Magnesium oxide (MgO) has diverse applications in the food industry, primarily in the following areas:
pH Regulation
- Neutralizing Acidic Substances: Magnesium oxide has good alkalinity and can effectively neutralize acidic components in food, thereby regulating the pH value. This property is particularly important in dairy products, beverages, and other foods where acid control is crucial.
- Extending Shelf Life: By adjusting the pH of food, magnesium oxide helps inhibit microbial growth, thus extending the shelf life of the product.
- Improving Taste: An appropriate pH level can make the taste of food more palatable, enhancing the consumer’s eating experience.
Enhancing Leavening/Expansion
- Application in Baked Goods: In baked goods such as cakes and bread, magnesium oxide reacts with acidic substances to produce carbon dioxide gas. This causes the dough to rise, forming a porous structure and improving the texture and volume of the food.
Reducing Clumping
- Anti-Caking Agent: Magnesium oxide can absorb moisture from the air, keeping food dry and loose, preventing clumping during storage. This property is particularly evident in foods that are prone to clumping, such as fruit jams and milk powder.
Supplementing Magnesium
- Improving Nutritional Value: Magnesium oxide is an important source of magnesium, an essential trace element for the human body. Adding magnesium oxide during food processing can help people supplement potentially lacking magnesium in their daily diet. Magnesium is crucial for maintaining the normal function of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.
Antioxidant
- Slowing Down Oxidation: Magnesium oxide has a high concentration of oxidizing components, which can help food resist oxidation, thereby extending the shelf life of food and maintaining its freshness.
Aiding Digestion
- Relieving Acid Reflux: Magnesium oxide can neutralize stomach acid, which has a certain effect on relieving acid reflux. At the same time, it is conducive to intestinal peristalsis and promotes digestion.
In summary, magnesium oxide has wide-ranging and diverse applications in the food industry. It not only improves the quality and taste of food but also enhances its nutritional value and safety. However, it is important to strictly control the dosage of magnesium oxide to ensure product safety and consumer health.