Today I’m continuing yesterday’s topic.

We for You | Daily Reflection | *by Maryam* ❤️

Salam Alaikum dear sisters. How are you today?
Today I’m continuing yesterday’s topic.
You are right, Maggi cubes, citric acid, and corn syrup are processed and unhealthy. Natural herbs, spices, and homemade broths are the healthier, sunnah-friendly choice.

But I had in mind one ingredient that RAISES GLUCOSE FASTER than sugar and even faster than high-fructose corn syrup.

The additive I am talking about today is a carbohydrate that causes a glucose spike. And it’s found in your breakfast, your snack bar, and even your vitamins.
The name of this substance is MALTODEXTRIN.

Its glycemic index is between 85 and 110. For comparison: sugar is about (GI ~65), high-fructose corn syrup (GI ~55–65),
That means: a stronger hit to the pancreas, blood glucose, and energy.

🔹 Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate made from starch. It is considered a food ingredient rather than a classic food additive. That’s why on labels you’ll usually see it written directly as “maltodextrin” rather than something like E###.

🔹You can find it in:
• Beverages: energy/sports drinks, powdered mixes, not natural juices.
• Snack foods: chips, crackers, granola bars, cereal
• Baked goods: bread, cakes, cookies, pastries
• Dairy & desserts: yogurt, puddings, ice cream
• Soups & sauces: creamy dressings, canned soups, spicy sauses, ketchup.
• Nutrition products: protein bars, meal shakes, supplements, like vitamins, medications 💊 .

🔹 Why it’s used in products?:
• Thickener and Filler: adds body and texture to foods
• Bulking Agent: increases the bulk of a product
• Stabiliser: helps ingredients stay mixed and consistent
• Moisture Blocker: prevents crispy foods from becoming soggy
• Sweetener/Flavor Enhancer: adds sweetness and boosts taste
• Preservative: helps prolong shelf life

🔹 As Maltodextrin added in many products people overuse it. Many people reduce or eliminate sugar from their diet, but still have glucose spikes in blood tests. On closer look, I find they are consuming a lot of maltodextrin daily in supplements and processed foods.

💜 In short: *Maltodextrin is the HIDDEN sugar substitute that behaves even worse than sugar for blood glucose.*‼️

Regular use:
• Disrupt gut microflora
• Cause rapid sugar spikes
• Increase risk of inflammation and insulin resistance

It hides under names like:

modified starch,
starch hydrolysate,
glucose polymers,
hydrolysed starch
Or is listed simply as a thickener, stabiliser in food, or filler in supplements.

💭 Reflection for today:
When we look at all these reasons why maltodextrin is used -mostly to make food look, taste, or last longer - we have to ask ourselves: Do we, as humans, really need what is only called “food” but doesn’t truly nourish us?

✅*The shorter the ingredient list, the better!*
✅ The best products are natural, without labels -made by Allah SWT.
Stay mindful, learn more about yourself, choose wisely -and remember: what you put in your mouth shapes how you feel.

InshaAllah , by taking care of this amanah (trust) of our bodies, we also protect our energy, balance, and spiritual growth.❤️