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In modern industry, including the food industry, various additives play a significant role. Almost every housewife has come across E icons on food packaging more than once. They are both natural and synthetically derived. These substances include dyes, flavor stabilizers, preservatives, clarifiers, emulsifiers, and many others. But few people have heard of the food additive E903 – carnauba wax, which acts as a glazing agent in the food industry. What is it? Where is carnauba wax used and does it harm the human body? The answers to these questions can be found in the following article.
The main properties of the food additive E903
Carnauba wax refers to substances of natural plant origin. It is extracted from the palm leaves of the wax plant, which is widespread in South America, especially in the Brazilian states. Such a food additive looks like yellowish-brown flakes. Other names for it are: Brazilian wax or palm wax.
These Brazilian wax palms exude a yellowish waxy substance from their leaves. In the sun, it dries up, turning into a fragile powdery product, which is scraped off, washed with hot water and the already hardened substance is separated. After it is subjected to cleaning and clarification, if required by the scope of its application. Already after cleaning, the substance takes the form of loose flakes containing various organic compounds.
Its chemical composition is represented by esters and glycerides of fatty acids, mainly myricyl ethyl cerotinic acid. The share of such ether accounts for about eighty percent of the substance. It also contains hydrocarbons, acids and fatty alcohols.
The melting point of carnauba wax is approximately eighty-five degrees Celsius, which makes this substance the most stable and hard wax found in nature.
The use of carnauba wax in various areas of life
This food additive has become very popular in the automotive industry and in cosmetology. This wax turned out to be just a godsend for motorists, where high-quality polish for cars is made on its basis. This supplement was seventy percent more effective than its other counterparts. Carnauba wax based polish provides the most effective and long-term protection of the car from harmful environmental factors. A car polished with such a substance retains its characteristic glossy sheen for a long time.
It is also important that such a polish is suitable for any type of paintwork, perfectly masks shallow scratches and gives a glossy finish to the paintwork.
It is also worth noting the ease and ease of use of the product, which makes the process of car body polishing accessible to any car owner.
In addition, carnauba wax is also used as a food additive. Often in the food industry it is used as a glazing agent. It is applied directly to the surface of the products, forming a glossy film on them, which gives them a characteristic shine and serves as protection against various damages.
Often it is used in the manufacture of confectionery: chewing gum and sweets. This substance is included in the composition of various wax mixtures that serve to cover the surface of mushrooms, fruits, nuts and vegetables in order to protect them from spoilage during storage.
Due to its softening and hypoallergenic qualities, this wax has found wide application in the field of cosmetology. Here it is used as a thickener for various cosmetics:
- lipstick;
- carcasses;
- eyeliners;
- shadows;
- preparations for hair and skin care;
- hard spirits.
It also helps to increase the melting point of cosmetic products, gives them shine and significantly reduces stickiness. Unlike lanolin, an animal wax used for cosmetic purposes, it is devoid of a comedogenic effect, and also has a much better effect on the recipe.
Carnauba wax is also used in medicine, where it is used to coat tablets, which greatly facilitates the process of swallowing.
Such a dietary supplement is often used as a component in:
- varnish and wax for polishing wooden floors and furniture;
- surf wax combined with coconut oil;
- dental floss;
- shoe varnishes.
Dangerous properties and main manufacturers of E903 additive
Additive E903 is generally recognized as a safe natural herbal supplement. Data on any dangerous properties of it at the moment does not exist. When eaten, it does not cause serious harm to the human body and is hypoallergenic, that is, it does not cause allergic reactions.
This wax has proven itself remarkably well in the shipbuilding and automotive industries. Therefore, its import is highly developed in those countries where such an industry is at its best: in Japan, Germany, the USA, the Netherlands and Italy. Other countries account for only eighteen percent of imported products.
In conclusion
Carnauba wax, best known as food additive E903, is a safe and healthy substance used in various areas of life. Particularly well established in the automotive industry, as well as in the production of cosmetics, due to its hypoallergenic properties. No dangerous effect on the body during its use has been identified, and therefore it is also successfully used in food products, mainly in the production of confectionery.