Food glycerin is very often used as an additional ingredient in the manufacturing process of various products. This supplement has its own characteristics that make it attractive for use in the food industry.
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What is food glycerin
Many do not even know what it is, but they are cautious, since this food supplement is labeled "E". Glycerin (or glycerol) is a clear, slightly viscous liquid without a special smell, with a sweet taste. This substance, designated as e422, was first obtained more than 250 years ago by Swedish scientists. Today it is isolated from vegetable oils and animal fats.
With moderate consumption, it does not have any negative effect on organs and systems, since it does not have carcinogenic or mutagenic properties.
The substance is also a natural product of the human body, produced during the breakdown of fats from food. Therefore, in a small dose, it even beneficially affects the condition of the mucous membrane of the internal organs.
Harm to the body can only occur if you lean too much on products that contain this stabilizer. The substance may have a laxative effect and cause dehydration, as it binds water molecules and removes them. However, this is only possible with increased use of a thickener. But just in case, people with diseases of the kidneys, bladder, heart, it is better to refuse products containing this component if possible.
Types of substance E 422
In addition to food glycerin, there are also other types - pharmaceutical, technical, dynamite. They differ among themselves in the percentage of pure substance, the presence of additional impurities and other characteristics.
For example, a food supplement should be made exclusively from a mixture of natural oils and fats, so its purity is at least 99%. The maximum content of pure substance in analogues does not exceed 88%.
The use of additives in the food industry
The substance is very actively used in the process of manufacturing food products.
Here are the most common cases of its use:
- it is used as an additive that increases the viscosity and plasticity of confectionery and sweets;
- glycerin is indispensable for elasticizing the finished mastic, diluting food colors and obtaining the optimal consistency;
- adding to the composition of chocolate helps to prevent the formation of whitish plaque;
- thanks to this component, liquors and other alcoholic beverages acquire softness and sweetness, losing a specific pungent taste;
- the additive that is part of bread and other baking increases their shelf life, makes products lush and rosy;
- this substance is indispensable in the production of chewing gum;
- Dried fruits are always moistened with a solution of glycerin before putting them on the counter, as this improves their appearance.
And also this emulsifier copes with the task of combining incompatible components, lengthening the shelf life of products and improving their presentation.
The difference between food and pharmacy glycerin
Pharmaceutical glycerin is most often used for the manufacture of a variety of creams, ointments, gels, oils, candles. It is often part of laxatives and emollients, but it is unsuitable for eating, since its purity is about 84-88% (for comparison, the purity of the food analog should not be lower than 99%). Its scope is pharmaceuticals and cosmetology.
The external use of glycerol-based products has a beneficial effect on the skin condition, softens it, protects against adverse external factors, and also helps:
- to heal wounds, abrasions, cuts;
- relieve irritation;
- minimize rashes;
- suppress puffiness;
- remove inflammation and peeling;
- prevent the negative effects of burns.
We can say that both types of glycerin are necessary in their industry, but they cannot be interchanged, as this can only do harm.
Where to buy
Large enterprises wholesale this product in capacious cans or barrels. But an ordinary person does not need such a huge displacement. Buying food glycerin in a small amount is quite problematic, but in online stores it is quite possible. Most often it can be found in the assortment of outlets that sell bakery products. Pharmaceutical is not difficult to purchase at any pharmacy.
The substance does not require special storage conditions. The main thing is to choose a place where the temperature is maintained in the region of 7-15 degrees of heat. The maximum shelf life is one year from the date of manufacture.
