IS MALTOSE GOOD FOR YOU

Since I have started writing blogs about Malt, many people have asked me whether maltose is good for health or not.

So today I will try to answer this question of yours. Well there are not much research that has taken place about the health effects of maltose in the diet.

So before moving further, let me first help you understand the meaning of maltose:

Maltose basically is made up of two alpha D glucose units which are linked with an alpha 1,4 glycosidic bond. In the small intestinal lining in humans, the enzyme maltase and isomaltase break down the molecules of maltose into two glucose molecules, which is then absorbed by the body.

Maltose is usually compared with table sugar when it comes to its consumption and health benefits. From the point of view of usage - people usually go for table sugar which is also known as  sucrose and is commonly used in cooking and sweetening foods. From the viewpoint of health benefits, table sugar lies somewhere in between those of glucose and fructose. Fructose is not considered very healthy as it has rather severe health implications and Consuming a high-fructose diet may cause a quicker onset of obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes.

But if we look at maltose from the health point of view, it is made up of just glucose which ultimately means, it is way more healthier than table sugar. 

Now since maltose is broken down into glucose when digested, its health effects are probably similar to other sources of glucose. The brain gets its energy almost exclusively from glucose as our muscles, liver and brain can convert glucose into energy.  Once it goes at par with the energy requirement of your body,any remaining glucose in your bloodstream is converted into lipids and stored as fat.

But still, as you all know the rule - Excess of Everything is Bad. The same rule applies here too. The excess of it can cause obesity, diabetes and heart and kidney disease, just like other sugars .

Maltose is less sweet than table sugar and is used in hard candy and frozen desserts because of its unique tolerance to heat and cold. Use of maltose acts as a sweetener and helps you reduce added sugars in your diet. Also, while they do contain small amounts of sugar, they also offer additional nutrients like fibre, vitamins and antioxidants.

Not only this, Since people are shifting towards health conscious products, maltose is a perfect product to go with the new trend. Most of the food companies are also shifting towards maltose or no fructose product.