Tag: Food additive

Fact: Sodium citrate, a widely used food additive, is officially designated as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So, is sodium citrate good or bad for you? The answer depends heavily on the dosage and individual health status, making its effects contextual rather than absolute.

As a synthetic soluble fiber providing only 1 kcal/g, polydextrose is a valuable food additive engineered to replace fats and sugars in lower-calorie products. This makes polydextrose a highly effective and popular fat replacer for creating healthier versions of common foods while maintaining desirable sensory qualities.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, polydextrose has been used as a food additive since 1981, primarily functioning as a low-calorie bulking agent and fiber source. Today, products that contain polydextrose can be found across various grocery aisles, included in everything from processed foods to baked goods, to help reduce sugar, fat, and calories. This synthetic soluble fiber, made from glucose, has become a popular ingredient for manufacturers aiming to create healthier food options.

Polydextrose was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 as a food additive. This synthetic polymer of glucose goes by several other names depending on the context, from its E-number to specific brand names.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 1981, polydextrose is indeed classified as a soluble fiber. But does polydextrose count as fiber in the same way as whole-food sources? The answer lies in its unique classification as a functional fiber, a key distinction for understanding its role in nutrition.

According to WebMD, glycerol is a sugar alcohol and a type of carbohydrate. This colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting liquid is often mistaken for a traditional sugar, but its unique chemical structure and metabolic pathway set it apart, clarifying what kind of sugar is glycerol.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), soy protein isolate has a high Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), making it a top-tier, complete protein source. This highly refined protein, with a protein content of at least 90%, is used for its exceptional nutritional and functional properties in a wide range of food products and supplements.

With the chemical formula C18H36O2, stearic acid is a naturally occurring, long-chain saturated fatty acid found in many animal and vegetable fats. This waxy, solid substance is an essential component of lipids and plays a significant role in various industries. This article will delve into the classification and function of stearic acid, distinguishing it from other fats and clarifying its common applications.

Many common food additives are derived from minerals, not animals, and calcium sulfate is a prime example. This ingredient, often found in plant-based products, is widely confirmed as suitable for a vegan diet.

Native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, the kola nut has been used for centuries for its stimulant properties and is a traditional symbol of hospitality. However, with a caffeine concentration often twice that of a standard cup of coffee, many question: is kola nut safe to eat, and what are the associated health risks?