One of the key xanthan gum uses is as a thickener. Besides, there are many other uses of xanthan gum. In scientific terms, xanthan gum can be described as a polysaccharide. It consists of a long chain of multiple number of sugars or saccharides. Basically, it is derived from corn syrup with the help of fermentation process. It got its name ‘xanthan’ from the name of the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris which is used for fermenting the glucose present in the corn syrup. During fermentation, the bacteria breaks down the complex molecules of corn sugar into simple molecules which appear as a colorless viscous matter with properties very similar to that of cornstarch. This substance is referred to as xanthan gum.
What is Xanthan Gum Used For?
Xanthan gum is available in liquid and powdered form and is used as a thickening agent in various food products. It has excellent binding properties which is not affected by change in temperature. Moreover, it is soluble in both hot and cold water. The best part of using this gum as a food additives is that it blends well with the food substance without changing its color or flavor.
The uses of xanthan gum is not confined to foods and beverages. It is widely used in several cosmetic products as a binder. It is used in creamy products to prevent separation of ingredients present in the cream. It is safe for the skin and has excellent skin hydrating properties. It is often used in all such products where a gel-like consistency is needed. There are some toothpastes which have xanthan gum content. It is used to give the toothpaste a uniform consistency. Xanthan gum is a popular choice for cosmetic manufacturers mainly because it can show best effects even when used in small amounts.
The most common use of xanthan gum is as a stabilizing agent for salad dressings, sauces and pastry filling. Xanthan gum can keep solid particles like spices in suspended form. When it is added to no-fat or low fat dairy products, it brings a fatty feel to the food. It is used in ice creams to prevent formation of ice crystals in them. It also adds a nice texture to the ice creams. It is a key component of commercial egg substitute which consists of egg whites. It acts as a substitute for the fat and emulsifier properties of egg yolk. It is used for thickening liquids like soups for feeding people with swallowing disorder.
Though the use of xanthan gum in oil industry is not widely known, but you will be surprised to know that a large amount of this gum is being used in this industry. Here, it is used as a lubricant in oil well pumps. Actually, water is being used in these pumps to improve lubrication. As water does not have a high viscosity, xanthan gum is added to it to make it thick.
These are the main xanthan gum uses. Even though bacteria is used in the making of this gum, it does not have any harmful effect on the digestive system. When it is used in skin care products it does not cause any harm to the skin. However, those people who are allergic to corn should strictly avoid xanthan gum. For them, some suitable xanthan gum substitutes are guar gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, etc.
For making various gluten free food products like bread, cake, pasta, etc. xanthan gum is added to the gluten-free wheat flour to increase the strength and sticky feeling of the batter. While using xanthan gum as thickeners for baking, you have to use it in the same amount as the flour. Excess use can make the dough thin and it will not bake properly. Those who have gluten allergy look for this ingredient on the label of the gluten free product as it gives a nice feel while eating. One cannot make out that gluten is absent from the food.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
What About The Aspartame
Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener used to sweeten low-calorie and reduced calorie beverages and foods. It is a compound of two amino acids: aspartic acid (a non-essential amino acid found in plant proteins) and phenylalanine (an essential amino acid found in protein, converted to tyrosine in the body).
Aspartame was authorized for use in solid foods in 1981 and in beverages in 1983. It wasn’t until 1996 that aspartame was authorized for use as a general sweetener.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Marketed under the name NutraSweet and also known as Equal, aspartame is the most tested food ingredient in FDA history. To date the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been unable to link aspartame to any adverse health effects. Numerous scientific studies indicate that even in amounts that exceed recommended daily limits (50 mg/kg in the U.S., 40 mg/kg in Europe), aspartame is safe and not associated with any adverse health effects.
Due to conflicting studies and reports, it is believed by some that diabetics should avoid food additives aspartame. However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that “there is no credible scientific evidence linking aspartame to any health-related problems for people with diabetes.”
The overwhelming majority of complaints and media reports about aspartame occurred during the early to mid-80s. Complaints included: allergic reactions, headaches, changes in behavior, cognition and mood and seizures. Since then, complaints have declined and current studies by the FDA and CDC have reached the same conclusion as earlier studies: reported symptoms are mild and they are common in the general populace—aspartame is not associated with any adverse health effects.
While aspartame has been deemed safe by the FDA and CDC in recommended doses for healthy adults, there are some people who should limit their intake of aspartame. Individuals who have been diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare hereditary disease, should limit phenylalanine intake. Because of this, they should limit or avoid products that contain aspartame.
HOW IS IT USED?
Aspartame is currently used in more than 6,000 products including carbonated beverages and bottled iced tea and juices as well as yogurt, frozen desserts, breakfast cereal, powdered drinks, gum, candy, pudding, fillings and dessert mixes, to name a few. Two of the most popular uses for aspartame are tabletop sweeteners and soda.
Other Uses
Aspartame is also used for many over-the-counter medications and vitamins as well as sugar-free medications such as cough drops, throat lozenges and cough syrup.
Aspartame was authorized for use in solid foods in 1981 and in beverages in 1983. It wasn’t until 1996 that aspartame was authorized for use as a general sweetener.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Marketed under the name NutraSweet and also known as Equal, aspartame is the most tested food ingredient in FDA history. To date the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been unable to link aspartame to any adverse health effects. Numerous scientific studies indicate that even in amounts that exceed recommended daily limits (50 mg/kg in the U.S., 40 mg/kg in Europe), aspartame is safe and not associated with any adverse health effects.
Due to conflicting studies and reports, it is believed by some that diabetics should avoid food additives aspartame. However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that “there is no credible scientific evidence linking aspartame to any health-related problems for people with diabetes.”
The overwhelming majority of complaints and media reports about aspartame occurred during the early to mid-80s. Complaints included: allergic reactions, headaches, changes in behavior, cognition and mood and seizures. Since then, complaints have declined and current studies by the FDA and CDC have reached the same conclusion as earlier studies: reported symptoms are mild and they are common in the general populace—aspartame is not associated with any adverse health effects.
While aspartame has been deemed safe by the FDA and CDC in recommended doses for healthy adults, there are some people who should limit their intake of aspartame. Individuals who have been diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare hereditary disease, should limit phenylalanine intake. Because of this, they should limit or avoid products that contain aspartame.
HOW IS IT USED?
Aspartame is currently used in more than 6,000 products including carbonated beverages and bottled iced tea and juices as well as yogurt, frozen desserts, breakfast cereal, powdered drinks, gum, candy, pudding, fillings and dessert mixes, to name a few. Two of the most popular uses for aspartame are tabletop sweeteners and soda.
Other Uses
Aspartame is also used for many over-the-counter medications and vitamins as well as sugar-free medications such as cough drops, throat lozenges and cough syrup.
The Dangers Of Acesulfame-K
Acesulfame-K is one of the several artificial sweeteners which form a basic ingredient of products such as yogurt, soft drinks, gums, etc. It is a product of Acetoacetic acid. It is known to be 180 – 200 times sweeter than table sugar, and adds sweetness to foods without adding calories or fat. It came into use as sugar substitute in the United States.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of Acesulfame-K (Acesulfame Potassium) as a sweetener in specific foods in the year 1988, and for general purpose in the year 2002. However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) thinks otherwise when it comes to the safety of the product. According to them, this substance has not undergone thorough studies regarding its different properties, which may pose potential threats to health. These speculations, are however, based on animal testing, as testing on humans has limited scope.
Why is Acesulfame-K Not Dangerous?
A. According to the National Cancer Institute, the reason behind FDI’s approval for the use of Acesulfame-K as a general sweetener is its review of more than 100 safety studies that were conducted on the sweetener. These studies were aimed to find any kind of evidence of threat to human health. To add to this, these studies included also those which analyzed risk of cancer. And all studies came out with zero evidence which could question the safety of Acesulfame-K.
B. Other medical experts are also with the view that Acesulfame K and other artificial sweeteners that are listed in the FDA approved products, are generally do not pose any threat to health. But they also stressed on the importance of the moderate consumption of the product. According to the FDA, 15 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight is the set limit for consuming Acesulfame K on daily basis.
C. Also, a safety test was conducted by the National Toxicology Program. About 60 rats were a part of this test, wherein, they were fed with the sweetener for about 9 months. They ensured that the amount of Acesulfame-K that was fed make up 3% of the animals’ diet. Results showed no incidences of increased risk of cancer or growth of abnormal mass of tissues in the tested animals.
Why it Can Be Otherwise?
A. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Acesulfame-K may possess carcinogenic properties. Two tested rats showed that there could be chances for the additive to cause cancer. The CSPI also points out to the mediocre standards of the tests that were conducted on the sweetener regarding its safety in the year 1970. In some other studies on rats, the sweetener showed to trigger problems such as dose-dependent insulin secretion. However, there were no evidences which could indicate hypoglycemia.
B. Reasons behind CSPI regarding the safety tests to be of mediocre standard were:
a. CSPI claims that the test period was insufficient as it was conducted for 80 weeks, instead of 104 weeks which is an agreed standard of the National Toxicology Program.
b. The system in charge of monitoring the tested animals was not satisfactory.
c. The rats and mice that were part of the safety test did not undergo any subchronic tests, which could have given more insight on the program.
d. According to CSPI, the randomization in test groups was not carried out as it was supposed to.
e. CSPI also doubted if the minimum toxic dose/maximum tolerated dose was even achieved in the tests conducted on the animals.
Although FDA and other authorities have dismissed claims that doubt the safety of the general use of Acesulfame-K, further research in terms of food safety has been recommended by critics such as the CSPI. But as a general rule of thumb, people are advised to use the food additives in small to moderate amounts, just to be on the safer side.
And before I close this article on Acesulfame-K dangers, here are some properties you may like to know about this substance. As already mentioned, it is 200 times sweeter than sugar. What you may not be aware about is that it is as sweet as aspartame, and is one-fourth as sweet as sucralose, a common sweetener in soft drinks. Again, it is half as sweet as saccharin and has a similar aftertaste at high concentrations. Unlike other artificial sweeteners, this one has the ability to remain stable under heat, and under moderate exposure to acidic or basic conditions. This property makes the Acesulfame-K more suitable to be used in products requiring longer shelf life. Pharmaceutical products like chewable and liquid drugs have this sweetener as one of the important ingredients to make them more palatable.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of Acesulfame-K (Acesulfame Potassium) as a sweetener in specific foods in the year 1988, and for general purpose in the year 2002. However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) thinks otherwise when it comes to the safety of the product. According to them, this substance has not undergone thorough studies regarding its different properties, which may pose potential threats to health. These speculations, are however, based on animal testing, as testing on humans has limited scope.
Why is Acesulfame-K Not Dangerous?
A. According to the National Cancer Institute, the reason behind FDI’s approval for the use of Acesulfame-K as a general sweetener is its review of more than 100 safety studies that were conducted on the sweetener. These studies were aimed to find any kind of evidence of threat to human health. To add to this, these studies included also those which analyzed risk of cancer. And all studies came out with zero evidence which could question the safety of Acesulfame-K.
B. Other medical experts are also with the view that Acesulfame K and other artificial sweeteners that are listed in the FDA approved products, are generally do not pose any threat to health. But they also stressed on the importance of the moderate consumption of the product. According to the FDA, 15 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight is the set limit for consuming Acesulfame K on daily basis.
C. Also, a safety test was conducted by the National Toxicology Program. About 60 rats were a part of this test, wherein, they were fed with the sweetener for about 9 months. They ensured that the amount of Acesulfame-K that was fed make up 3% of the animals’ diet. Results showed no incidences of increased risk of cancer or growth of abnormal mass of tissues in the tested animals.
Why it Can Be Otherwise?
A. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Acesulfame-K may possess carcinogenic properties. Two tested rats showed that there could be chances for the additive to cause cancer. The CSPI also points out to the mediocre standards of the tests that were conducted on the sweetener regarding its safety in the year 1970. In some other studies on rats, the sweetener showed to trigger problems such as dose-dependent insulin secretion. However, there were no evidences which could indicate hypoglycemia.
B. Reasons behind CSPI regarding the safety tests to be of mediocre standard were:
a. CSPI claims that the test period was insufficient as it was conducted for 80 weeks, instead of 104 weeks which is an agreed standard of the National Toxicology Program.
b. The system in charge of monitoring the tested animals was not satisfactory.
c. The rats and mice that were part of the safety test did not undergo any subchronic tests, which could have given more insight on the program.
d. According to CSPI, the randomization in test groups was not carried out as it was supposed to.
e. CSPI also doubted if the minimum toxic dose/maximum tolerated dose was even achieved in the tests conducted on the animals.
Although FDA and other authorities have dismissed claims that doubt the safety of the general use of Acesulfame-K, further research in terms of food safety has been recommended by critics such as the CSPI. But as a general rule of thumb, people are advised to use the food additives in small to moderate amounts, just to be on the safer side.
And before I close this article on Acesulfame-K dangers, here are some properties you may like to know about this substance. As already mentioned, it is 200 times sweeter than sugar. What you may not be aware about is that it is as sweet as aspartame, and is one-fourth as sweet as sucralose, a common sweetener in soft drinks. Again, it is half as sweet as saccharin and has a similar aftertaste at high concentrations. Unlike other artificial sweeteners, this one has the ability to remain stable under heat, and under moderate exposure to acidic or basic conditions. This property makes the Acesulfame-K more suitable to be used in products requiring longer shelf life. Pharmaceutical products like chewable and liquid drugs have this sweetener as one of the important ingredients to make them more palatable.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Guide to Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic Acid, also known as Vitamin C, is probably one of the most highly publicized, yet least understood, of all of the vitamins. Championed by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling, Ph.D., and advocated by many nutrition buffs, Ascorbic Acid is indeed a fascinating and important nutrient (or micronutrient) necessary for human life.
We need a fascinating tour of Ascorbic Acid, and know why this vitamin is so important to our body!
To understand Ascorbic Acid, we first need some information about vitamins in general. The word vitamin is derived from the combination of words: vital amine. Food additives Vitamins are organic (carbon containing) molecules that mainly function as catalysts for reactions within the body. A catalyst is a substance that allows a chemical reaction to occur using less energy and less time than it would take under normal conditions. If these catalysts are missing, as in a vitamin deficiency, normal body functions can break down and make a person susceptible to disease.
Vitamins are required by the body in tiny amounts (hundredths of a gram in many cases). We get vitamins from three sources:
Foods
Beverages
Our own bodies – vitamin K comes from bacteria within our intestines and vitamin D is produced with the help of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.
Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins can be remembered with the mnemonic ADEK, for vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These vitamins accumulate within the fat stores of the body and within the liver. Fat-soluble vitamins are often associated with toxicity when taken in large amounts. Water-soluble vitamins include Antioxidants Ascorbic Acid and the B vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins taken in excess are excreted in the urine and are not usually associated with toxicity. Both Ascorbic Acid and the B vitamins are also stored in the liver.
It is interesting to note that most animals produce their own Ascorbic Acid. Man, primates (apes, chimps, et cetera) and guinea pigs have lost this ability. Due to this similarity with man, guinea pigs have been subjected to experimentation over the years.
We need a fascinating tour of Ascorbic Acid, and know why this vitamin is so important to our body!
To understand Ascorbic Acid, we first need some information about vitamins in general. The word vitamin is derived from the combination of words: vital amine. Food additives Vitamins are organic (carbon containing) molecules that mainly function as catalysts for reactions within the body. A catalyst is a substance that allows a chemical reaction to occur using less energy and less time than it would take under normal conditions. If these catalysts are missing, as in a vitamin deficiency, normal body functions can break down and make a person susceptible to disease.
Vitamins are required by the body in tiny amounts (hundredths of a gram in many cases). We get vitamins from three sources:
Foods
Beverages
Our own bodies – vitamin K comes from bacteria within our intestines and vitamin D is produced with the help of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.
Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins can be remembered with the mnemonic ADEK, for vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These vitamins accumulate within the fat stores of the body and within the liver. Fat-soluble vitamins are often associated with toxicity when taken in large amounts. Water-soluble vitamins include Antioxidants Ascorbic Acid and the B vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins taken in excess are excreted in the urine and are not usually associated with toxicity. Both Ascorbic Acid and the B vitamins are also stored in the liver.
It is interesting to note that most animals produce their own Ascorbic Acid. Man, primates (apes, chimps, et cetera) and guinea pigs have lost this ability. Due to this similarity with man, guinea pigs have been subjected to experimentation over the years.
Side Effects of Acesulfame-K
Acesulfame-K, popularly known as Acesulfame K or Ace K is an artificial sweetener which was first discovered by Karl Clauss in 1967. It is a sugar substitute, about 180-200 times sweeter than the normal sugar that we consume. In high concentrations, an underlying bitter test can be felt. With a melting point of 437 degrees Fahrenheit, it is quite stable, unlike the other sugar substitutes like aspartame. It is also used in baking purposes and carbonated drinks. But artificial sweeteners come with their shortcomings. Here, we will be discussing some of the Acesulfame-K side effects.
Side Effects of Acesulfame-K
Acesulfame-K contains acetoacetic acid, which is responsible for the extreme sweetness level, sans the calories and fats. Health conscious people may think, it is a good news, but on the contrary, such processed sweeteners can hamper the metabolism of the body. This is because a human body cannot metabolize these calorie free drinks.
Any natural product, when processed has positive as well as negative effects, of which if the side effects are overshadowing the benefits, one needs to raise concerns. So here are some Acesulfame-K dangers, listed below:
A research done long back on this particular sweetener’s effects on female rats had ambiguous results, with a claim that the rats which were tested with this sweetener had higher chances of developing breast tumors. This research was carried out by Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the inconclusive results are still disputable today, on whether this sweetener is any good for health, despite the fact that FDA has approved of it as a general purpose sweetener.
During the manufacture of Acesulfame-K, methylene chloride is used as a solvent, which otherwise is used in other commercial applications like paint stripper, degreaser and propellant gas. Its use in the food industry is contentious, and exposure to this chemical compound over a prolonged period of time can result in headaches, liver complications, mental confusion, cancerous developments, visual impairment and renal diseases. In some medical conditions, it has been observed that people tend to suffer from allergic reactions, nausea induced vomiting, depression, intense headaches, and liver diseases too.
For diabetic people, the normal sugar is a NO-NO. So people tend to use this sweetener as a taste enhancer. Although food additives acesulfame K stimulates insulin secretion, in extreme cases, it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which is even more dangerous. This can happen when the body ends up secreting more insulin, and the craving for sweet food increases, causing the person to lose appetite for a healthy diet. This is one of the major ill effects of Acesulfame-K.
Despite the above stated Acesulfame-K side effects, this sweetener is quite popular because of the calorie-less sweetness that it has to offer. It is as sweet as aspartame and is ?th sweet as sucralose, which is a common ingredient in most of the soft drinks. Also it is quite popular as sweeteners for diabetics. Since it remains stable under heat and exposure to acidic and basic conditions, its utility as a food additive is indisputable. Even many liquid drugs used for medications, contain appropriate amounts of acesulfame K to palliate the bitter taste of medicines.
So these were some of the unwanted effects Acesulfame-K on the body. Although it has a green signal from the FDA, to be used as a general purpose sweetener, one must take care, when going for the brands. However, there haven’t been many cases of side effects and also it is quite safe to be consumed by pregnant women. One can use it in appropriate amounts and at the same time should not compromise on a healthy diet. So the bottom line is in spite of its side effects, it can be consumed. However, it is always better to avoid over-consumption, to ward off risks associated with this non-nutritive sweetener.
Side Effects of Acesulfame-K
Acesulfame-K contains acetoacetic acid, which is responsible for the extreme sweetness level, sans the calories and fats. Health conscious people may think, it is a good news, but on the contrary, such processed sweeteners can hamper the metabolism of the body. This is because a human body cannot metabolize these calorie free drinks.
Any natural product, when processed has positive as well as negative effects, of which if the side effects are overshadowing the benefits, one needs to raise concerns. So here are some Acesulfame-K dangers, listed below:
A research done long back on this particular sweetener’s effects on female rats had ambiguous results, with a claim that the rats which were tested with this sweetener had higher chances of developing breast tumors. This research was carried out by Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the inconclusive results are still disputable today, on whether this sweetener is any good for health, despite the fact that FDA has approved of it as a general purpose sweetener.
During the manufacture of Acesulfame-K, methylene chloride is used as a solvent, which otherwise is used in other commercial applications like paint stripper, degreaser and propellant gas. Its use in the food industry is contentious, and exposure to this chemical compound over a prolonged period of time can result in headaches, liver complications, mental confusion, cancerous developments, visual impairment and renal diseases. In some medical conditions, it has been observed that people tend to suffer from allergic reactions, nausea induced vomiting, depression, intense headaches, and liver diseases too.
For diabetic people, the normal sugar is a NO-NO. So people tend to use this sweetener as a taste enhancer. Although food additives acesulfame K stimulates insulin secretion, in extreme cases, it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which is even more dangerous. This can happen when the body ends up secreting more insulin, and the craving for sweet food increases, causing the person to lose appetite for a healthy diet. This is one of the major ill effects of Acesulfame-K.
Despite the above stated Acesulfame-K side effects, this sweetener is quite popular because of the calorie-less sweetness that it has to offer. It is as sweet as aspartame and is ?th sweet as sucralose, which is a common ingredient in most of the soft drinks. Also it is quite popular as sweeteners for diabetics. Since it remains stable under heat and exposure to acidic and basic conditions, its utility as a food additive is indisputable. Even many liquid drugs used for medications, contain appropriate amounts of acesulfame K to palliate the bitter taste of medicines.
So these were some of the unwanted effects Acesulfame-K on the body. Although it has a green signal from the FDA, to be used as a general purpose sweetener, one must take care, when going for the brands. However, there haven’t been many cases of side effects and also it is quite safe to be consumed by pregnant women. One can use it in appropriate amounts and at the same time should not compromise on a healthy diet. So the bottom line is in spite of its side effects, it can be consumed. However, it is always better to avoid over-consumption, to ward off risks associated with this non-nutritive sweetener.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Is Acesulfame Potassium Safe During Pregnancy?
Sugar-free, zero calorie, fat free, you must have encountered many times. They are basically and artificial sweeteners. Acesulfame potassium, one of these sweeteners. However, what is acesulfame potassium? Well, it is by acetoacetate and potassium. The product is potassium salt was known as acesulfame potassium acesulfame or light, so it is widely used in many products, 200 times higher than the natural sucrose sweet.It just adds sweetness to the product without getting digested in the body which means no calories. But is acesulfame potassium safe during pregnancy? Well let’s discuss this in the following paragraphs.
Side Effects of Acesulfame Potassium
Though Acesulfame-K is approved by the FDA, there are some of the acesulfame potassium dangers, which need to be considered so as to avoid complications. Following are some of the common side effects of Acesulfame-K which may be observed if this compound is taken in a higher amount.
As we know acesulfame just gives sweetness to the products but it is not absorbed by the body. This means its molecules are not broken down or are not metabolized by the body. This may hamper the metabolic rate which may further result in the inability of the body to metabolize other food products.
Excess intake of Acesulfame-K by diabetic patient may result in the excess production of insulin which may cause hypoglycemia.
Higher amount of Acesulfame-K may also result in breast and lung cancer. Although the studies are still on and there is no significant proof about it, the studies conducted on rats reveal the development of cancerous cells.
Headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, depression, nausea, are some of the other side effects.
The side effect enlisted above are the common side effects which can be observed in any person who take a higher amount of Acesulfame-K. Hence, it is always better to consult a doctor before having these products in the diet, specially when you are expecting a baby. Pregnant women should use honey for sweetening instead of using any artificial sweetener. If you want to have sweet products which contain Acesulfame-K then have it in a limited amount. Satisfy your taste bud but do not make it a habit of having products made up of Acesulfame-K.
Acesulfame Potassium During Pregnancy
Acesulfame potassium is considered as one of the safest artificial sweetener. It was discovered in 1967 and was approved by the FDA in the year 1988. Because of its high stability, it is used in preparing many baked item and is known for other beneficial uses too. In pregnancy many women try to cut down calories. Hence, they concentrate on sweets that have artificial sweetener which means they are fat free or low calorie products. This makes them indulge in the artificial sweeteners. Usually, these sweetener are not bad for health, but as excess of anything is bad, daily or excess use of these sweetener can take you to many health complications. Similarly, acesulfame potassium can take you to some side effects if taken in excess.
Acesulfame-K as a kind of food additives is considered safe by the FDA specially for children, pregnant women and breast feeding women. However, there are not much research done in order to prove that Acesulfame-K is totally safe for pregnant women. Hence, it’s necessary to consult the doctor before using the products which include Acesulfame-K. There are many other side effect also, which can become the matter of concern for some people, but if consumed in a limited quantity it is totally safe. It should not be included in every meal and should not be taken on regular bases. If a pregnant women observes some allergic reactions, then she must stop the intake of this product and should take medical help immediately.
Well, by now you would have understood that though Acesulfame-K is approved by the FDA and is considered safe during pregnancy, it is better to take it occasionally. Avoid its daily intake and try to maintain a healthy diet without the usage of artificial sweetener so as to avoid its side effects during pregnancy.
Side Effects of Acesulfame Potassium
Though Acesulfame-K is approved by the FDA, there are some of the acesulfame potassium dangers, which need to be considered so as to avoid complications. Following are some of the common side effects of Acesulfame-K which may be observed if this compound is taken in a higher amount.
As we know acesulfame just gives sweetness to the products but it is not absorbed by the body. This means its molecules are not broken down or are not metabolized by the body. This may hamper the metabolic rate which may further result in the inability of the body to metabolize other food products.
Excess intake of Acesulfame-K by diabetic patient may result in the excess production of insulin which may cause hypoglycemia.
Higher amount of Acesulfame-K may also result in breast and lung cancer. Although the studies are still on and there is no significant proof about it, the studies conducted on rats reveal the development of cancerous cells.
Headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, depression, nausea, are some of the other side effects.
The side effect enlisted above are the common side effects which can be observed in any person who take a higher amount of Acesulfame-K. Hence, it is always better to consult a doctor before having these products in the diet, specially when you are expecting a baby. Pregnant women should use honey for sweetening instead of using any artificial sweetener. If you want to have sweet products which contain Acesulfame-K then have it in a limited amount. Satisfy your taste bud but do not make it a habit of having products made up of Acesulfame-K.
Acesulfame Potassium During Pregnancy
Acesulfame potassium is considered as one of the safest artificial sweetener. It was discovered in 1967 and was approved by the FDA in the year 1988. Because of its high stability, it is used in preparing many baked item and is known for other beneficial uses too. In pregnancy many women try to cut down calories. Hence, they concentrate on sweets that have artificial sweetener which means they are fat free or low calorie products. This makes them indulge in the artificial sweeteners. Usually, these sweetener are not bad for health, but as excess of anything is bad, daily or excess use of these sweetener can take you to many health complications. Similarly, acesulfame potassium can take you to some side effects if taken in excess.
Acesulfame-K as a kind of food additives is considered safe by the FDA specially for children, pregnant women and breast feeding women. However, there are not much research done in order to prove that Acesulfame-K is totally safe for pregnant women. Hence, it’s necessary to consult the doctor before using the products which include Acesulfame-K. There are many other side effect also, which can become the matter of concern for some people, but if consumed in a limited quantity it is totally safe. It should not be included in every meal and should not be taken on regular bases. If a pregnant women observes some allergic reactions, then she must stop the intake of this product and should take medical help immediately.
Well, by now you would have understood that though Acesulfame-K is approved by the FDA and is considered safe during pregnancy, it is better to take it occasionally. Avoid its daily intake and try to maintain a healthy diet without the usage of artificial sweetener so as to avoid its side effects during pregnancy.
How to Cook Gluten-Free With Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum?
Xanthan (ZAN thun) gum and guar (gwar) gum are used in gluten-free cooking to bind, thicken and emulsify gluten-free ingredients. If you don’t add one of these gums to most of your gluten-free baked goods, they will likely end up as a pile of crumbs!
But is one gum better than the other and how much gum do you really need to use for best baking results?
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a corn-based, fermented product. It’s made by fermenting corn sugar with a microbial called “Xanthomonas campestris.” It’s used extensively in the food industry to make products thicker and it’s a common ingredient in gluten-free recipes.
If you use too much xanthan gum in a recipe you may notice a heavy, gummy or even slimy texture in your baked goods- so measure carefully when using xanthan gum.
People with allergies or sensitivity to corn may be advised by their physician to avoid xanthan gum. Also, xanthan gum generally costs almost 3 times as much as guar gum.
Guar Gum
Guar gum comes from the seed of bean-like (legume) plant, sometimes referred to as the Indian tree. It is high in soluble fiber. According to Bob’s Red Mill Guar Gum product literature ” food thickeners Guar Gum has eight times the thickening power as cornstarch.” Like xanthan gum, measure carefully when using guar gum in gluten-free recipes or you may end up with heavy, stringy baked goods.
Guar gum is a high fiber product and has been associated with gastrointestinal upset in some people.
General Tips for Using Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum in Gluten-Free Cooking
a. Bread and pizza dough recipes: Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum or guar gum per cup of gluten-free flour used in bread and pizza dough recipes
b. Cake, muffin and quick bread recipes: Add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum or guar gum per one cup of gluten-free flour used
c. Cookie and bar recipes: Add 1/2 teaspoon (or less) xanthan gum or guar gum per one cup gluten-free flour used
Note- For best results follow recipe recommendations when using food additives xanthan gum or guar gum.
But is one gum better than the other and how much gum do you really need to use for best baking results?
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a corn-based, fermented product. It’s made by fermenting corn sugar with a microbial called “Xanthomonas campestris.” It’s used extensively in the food industry to make products thicker and it’s a common ingredient in gluten-free recipes.
If you use too much xanthan gum in a recipe you may notice a heavy, gummy or even slimy texture in your baked goods- so measure carefully when using xanthan gum.
People with allergies or sensitivity to corn may be advised by their physician to avoid xanthan gum. Also, xanthan gum generally costs almost 3 times as much as guar gum.
Guar Gum
Guar gum comes from the seed of bean-like (legume) plant, sometimes referred to as the Indian tree. It is high in soluble fiber. According to Bob’s Red Mill Guar Gum product literature ” food thickeners Guar Gum has eight times the thickening power as cornstarch.” Like xanthan gum, measure carefully when using guar gum in gluten-free recipes or you may end up with heavy, stringy baked goods.
Guar gum is a high fiber product and has been associated with gastrointestinal upset in some people.
General Tips for Using Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum in Gluten-Free Cooking
a. Bread and pizza dough recipes: Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum or guar gum per cup of gluten-free flour used in bread and pizza dough recipes
b. Cake, muffin and quick bread recipes: Add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum or guar gum per one cup of gluten-free flour used
c. Cookie and bar recipes: Add 1/2 teaspoon (or less) xanthan gum or guar gum per one cup gluten-free flour used
Note- For best results follow recipe recommendations when using food additives xanthan gum or guar gum.
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