Sugar Alcohols are added to foods to give them sweet taste as an alternative to regular sugars. They have about half the calories of regular sugars. They occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables. Many food labeled as “sugarless” have sugar alcohols in them.
Here are the eight sugar alcohols that are approved for human consumption:
- Erythritol
- Maltitol
- Mannitol
- Sorbitol
- Xylitol
- Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH)
- Isomalt
- Lactitol
If you are in diet then, sugar alcohol might be the best choice to have as an alternate to regular sugar and other high-calorie sweeteners. Addition to being low in calories, sugar alcohols don’t cause cavities, so that they are used in mouthwash and sugar-free gum.
How Do Sugar Alcohol Work
Intestine doesn’t absorb sugar alcohols completely, so less calories get into your body. As they are not completely absorbed, they might cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea if you eat in a large amount. You may have seen warning on the food packages to not eat in a large amount as they could make them act like a laxative.
For Diabetes Patients
Sugar Alcohol is good to have as a part of healthy eating plan when you need to manage diabetes. You’ll need to count carb and calories from sugar alcohols if you want to manage diabetes. Food labeled “sugar free” might not be same as you think, they can make your blood sugar level very high if you overeat Sugar Alcohol.
Improves Dental Health
Having large amount of “regular” sugar can cause Tooth Decay. When you consume drinks and foods with large amount of sugar, certain bacteria in you mouth ferment the sugar. These bacteria then multiply and secrete acids that erode the protective enamel on your teeth.
In contrast, Sugar Alcohol may protest against tooth decay. It is the main reason why foods, drinks, chewing gums, toothpastes are made with sugar alcohols rather than regular sugar.
Xylitol is well known for its benefits effects on dental health and has been studied thoroughly. It promotes dental health by reducing plaque formation, inhibiting tooth demineralization, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Conclusion
Some Sugar Alcohols may have the opposite effect as table sugar on dental health. Studies have shown that Xylitol and Erythritol may improve dental health and protect against cavities. Many food companies use Sugar Alcohol as a substitute for regular sugar.
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