hydrolysis, which consists in the decomposition of the original substance in contact with water.
In addition to the traditional name, this substance has a couple of generally accepted notations:
- E422, used mainly in the food industry;
- glycerol.
By its chemical composition, the substance is a trihydric alcohol, and by its physical properties glycerin is a viscous and transparent liquid with a sweetish taste, there is no smell. It is completely soluble in water and mixes with any of its volume.
Food glycerin and technical: what is the difference?
Not every type of glycerin is used in the manufacture of hygiene products or food products. After the discovery of the formula of a substance, over two and a quarter centuries, thousands of experiments were carried out on it, as a result of which there was a clear distinction between glycerol and the following types:
- technical;
- pharmacy;
- food;
- special.
Special glycerin is used, for example, as the basis of liquid for electronic cigarettes, the main component is propylene glycol. Food glycerin, also known as food supplement E422, is made only from natural animal fats or oils. The main difference between food glycerin from technical or pharmacy is the content of pure glycerol in the substance (from 99%).
Food glycerol safety
In most countries, food glycerin is widely used, the composition of which at the state level is approved for use as a food additive in the manufacture of food products. The substance is completely safe for humans, however, for some diseases of the kidneys and heart due to its dehydralizing properties, it is recommended to minimize the use.
On the other hand, food glycerin is harmless to human health for the following reasons:
- it is a natural product for the body, as it is independently produced in the gastrointestinal tract when the fats coming from food are dissolved in bile;
- glycerin is absolutely non-toxic;
- science has proved that in small doses, glycerin favorably affects the mucous membranes of various organs, the walls of blood vessels and the skin.
Glycerin use
Glycerin is widely used in the food industry. Food supplement E422 is considered one of the most common and is used:
- in the manufacture of chewing gum, acting as a substitute for sugar;
- in the production of bakery products, preventing the formation of stale crust on bread;
- in the manufacture of confectionery products, giving chocolate bars a more delicate and soft taste;
- in the production of soft drinks and various aperitifs - gives the taste more sweetness and softness;
- in the manufacture of pasta, in particular noodles and vermicelli to eliminate stickiness and boiling point.
Also, food glycerin is used to increase the shelf life of a large group of grocery products, to improve their appearance under certain storage conditions. Dried fruits are often wetted with glycerol extract before putting them on the counter.
In order to give tea or coffee a richer and more specific taste, some manufacturers treat them with glycerin. And even tobacco, which is difficult to attribute to food products, is processed with E422 extract to eliminate its natural unpleasant odor.
As can be seen from a wide range of uses, glycerin is a universal additive for the production of culinary and confectionery products.
The use of glycerin in cosmetology and medicine
For medical and cosmetic purposes, pharmacy, not food glycerin, is used. A pharmacy sells this substance, which, by the way, is in great demand, mainly in liquid or gel forms.
Glycerin has a positive effect on the skin of the hands, softens and nourishes it, prevents drying. From glycerin, sold in pharmacies, at home make hygienic cosmetics - cream, shampoos, face masks and hair.
Glycerin is also used as a medicine for the treatment of certain diseases. In particular, ingestion can reduce intracranial and ocular pressure, increase the osmotic pressure.
Rectal administration of glycerol helps with irritation of the rectal mucosa, stimulates its contraction. To achieve a laxative effect, the introduction of 5 ml of glycerol is enough, however, with hemorrhoids and inflammatory processes of the intestine, the use of the substance is not allowed.