What Is Invert Sugar And How Is It Used?
Have you already made invert sugar yourself at home? In today’s article, we’ll tell you how to do it and how to use this common ingredient.
One of the many sweeteners found in manufactured products is invert sugar. It is characterized by its sweetening properties. Below, we’ll go into more detail about what this ingredient is and how you can best use it.
Too much invert sugar is unhealthy. As a result, you should only consume it sporadically as it creates harmful insulin spikes. On the other hand, it’s okay to resort to products that contain it every now and then. However, you should avoid consuming invert sugar on a regular basis.
This is how you make invert sugar
To make invert sugar, you need to subject your common table sugar to a chemical reaction called hydrolysis . During this process, sucrose is broken down into a mixture of glucose and fructose.
This mechanism can occur spontaneously – for example, when making jam. When you add lemon to your fruit and sugar mix, it causes the breakdown mentioned above, which results in invert sugar. It is even possible to find it in nature – for example in maple syrup.
You can also make invert sugar at home. To do this, you need gasifying substances, which are common in the production of baked goods and pastries. These substances are made from baking soda and tartaric acid.
First, you need to mix the baking soda with your table sugar and then heat the mixture with water until it boils. Then work in the tartaric acid and then let the mixture cool to get the invert sugar.
Invert sugar and its uses
Invert sugar is used in industrially manufactured products to improve their palatability. This substance can also be used to change other organoleptic properties, such as texture. Since invert sugar plays a role in fermentation processes, it is often used in baked goods together with fermentation substances such as yeast.
On the other hand, invert sugar is often added to the products so that they do not dry out or go rancid too quickly. Thus it helps to extend their useful life.
In addition, it also fulfills a crucial function in ice cream. This ingredient is able to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which improves the texture of ice cream and makes it easier to shape.
You shouldn’t consume this ingredient regularly
Despite its ability to improve the taste of foods, keep in mind that invert sugar is also a simple carbohydrate. According to a study, in Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences was published, regular consumption of these macronutrients is associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases.
In addition, eating foods rich in fructose could trigger liver disease. There is scientific evidence that consuming this substance increases the risk of developing fatty liver.
On the other hand, according to experts, sugar could cause some addiction. The experts therefore advise against consuming any of its variants on a regular basis. But you can still treat yourself to something sweet from time to time; you don’t have to remove the ingredient from your diet entirely or forever.
Fruit as a healthy alternative
To satisfy your sweet tooth, it is best to use foods that contain a certain amount of fructose, but also other high-quality nutrients.
We’re referring to fruit here that you can get in many different ways through your diet. It is best to eat fruit in its original form. Occasionally, however, you can crush the fruit or consume it in the form of porridge and puree. You can also mix them with other ingredients to make healthy baked goods.
By doing this, you will reduce the effects and stress on the pancreas associated with consuming table sugar as such. In addition, you are providing your body with phytonutrients that have antioxidant properties. Finally, eating fruit is also a great way to supply your body with vitamins that are essential for cell function.
Invert sugar, a powerful sweetener
As you can see, invert sugar is an ingredient made from table sugar. However, its use is usually limited to the manufacture of industrial products.
One of its main characteristics is its ability to improve the taste and texture of food. However, it is low in nutritional value as it only provides high glycemic index carbohydrates. And the absorption of these nutrients can have medium and long-term health effects.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t consume invert sugar every now and then. In fact, you can even make it yourself at home and add it to your baked goods to make them tastier and improve their texture.
However, if you have a sugar craving, we recommend that you prefer eating fruits before resorting to table sugar or one of its variants.