Well, what losing weight does not know about sorbitol - a natural sweetener? The sweetness of this substance is almost half that of sugar, but calorie content is lower. In addition, the sorbitol formula suggests that it is much more useful due to its natural origin, as it is made from corn starch.
Getting sorbitol
This substance is obtained by restoring the aldehyde group of glucose. The formula for producing sorbitol is as follows: 6126 + H2 -> 6146. The substance has another name - glucite.
Features, composition, formula
Sorbitol is officially recognized as food supplement E 420. It is a crystalline powder, odorless and having a sweet taste. Chemical formula of sorbitol: C6H14O6. The powder dissolves well in water, is more slowly absorbed by the body than sugar, and therefore does not affect the level of glucose in the blood. Sorbitol contains ash, water, vitamins and carbohydrates. The supplement has a relatively low calorie content - about 220 kcal per 100 g.
The properties
Sorbitol is a substance that has many interesting positive properties. But it is not without flaws, which are expressed in side effects with an overdose of the drug - rashes, bloating, heartburn, nausea. The rest of sorbitol has the following properties:
- The substance has a laxative effect. True, the daily dose should not exceed 30 grams so that there is no strong effect of relaxation. This property allows you to use a tool to combat constipation.
- It produces a choleretic effect. Sorbitol is used to rinse and cleanse the gallbladder, kidneys, and liver. The substance has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as it stimulates the production of gastric juice.
- Sorbitol gives a diuretic effect, therefore it is good for combating edema.
- Thanks to the natural formula, sorbitol is used for liver diseases. The powder reduces nausea, removes the bitter taste in the mouth and painful symptoms.
- Strengthens the enamel, preventing tooth decay and tooth decay. Due to this property, the substance is used in the production of toothpastes and chewing gums.
- The substance is a natural sweetener, so it is well absorbed by the body, not requiring the release of insulin, as a result of which it does not affect the blood sugar level. That is why sorbitol is prescribed in a small amount to diabetics and people suffering from obesity, as a substitute for sweets.
Dosage and administration
For patients with diabetes mellitus or people with obesity, it is necessary to use the powder as directed by a doctor. With the independent use of the supplement, it is not recommended to exceed the dose of 30 g per day, so as not to experience a wide range of side effects. Sorbitol, although less caloric than sugar, should not be consumed in large quantities by losing weight people.
Sorbitol application
Since sorbitol has multiple properties, this allows its use in various fields. The sorbitol formula suggests that the substance can be used in the food industry, which has been done for quite some time. It is resistant to high temperatures and is highly soluble in liquids. The powder is used as a sweetener, stabilizer, preservative in the manufacture of food products such as cakes, sweets, canned meat and vegetables, carbonated drinks, jelly, chewing gums. Sorbitol not only adds a sweetish taste, but also does not allow products to dry, due to its ability to retain moisture. And also the substance is used as a stabilizer for color products.
The natural substance is actively used as a thickener in the manufacture of creams, ointments, tonal bases, toothpaste, shampoos and many other products of the cosmetic industry. Sorbitol is also used by pharmaceutical companies. The production of ascorbic acid, cough syrups, vitamins has already become impossible without the addition of a natural sweetener.
In addition, sorbitol is found in many fruits and berries: apples, hawthorn, mountain ash, dates, grapes, etc.
The powder has many advantages compared to sugar and useful features, but it should be borne in mind that the use of sweeteners in any form and in large quantities causes severe harm to the body. Before using the supplement, consult a specialist.