Today in the market or in the store it is simply impossible to find products that do not contain various types of food additives. Often we read on the packaging the names of ingredients unknown to us: E330, E451, E250, E471. The effect on the body of these nutritional supplements is seen only with time: gastritis, ulcers, gastroduodenitis and other diseases of the digestive system. Are nutritional supplements unhealthy? This question probably worries every consumer.
Is supplementation safe?
The “E” index indicates the fact that this chemical ingredient complies with European quality systems. It should be noted that not all food chemical additives with code E are allowed to be used for the manufacture of food products.
Before allowing such an ingredient into production, test its effect on the body of animals and even in humans. If no special side effects were observed during the experiments, the additive is included in the list of allowed. Such a study is carried out once every 6 months.
No matter how many discussions there are around the problem of the safety of ingredients with the E index, there is still a proven fact: without some of these additives it is simply impossible to produce a high-quality product.
Food ingredients with an index E are designed to still improve the quality of food products.
What are emulsifiers?
Emulsifiers are special substances whose main task is the high-quality combination of fatty liquids with water. The plastic properties of emulsifiers contribute to obtaining the desired consistency of the product, its good viscosity.
There are 8 groups of the above substances that are used in the food industry:
- E471 - di- and monoglycerides of fatty acids;
- E422 - ammonium salts of phosphatidyl acid;
- E322 - phosphatides, lecithins;
- E472e - esters of organic and fatty acids;
- E432-436 - polysorbates, twins;
- E473 - sucrose esters;
- E491-496 - sorbate esters;
- E476 - esters of polyglycerol and ricinyl acids.
Reducing the energy of surface-active substances, which are part of the products necessary for mixing, is the main task of E422, E322, E472e, E476, E491-496, E473. The same can be said about the emulsifier E471. What is it and its effect on the body, only an experienced specialist can explain. It’s quite difficult for an ordinary person to figure out these "esh".
Emulsifier E471: what is it?
The above substance is the most common among other stabilizers. Its other name is mono and diglycerides of fatty acids.
Main functions of E471:
- high-quality compound of complex liquids;
- viscosity and consistency improvement (stabilizing agent);
- increase the shelf life of products.
It is worth noting that the lack of taste is also an advantage of the e471. The additive does not affect the taste of ice cream, margarine or mayonnaise.
How is the E471 manufactured?
This food supplement is an extract from glycerin and vegetable fats, which is extracted using a special processing process, that is, there is an absolutely natural origin. This is a creamy transparent mass, which is characterized by a complete absence of smell, color and taste.
Raw materials for the manufacture of E471 are vegetable fats. Such substances of animal origin in the production of the above food additives are extremely rare.
Release form E471 - balls, tablets, plates, waxes, liquid.
The composition of such a filler includes a fairly diverse fatty components. Their main feature is that they are easily absorbed by the body.
Where is E471 used?
This food supplement is actively used in the following food industries:
- the manufacture of margarines and mayonnaises, vegetable oils (E471 is used as an emulsifier, to maintain a stable emulsion and eliminate greasy taste);
- dairy industry (yoghurts, ice cream) - is used both for the best foaming process, and as an anti-foaming agent;
- in the meat industry - to slow down the separation of fats;
- making sauces and creams;
- the production of chocolate and even baby food;
- the manufacture of various varieties of pastries, crackers, crackers, biscuits, muffins, cakes - to facilitate whipping, increase the volume of, for example, bread, as well as extend the freshness period.
Food supplement E471: effects on the body
This chemical ingredient, according to official information, is completely safe for the human body. Documentary permission for use in the food industry in the countries of Europe and the Russian Federation, of course, has E471. The effect on the body of such a dietary supplement is minimal. It is considered almost harmless. However, there is no allowable daily consumption rate of E471. The harm of this food stabilizer in case of excessive consumption is quite likely. Experts say that if you eat a lot of foods that contain this emulsifier, the risk of developing obesity and other diseases increases.
According to official information, E471 belongs to a number of hypoallergenic food additives. It is difficult to say whether this chemical ingredient is harmful or not for your health. After all, be that as it may, all the same, any nutritional supplement is not beneficial for the body.
“Emulsifier”, “food stabilizer”, “anti-foaming agent”, “shelf life and volume enhancer”, “product taste enhancer” - as soon as manufacturers E471 do not characterize. The effect on the body of this supplement is not particularly mentioned. But still, given the results of research, we can agree that the harm from E471 is minimal. You just need to remember that this food ingredient has high calorie content and fat content. Therefore, eating a large number of products containing E471 is undesirable.