Food colorings are used as food additives to provide food with a presentable and appetizing appearance to meet consumer color expectations. They compensate for color loss due to processing and can simulate better quality.
Not many dyes are of plant origin (for example, betanin or chlorophyll), mostly synthetic copies of natural substances (substances identical in nature) or completely synthetic compounds are used. Synthetically produced nutritional supplements tend to be less used by manufacturers.
Among the natural group of dyes “anthocyanins” are precisely those color pigments that are responsible in nature for the coloring of blue, brown and red tones in plants. Especially in autumn foliage, but also in many summer fruits, berries such as blueberries, blackberries and grapes, one can see the beauty and variety of anthocyanin dyes. Basically, by adding them, a blue or even red tint is achieved. Also, red shades are achieved with the help of acids.
Anthocyanins are natural pigments found in almost all plants, flowers and fruits. They are found in Usambara violets, eggplant, cherries, blue grapes and blueberries, as well as asparagus, bananas, dill, potatoes, peas or pears. E162 is mainly produced by extraction from red grape residue, beetroot juice, red berries or red cabbage.
Beet red betanin is a natural food additive, which is mainly used as a natural dye, has an E162 index. The food supplement is allowed in the EU countries, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Canada.
Additive description
Beet Red E162 is a safe additive often used in the food industry. The composition of the dye may include nitrates, everything directly depends on the growing conditions of the raw materials for its production.
For the production of supplements, red beet juice extract is used. In the food industry, it can be used not only as a dye, but also as a natural and powerful antioxidant. E162 is destroyed by direct exposure to oxygen, heat and light, for this reason it is used in dried, frozen, and also in products with relatively short shelf life.
The additive can be both bright red and blue-violet – the color directly depends on the pH level in the raw material. Manufacturers may use the following names: E162, Betanin, Betanin, Beet Red and Beet red. The formula of red betanine is C24H27N2O13.
Advantages
The supplement helps the absorption and breakdown of plant and animal proteins, helps the formation of choline (necessary for the functioning of liver cells). E162 has a positive effect on capillary strength, helps eliminate vasospasm, restores pressure levels, in other words, has a positive effect on the entire body as a whole.
Red beet betanin is a prophylactic against heart attacks. Of the positive properties of the additive, it is worth noting its anticarcinogenicity and antirational properties. It is thanks to these properties that the supplement helps to cope with oncological cells and prevent the formation of oncological tumors.
Dyes are completely destroyed and excreted from the body, they provide the body with an antioxidant effect and help to intercept free radical cells (which are often the cause of oncology).
Since the dyes are purely vegetable in origin, they are ideal for vegetarians.
Due to the fact that the supplement is natural and safe, there is no single daily allowance for consumption. Manufacturers recommend adding 1 to 10 grams per kilo of product.
Application
E162 is used to give a presentable and appetizing color to vegetables (cooked in brine, vinegar or oil, except olives), extruded fruits, dried cereals. Food-type dye is actively used in confectionery – red beetroot can be found in jams, jellies and other fruit-based products. E162 is used to color a variety of desserts, curd spreads, soufflés, custards, glazed curds, yoghurts, chewing gums, sauces and ice cream. E162 is generally approved for all products. Excluded are certain foods where additional coloring can mimic the best quality of the product (e.g. bread, various dairy products, pasta, honey). Anthocyanin dye is suitable for everything related to fruit.
In addition to the fact that E162 is used in food production, it can also be found in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals.
Harm
The supplement has a zero level of risk to the body. It can only cause harm if there is an allergic reaction to beetroot juice. Also, in some cases, the composition of the supplement includes nitrates (but this is very rare), which negatively affect the state of health, especially the well-being of the liver.
The dye may also contain aluminum without being labelled. There is a lot of evidence that aluminum, as the so-called metallic estrogen, affects the functioning of the female hormonal system, thus impairing reproductive performance.
It is worth knowing that dyes are sometimes used by irresponsible manufacturers in order to mask a low-quality or not fresh product.
Manufacturers
The supplement is available in paste, powder and liquid form. Given the release form for packaging, bags or vials are used. Among the most reliable manufacturers from all over the world, it is worth noting: GK SoyuzOptTorg LLC (Russia), Christian Hansen.