Regarding healthy eating, most people know to avoid sugar as much as possible. We think that sugar is the worst thing, but there is another thing more dangerous than Sugar.
There's a carb that's even more dangerous than sugar and often goes unnoticed in our diet - that's Malto Dextrin.
Malto Dextrin is a white powder extracted from starches such as corn, rice, tapioca, wheat, or potato. It's commonly used as a thickener, filler, or preservative in processed foods, supplements, and medications. It's not as sweet as sugar, though it's not classified as sugar, it can act in a much more deadly way, quickly raising blood sugar levels and triggering insulin release.
It's Bad... really Bad!
Let's take a look into the Glycemic Index (GI) value of Sugar, glucose, and Malto Dextrin
Carbohydrate | Glycemic Index (GI) |
White Sugar | 65 |
Glucose | 100 |
Maltodextrin | 106-136 |
How close are we to Malto Dextrin?
According to a survey, nearly all respondents (98.6%) reported consuming Malto Dextrin foods. On average, people consume around 2.8 food items containing Malto Dextrin daily.
Did you know that everything we purchase from supermarkets contains this harmful substance?
Product Category | Description |
Pasta, Cooked Cereals, and Rice 🍝🥣🍚 | Often used as a thickener or filler in pasta sauces, cooked cereals, and rice dishes. |
Meat Substitutes 🥩🌱 | Frequently added to vegetarian or vegan meat substitutes to improve texture and moisture retention. |
Baked Goods 🍞🍰 | Found in various baked goods such as bread, cakes, cookies, and pastries to enhance texture and extend shelf life. |
Salad Dressings 🥗🍶 | Used as a thickening agent or stabilizer in salad dressings to achieve desired consistency. |
Frozen Meals ❄️🍲 | Often included in frozen meals as a preservative and to improve texture and flavor. |
Soups 🍲🥣 | Added to soups and broths as a thickening agent or to enhance mouthfeel. |
Sugars and Sweets 🍬🍭 | Used in candies, confectioneries, and desserts as a sweetener and to improve texture. |
Energy and Sports Drinks ⚡🥤🏃♂️ | Commonly found in energy and sports drinks to provide a quick source of carbohydrates for energy during physical activity. |
Now, are you aware of the risks associated with maltodextrin consumption? Let's uncover the potential dangers together and learn how to protect ourselves.
Spikes in Blood Sugar Levels:
Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, rapidly raising blood sugar levels after consumption. This can lead to energy spikes followed by crashes, exacerbating feelings of fatigue and hunger.
Weight Gain and Obesity: Regular consumption of maltodextrin, especially in large quantities, can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Its rapid digestion and absorption promote fat storage, making it a significant factor in developing metabolic disorders.
Increased Risk of Diabetes: Prolonged exposure to maltodextrin may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Frequent spikes in blood sugar levels can strain the body's insulin response, leading to insulin resistance over time.
Gut Health Complications: Maltodextrin is a substrate for gut bacteria, particularly those associated with inflammation and dysbiosis. Excessive consumption may disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, contributing to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Potential Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to maltodextrin, experiencing adverse reactions such as skin rashes, itching, or respiratory problems upon ingestion. Those with sensitivities to corn or wheat should exercise caution, as maltodextrin is often derived from these sources.
Hidden Source of Calories: Maltodextrin is calorie-dense, yet it often goes unnoticed as a source of added calories in processed foods. Over-consumption can contribute to a calorie surplus and hinder weight management efforts.
Impact on Dental Health: High glycemic index foods like maltodextrin promote the growth of oral bacteria and increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Regular consumption, especially in sugary beverages or snacks, can accelerate dental erosion.
While maltodextrin is prevalent in many packaged foods and beverages, its potential dangers should not be overlooked. As consumers, we should bemindful of food labels and opt for whole, unprocessed alternatives. This can help mitigate exposure to this controversial additive and support overall health and well-being.
Though the world we live in does not allow us to eat right, we can still promote better blood sugar control and reduce the risk of chronic diseases by choosing carbohydrates with a lower GI, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Start Reading the Labels, Always BeMindful... Avoid Malto Dextrin...
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