The sweetener sucralose: benefits and harms

Sucralose was obtained in 1976, and this did not happen by accident: scientists were experimenting with sugar molecules, and in the process, one of the researchers decided to taste the result of the experiments. The debate about the effect of the sugar substitute on the body does not subside to this day: the benefits and harms of sucralose have not yet been fully studied, including with respect to the potential risks of the drug.

What is sucralose

The test by researchers of the substance under the conditions of the experiment received an unexpected turn: it turned out to be very sweet, without synthetic taste and smell, as a result of which the idea of ​​using it as a sweetener was born.

Further, clinical studies were carried out, which showed the absolute harmlessness of the drug to the body of small rodents. In 1991, the substance received an official patent, after which it was first used in North America and then around the world.

Most medical centers note the clear benefits of the sugar substitute, so it is officially authorized and approved for use in many countries, including Russia.

Chemical composition and caloric content of sucralose

The substance is obtained from regular sugar by adding chlorine molecules to its formula. Belongs to the class of carbohydrates, 600 times sweeter than sugar, has no aftertaste, aftertaste and side effects.

The taste is very reminiscent of sugar, while the thermal stability of sucralose allows it to be used in bakery and confectionery products. Referred to as sucralose E955 on labels. It is a crystalline powder or tablets for dissolving in beverages. For the production of bakery products it is produced in liquid form.

The calorie content of sucralose per 100 grams of the substance is quite low, and is only 0.5-0.6 kcal. Almost 2/3 of sucralose is not absorbed by the human body, and the rest is excreted on the first day.

Why is sucralose useful?

Leading research centers consider the substance absolutely safe and beneficial for human health, provided that the recommended dose is applied. The substance, due to its beneficial properties, is successfully used by pregnant women - sucralose molecules cannot penetrate the placenta and milk of nursing mothers.

The most significant and beneficial benefits of this sweetener are:

• Absolutely neutral effect on tooth enamel, resistance to harmful microorganisms that may be in the oral cavity. Sucralose is not a cause of tooth decay;
• Almost complete elimination of the substance from the body, therefore, there can be no harm in the form of a risk of poisoning;
• Absence of negative properties, such as specific smell and taste: sucralose is based on ordinary sugar;
• Low glycemic index of sucralose: the level of glucose in the blood as a result of its use will not be overestimated, which means that the substance can be successfully used by diabetics;
• Low cost.

A standard tablet of the substance replaces a piece of refined sugar. In addition, sucralose is conveniently dosed and can be combined with other supplements.

For adult men and women

Taking the drug by men who are engaged in hard physical labor can help in getting rid of fat folds in the abdomen, and in this case, the effect of replacing sugar will be obvious.

For those who have heartburn, especially after eating sweet foods, taking sucralose instead of sugar helps to normalize the digestive tract.

Women often face osteoporosis - this disease occurs due to the excessive consumption of large doses of sugar. The sweetener can cure this ailment, as well as strengthen the skeleton. Sucralose is not allergic.

For the elderly

With age, the human body wears out, which leads to the appearance of various diseases, among which there may be disorders of the pancreas. If you replace sugar with a sweetener, you can minimize the risks of diabetes, as well as a number of other diseases associated with the endocrine system.

Is it possible to use sucralose for pregnant and lactating women

The sugar substitute is unable to overcome the placental barrier, and also does not accumulate in the mother's milk, so it can be used at any stage of pregnancy, as well as after childbirth. The high level of safety of sucralose during pregnancy makes it possible to use it even when preparing infant formula without any harm to the baby.

Is sucralose harmful to children

Children simply love sweets, but their excessive use can lead not only to allergic reactions, but also to obesity. Replacing sugar with a sweetener helps to get rid of all these problems, but many pediatricians recommend using it not constantly, but in short periods of time.

Sucralose for diabetics: benefit or harm

Diabetes is a serious medical condition in which sugar consumption is strictly prohibited because it can increase blood glucose levels. If you ignore the recommendations of doctors, then hypoglycemia may occur, which is fatal.

Sucralose in diabetes mellitus, due to its properties, is not capable of exerting a carcinogenic or neurotoxic effect, therefore it does not affect carbohydrate metabolism, which makes it possible to use it by people with diabetes. However, this sweetener must be consumed in limited quantities.

Dosage and rules for the use of sucralose

Sucralose is the sweetest sweetener, and therefore, a dosage of 4-5 mg should be used per 1 kg of body weight. It is recommended to purchase the drug in the form of tablets, which have the composition of the active product by weight.

Sometimes, in the process of losing weight, many people can forget about one problem, namely: long-term use of sucralose can be quite risky, because the substance can confuse the body, after which there is an erroneous assessment of the moments of hunger and satiety. As a result, a person can begin to eat more food, which almost always leads to the appearance of excess weight.

Is Sucralose with Inulin Good for You

Sucralose with inulin has only benefit and no harm. This is very beneficial: tablets can be quickly dissolved in liquid, without the need to take additional drugs.

Sucralose use

The use of sucralose as a substitute is fairly widespread. The range of its application depends on the good taste properties of the sweetener, due to which it is difficult to distinguish it from sugar. A feature of the substance is its thermal stability.

In medicine

The ability of the E955 additive to replace sugar is successfully used in the manufacture of various medicines and syrups. It is also used as an alternative to glucose. In combination with inulin, it is included in the composition of drugs for diabetics.

In the food industry

Most people use this substance as a sweetener in drinks, but sucralose is also successfully used in the food industry:

• baked goods can stay fresh for longer and not get stale: sucralose is used, among other things, as a preservative;
• used in the manufacture of desserts, various sweets, drinks and pastries;
• high thermal stability allows the substance to be included in the preparation of various products without affecting their texture and taste.

Is sucralose harmful

Despite a number of common myths about allegedly negative side effects from the use of various chemical sweeteners, long-term use of this sweetener in various industries has not revealed any harmful properties to human health. That is why we can say that the substance is clearly beneficial to a person. In addition, due to its properties, the drug has a low calorie content, allowing you to successfully replace ordinary sugar, which is very important in the process of losing weight.

Conclusion

You can summarize the benefits and harms of sucralose. The beneficial properties of the substance allow it to be safely used by diabetics, overweight people, as well as elderly people who are not recommended to consume sugar. This sweetener has been used all over the planet for many decades, however, according to doctors' reviews, no harm was found from the use of sucralose - on the contrary, experts note the beneficial properties of the substance.

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