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The SourceFirst the corn kernels are steeped, ground and de-germinated. Then the hull, fibre and gluten are removed, leaving a liquid starch. |
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HydrolysisThis starch is then partially 'hydrolized' into a thick syrup. (In simplified terms, hydrolysis is the splitting of a large molecule into several smaller molecules through a combination of heat, churning, acidic and enzymatic actions.) After the pH is adjusted and any impurities are removed, the syrup is ready for the 'magic' step. |
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HydrogenationThis syrup is then placed in a reaction vessel and hydrogen gas is pumped in. With the aid of a catalyst, these extra hydrogen atoms are fused into new molecules that change the syrup into hydrogenated starch hydrolysate. This 'magic' step results in a polyol, (much like sorbitol or mannitol) that tastes sweet but is not absorbed by the body in the same way as a sugar because it is not a sugar. |
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De-IonizationIons such as iron, sodium, potassium and many other impurities are then electronically filtered out of the solution. |
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EvaporationTo make Hystar a proper consistency, we then remove the proper amount of water by evaporation. |
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The Finished Product!The result of the innovative technology that developed Hystar, along with our candy-making skills, makes our truly sugar-free candy the highest quality sugar-free confection available today. |
Is there any sugar, salt, or
preservatives in this truly sugar-free candy?
There is no sugar, no salt, nor
preservatives in our truly sugar-free candy.
Are these products suitable for
diabetics?
Diabetics may find the truly sugar-free products useful in their diets, since the
sweetener, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, is a 'slow' carbohydrate, with a primary
metabolic pathway that is independent of insulin. Because of this, however, truly
sugar-free candies cannot be used to counteract the effects of insulin shock. Since it is
primarily a carbohydrate, compensation should be made in the diet plan. Persons with
metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, should consult their physician before substituting
any new product into their diet.
Is it true that because there is no
sugar, our candy will not promote tooth decay?
Yes. For caries or cavities to form, two things must occur. First, specific bacteria have
to be present in the mouth, and secondly, the protective tooth coating or enamel, has to
allow the bacteria to get into the tooth pulp, causing cavities. Hydrogenated Starch
Hydrolysate will not increase the acidity of oral fluids; therefore, it will not promote
the formation of cavities. This has been proven in studies at the Universities of Iowa and
Minnesota and other universities worldwide.
What about the laxative effect?
As in all sugar-free products, there is a slight laxative effect experienced only by
sensitive individuals. Because Hystar is a polyol, it metabolizes slowly, which causes a
part of the polyol to remain undigested. When this portion of polyol is passed through the
body, it prevents the normal reabsorption of water, causing a slight laxation effect. It
should be noted that a considerable amount of Hystar is required to initiate this
condition.
Does truly sugar-free candy contain
lactose?
No. Many otherwise sugarless products contain milk (whole or non-fat) which contains the
sugar lactose. Through research and experimentation we have eliminated the lactose from
our sugar-free products by substituting calcium caseinate for milk. Calcium caseinate is a
natural milk protein.
