Emulsifiers are substances that are added during cooking in order to mix commonly immiscible components. Most often they are used to create a homogeneous mixture of fat and water. In many products, these components exist, and it is rather difficult to maintain an attractive state of such a mixture. For this, various additives are used. In modern industry, both natural and synthetic substances are used.
Emulsifiers are food additives that make the dough plastic, margarine - soft and easy to spread, chewing gum - viscous, and ice cream - air. Their use in the bakery industry increases the volume
dough, makes the bread more porous and slows down the hardening process. In dry foods, such as instant cereals and soups, they are also added. This helps their better dissolution in water.
Food emulsifiers are found in large quantities in yoghurts, cereals, granola and chocolate bars. They are also found in juices, milkshakes, mayonnaise and pastries. Now emulsifiers are added to all cupcakes and biscuits to keep them fresh longer, in chocolate, cream and baking toppings. They are also in sausages, as they retain color well and prevent spoilage.
Emulsifiers are also those substances that are mandatory in all cosmetics. This is necessary so that the cream or gel does not separate into its constituent components and is better absorbed into the skin. Most often, emulsifiers in cosmetics use lecithin and lanolin. These are the most harmless of artificial additives. Pectin, chitosan, gelatin and agar are added to creams and detergents. Natural emulsifiers also include
soap root saponins
.Emulsifiers are substances that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. They are now increasingly being added to cosmetics. These are mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, glycerol esters, phosphatides and others.
There are natural food emulsifiers that have been used before, such as egg yolk. Now, soya lecithin is a harmless natural supplement . It is contained in the human body and is needed for the normal functioning of organs. Lecithin is also used as an antioxidant.
But recently, synthetic substances or genetically modified ones have been used more often. They can lead to liver enlargement, problems with
stomach, headache, weakness, and allergic reactions. In case of an overdose, symptoms of poisoning can be observed:
an intestinal upset and vomiting.
Harmful emulsifiers are found in most foods that children love: chips, soda, yoghurts and sweets. It is necessary to protect the child from the consumption of a large amount of these substances, because it has already been proven that they contribute to the appearance of a rash and irritation on the skin and can cause cancer. The most dangerous emulsifier is considered E330. It is in Coca-Cola and margarine, sourced from Holland and Germany. Substances 338 to 341 are also harmful. In many countries they are banned.