Sucralose
and malodextrin are artificial sweeteners often used together as sugar
substitutes in processed and prepared foods. Even though it is a natural
substance that comes from sugar, sucralose is a processed sweetener.
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate made from corn, potato or rice starch.
It's used as a thickener in the processing of food products to increase
the volume.
Uses
Sucralose
and maltodextrin are used to reduce the number of calories you get in a
variety of products, from chewing gum to soda pop and canned fruit.
It's a popular and attractive alternative to regular sugar because it
provides sweetness in only a fraction of the amount you need to get the
same taste from regular sugar. It's inexpensive to process and can help
you lose weight.
Safety
In
general, sugar substitutes are considered safe, according to the Mayo
Clinic. When used in moderate amounts, even pregnant women are safe
using products made with sucralose. As a filler, maltodextrin is an
all-natural ingredient that is easily digestible and has the same amount
of calories as sugar carbohydrates, about four calories per gram.
Blood Sugar
Maltodextrin
affects blood sugar in the same way other carbs do, especially when
consumed in large amounts. Sucralose on the other hand, does not affect
blood sugar levels and is considered a "free food" for diabetics,
according to the Mayo Clinic. It's the combination that may cause spikes
in insulin because maltodextrin is a carbohydrate with a high glycemic
index, similar to table sugar and should be used in moderation if you
have diabetes or hypoglycemia. You must consider the carbohydrate
content of products sweetened with added maltodextrin to maintain
healthy blood sugar levels.
False Security
When
you eat sweets, regardless of the source of the sweetness, your brain
elicits neurotransmitters similar to those secreted when you eat pure
sugar. As a result, you may continue to incur cravings and an increased
appetite for the substance even though you're consuming calorie-free
versions of the food. Additionally, according to Bauman College, you may
be lulled into thinking the food you're eating is healthy because of
its low sugar content when in actuality, you are consuming large amounts
of refined and processed carbohydrates in the maltodextrin fillers,
refined flour and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils used in the
manufacturing process. Both psychologically and physically, you actually
may be sabotaging any weight loss efforts by substituting real sugar
with so-called healthy alternatives.
References
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association: Mysterious Maltodextrin; Martha McKittrick, RD
- Mayo Clinic: Artificial Sweeteners
- Mayo Clinic: Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes; Maria Callazo-Clavell, MD
- livestrong.com
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