High sodium intake has become a significant issue in the realm of nutrition. Excessive sodium consumption is linked to various health problems, including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In response, the food industry has been exploring alternatives that can help reduce sodium levels without sacrificing flavor. So, what are these ingredients, and how do they function? Let’s delve into the details below.
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These are specific ingredients employed in the creation of numerous food items. A crucial feature of these flavors is their capacity to cut down sodium while delivering a taste akin to conventional salt, albeit with significantly less sodium content. This innovation is vital to meeting the rising demand for healthier yet palatable foods.
This is a common practice in the food industry aimed at reducing sodium levels without affecting the taste. Such ingredients and flavors aid in preventing illnesses tied to excessive salt intake, like high blood pressure, heart diseases, and even kidney issues. They support a balanced and healthy diet while keeping the familiar flavors that consumers expect.
The advantages extend beyond just cutting down on salt. These ingredients make it possible to produce healthier foods without sacrificing taste, providing an option for individuals who wish or need to decrease their sodium intake. Here are the primary benefits of incorporating sodium reducers into processed foods:
One major advantage is the ability to drastically reduce sodium levels in food products. By using sodium reducers, it’s feasible to offer foods that adhere to WHO guidelines, recommending a maximum daily sodium intake of 2 grams, without diminishing taste.
The primary challenge in reformulating products with reduced sodium is preserving the flavor consumers are accustomed to. These ingredients achieve this balance by providing a sensory experience similar to regular salt. This enables the industry to provide tasty foods with less impact on health while retaining consumer loyalty.
Reducing sodium intake can prevent various ailments linked to excessive salt consumption, such as hypertension, strokes, and heart failure. They contribute to promoting health by offering a practical solution to these increasingly widespread conditions globally.
Another positive aspect of using these natural flavors is that they maintain the essential nutrients in food. While reducing sodium content, they don’t interfere with the nutritional makeup of the products. This is particularly important for preserving the nutritional value of processed foods, which are often a critical source of vitamins and minerals for consumers.
Starting October 2022, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) mandated front-of-pack labeling for products containing high sodium levels. You may have noticed packages on store shelves featuring a "magnifying glass" symbol indicating "high in sodium." This initiative aims to alert consumers to the risks of consuming foods with excessive sodium.
The magnifying glass symbol applies to foods with:
â— 600 mg of sodium per 100 g (solid and semi-solid foods);
â— 300 mg per 100 mL (liquid foods).
This measure seeks to increase public awareness of the hazards of excessive sodium consumption, which can lead to health issues like hypertension, strokes, and heart disease.
Natural meat flavors, such as the NatSense line, offer a promising approach to reducing sodium in food without losing taste. These flavors are derived from fresh, animal-based raw materials, ensuring quality and traceability.
There are two main types of natural meat flavors:
â— Those that enhance food flavors and allow for a substantial reduction of sodium in formulations.
â— And those created through slow cooking, which help improve food flavor without requiring large amounts of salt.
These flavors can be used in both human and pet food, offering flexibility in product development. Additionally, their high solubility makes them versatile ingredients across various food industries.
BRF Ingredients, with its range of solutions like NatSense natural flavors and sodium reduction capabilities, stands out as a leader in developing ingredients that balance health and flavor. These innovations align with Anvisa regulations and cater to health-conscious consumers' increasing demands.
Understanding how these flavors work and their advantages highlights their pivotal role in creating healthier and safer foods. The potential to reduce sodium in food products not only meets regulatory standards but also addresses the rising consumer preference for options that promote health without sacrificing flavor. Hence, ingredients like these flavors are indispensable for the food industry, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.
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References:
Sodium Reducer | Available at: https://www.liberoquimicos.com.br/redutor-sodio
Anvisa Determination | Available at: https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/saude/como-a-anvisa-determina-se-um-alimento-e-considerado-alto-em-sodio/#:~Provavelmente%2C%20voc%C3%AA%20j%C3%A1%20deve%20ter,de%20s%C3%B3dio%20na%20sua%20composi%C3%A7%C3%A3o
Anvisa Labels | Available at: https://www.gov.br/pt-br/noticias/saude-e-vigilancia-sanitaria/2020/10/rotulos-de-alimentos-vao-informar-consumidor-sobre-alto-teor-de-acucar-e-sodio
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