This sugar alcohol, derived from sucrose, has a low glycemic index and the ability to serve as a sugar substitute without negatively impacting blood glucose levels.
Isomalt not only adds sweetness to dishes and drinks but also possesses some beneficial properties:
- for the digestive system, as it is a prebiotic;
- reduces the risk of cavities, as it is not fermented by microbes like sugar.
Isomalt: what it is and how it is produced
Isomalt is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute. It is produced from beet sugar through hydrogenation, resulting in a low-calorie sweetener with a pleasant taste.
The production process of isomalt includes the following stages:
- Extraction of sugar from beets;
- Hydrogenation to obtain isomalt;
- Purification and crystallization of the resulting product.
Nutritional value
Isomalt has a glycemic index of about 2, making it ideal for people on a low-carbohydrate diet.
It contains about 2 calories per gram.
When consuming isomalt, it is important to monitor the quantity, as excessive intake may lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
The recommended portion is about 10-20 grams per day to avoid discomfort.
Why isomalt is not recommended on paleo?
Isomalt is not recommended on a paleo diet for several reasons related to the principles of this way of eating.
Origin and processing. The paleo diet focuses on consuming whole, minimally processed foods that were available to our ancestors in the Paleolithic era.
Isomalt is a synthetic sugar substitute that is industrially produced from beet sugar. This contradicts the principle of the paleo diet, which excludes such processed products.
Unnatural substance. Isomalt is not a natural substance found in nature.
The paleo diet prefers natural sources of sugar, such as fruits or honey, rather than artificial substitutes.
Impact on digestion. Although isomalt is considered safe for consumption, it may cause digestive issues for some people.
Since the paleo diet aims to maintain gut health through natural foods, any artificial additives that may disrupt digestion are not welcomed.
Therefore, despite the fact that isomalt has a low glycemic index, its synthetic origin and potential impact on the body make it incompatible with the principles of paleo.
Interesting facts about isomalt
Isomalt was discovered in the 1950s. This synthetic sugar was developed as a sugar substitute to offer a lower-calorie option for people looking to control their weight or blood sugar levels.
Isomalt is produced from beet sugar. It is created by processing sucrose, making it more stable and less sweet compared to regular sugar.
Isomalt is used in confectionery. It is often used to create hard candies, lollipops, and other sweets, as it does not crystallize as quickly as sugar.
Isomalt has lower calorie content. It contains half the calories of regular sugar.
However, its sweetness is at 50-60% that of sugar. Therefore, to achieve a similar level of sweetness, a larger amount of isomalt is required.
Isomalt helps retain moisture. It is often used in baking to improve texture and retain moisture in baked goods.
Isomalt may be beneficial for dental health. Unlike regular sugar, it does not contribute to cavity formation, making it safer for teeth.
Isomalt is often used for cake decoration. It is used to create various figurines and decorative elements that look impressive and do not melt at room temperature.
Isomalt is safe for consumption. It has been approved by various international organizations, such as the FDA and EFSA, as a safe product for health.
