Core Components: The Main Ingredients
At its foundation, Benecalorie's effectiveness comes from a handful of core ingredients that provide its high concentration of calories and protein. These are designed to be easily incorporated into an existing diet, making it a medical food for those needing significant caloric and protein support.
High Oleic Sunflower Oil
The primary ingredient in Benecalorie is high oleic sunflower oil. This type of oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered a healthy fat source. The use of this oil is crucial for two reasons:
- High Caloric Density: Fats are the most calorie-dense macronutrient, containing nine calories per gram compared to four for carbohydrates and protein. This makes it an ideal base for a supplement designed to provide a large number of calories in a small volume.
- Neutral Flavor: High oleic sunflower oil has a very neutral taste, which is essential for Benecalorie's purpose. This allows it to be mixed into a wide range of foods and beverages, from sweet shakes to savory mashed potatoes, without affecting their flavor.
Calcium Caseinate
Another vital component is calcium caseinate, a high-quality protein derived from milk. This provides the 7 grams of protein found in each serving. Caseinate is a slow-digesting protein, offering a sustained release of amino acids to the body. This is particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing recovery or dealing with malnutrition, where a steady supply of protein is needed for tissue repair and muscle maintenance.
Additional Ingredients: Emulsifiers, Vitamins, and Preservatives
Beyond the core macronutrient providers, Benecalorie includes several other ingredients to ensure its stability, shelf life, and nutritional value. These are typically present in small amounts (less than 2% of the total volume).
Vitamins
Benecalorie is fortified with two key vitamins:
- Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C): Functions as both a vitamin supplement and an antioxidant. It helps to support the immune system and protect against cellular damage. In each serving, Benecalorie provides 60 mg of Vitamin C.
- Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): A fat-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant that helps maintain the oil's freshness and stability while also supporting overall health.
Emulsifiers and Stabilizers
To create a smooth, homogenous mixture that can easily blend into other foods and drinks, Benecalorie contains emulsifiers:
- Mono- and Diglycerides: These are fat-based emulsifiers that help to prevent the oil and protein components from separating, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Polysorbate 80: Another emulsifier that helps to stabilize the mixture, particularly when mixed with liquids.
Preservatives
To maintain freshness and prevent microbial growth, a combination of preservatives is used:
- Sorbic Acid and Benzoic Acid: These organic acids act as microbial inhibitors, protecting the product from spoiling over its shelf life.
- Mixed Tocopherols: These are natural antioxidants, a type of Vitamin E, which also help to maintain the product's freshness by preventing the oil from going rancid.
Sweetener
For an unflavored product, the addition of a sweetener might seem counterintuitive, but it's used to balance the slight natural bitterness from some ingredients without adding sugar.
- Sucralose: This zero-calorie artificial sweetener provides a clean, neutral sweetness, ensuring the product doesn't have an off-putting aftertaste and remains palatable.
Comparison Table: Benecalorie's Impact on a Meal
To illustrate the nutritional impact of adding Benecalorie, here's a comparison of a cup of plain yogurt versus the same yogurt enhanced with a single 1.5 oz serving of Benecalorie.
| Nutrient | Plain Greek Yogurt (200g) | Yogurt + 1.5oz Benecalorie | Difference | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~140 kcal | ~470 kcal | +330 kcal | |
| Protein | ~20 g | ~27 g | +7 g | |
| Fat | ~4 g | ~37 g | +33 g | |
| Carbohydrates | ~8 g | ~8 g | +0 g | |
| Sugar | ~7 g | ~7 g | +0 g |
Note: Nutritional values for plain yogurt are approximate and vary by brand.
As the table clearly demonstrates, the addition of Benecalorie significantly increases the caloric and fat content, making it an extremely efficient way to boost nutrient intake for those who need it most.
Who Benefits from Knowing What are the Ingredients in Benecalorie?
Understanding the specific components of Benecalorie is important for several groups:
- Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals: Need to ensure the supplement aligns with a patient's dietary restrictions, such as milk allergies (caseinate) or specific medical conditions.
- Patients: Anyone using the product should be aware of what they are consuming, especially if they have sensitivities or follow specific dietary plans.
- Individuals with High Nutritional Needs: Those experiencing unintended weight loss, facing chemotherapy, or struggling to meet daily intake requirements can use this knowledge to make informed decisions.
For more detailed product information and recipes, consult the Nestle Medical Hub.
Conclusion
Benecalorie's formula is a testament to targeted nutritional science, providing a dense source of calories and protein in an unflavored, versatile format. The careful selection of high oleic sunflower oil for energy and calcium caseinate for protein, combined with essential vitamins, emulsifiers, and preservatives, results in a product that is both effective and easy to use. By knowing what are the ingredients in Benecalorie, users can better understand its nutritional power and ensure it fits seamlessly into their health plan. This understanding is key for anyone relying on this medical food to address increased caloric needs and combat unintended weight loss, allowing them to make informed choices about their nutritional support.
