Author: Mark Velov
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
E100 is a colorant that is used as an additive in the food industry to acquire a yellow or orange color of the product ...
Since ancient times, people have added various food additives. Spices such as black pepper, nutmeg, allspice are well-known ...
Nowadays, food additives are natural compounds or chemicals. In small doses, they are added to food products in order to improve their nutritional and taste qualities, extend the shelf life and preserve their appearance.
Food supplements are marked with the letter E. Each E has a number that distinguishes it from the others.
The Codex Alimentarius classification divides E-s into several groups: colorants (E100 - E199), preservatives (E200 - E299), antioxidants and acidity regulators (E300 - E399), stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, thickeners, mineral salts (E400 - E599). , additives that enhance the taste and aroma (E600 - E699), foaming, glazing, flour improvers, sweeteners (E900 - E967) and enzyme preparations (E1100 - E1105).
Curcumin is the chemical name for E100 . It is a colorant that gives orange to yellow color to food. It is obtained from the roots of the turmeric plant, but can also be produced synthetically.
The turmeric plant has been used as an ingredient in Indian medicine, Ayurveda , to treat a number of ailments.
Curcumin exists in two tautomeric forms, keto and enol form. The keto form occurs mainly in the solid state and the enol form in the liquid state.
The colorant is known for some health benefits: it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, scientists claim that it can have a destructive effect on healthy human cells and that it probably carries a risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Through its antioxidant properties, curcumin supports the functions of the colon and cardiovascular system.
E100 is added to margarines and cheeses, as well as other products in order to achieve an orange or yellow color.
Undesirable effects of curcumin on the body can be prevented with Vitamin E .