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Erythritol Health Benefits

Erythritol, a polyol, is a sugar alcohol with least impact on blood sugar and is largely being used in reduced calorie foods as a bulk sweetener. Occurring naturally foods like mushroom and fruits such as melons, grapes and pears and also in foods that are derived through fermentation such as cheese, soy sauce and wine, it has a zero index of carbs, calories and glycemic. As opposed to most alcohol sugars, erythritol reduces intestinal distress since about 60 to 90 percent of it is absorbed into the blood and later is passed out through urine. It has tenderizing effects of sugar and makes it suitable for baking and replaces sugar and other sweeteners. In addition, it enhances the taste as well as texture of foods and beverages when used as a source of sweetness.

Erythritol is a good blood sugar regulator and can aid diabetics to check the levels of sugar in the blood. Use of erythritol does not increase the blood sugar and insulin as other sugars and starches would. It thus forms a good ingredient for diabetic foods and diets. Research has indicated that one of the benefits of erythritol is that it does not have any undesirable effects on the control of glucose in the body when administered in small doses over a period of 14 days or in large singular doses. However, it is advisable to for diabetics to consult with their doctor before considering the use of any sweetener.

Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols in general are instrumental in weight loss programs. As we know it being overweight amplify the risk of severe diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses and hence cutting down weight is a good remedy against such conditions. Ethyritol has been made available in sugar-free foods and reduced calorie foods and these are good recipes for weight loss diets.

Benefits

Another benefit of erythritol is that it has a high digestive tolerance. It is not fermented by the human body system and is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine. Studies indicate that daily consumption of 1 gram of erythritol for every kilo of body weight is sufficiently tolerated by the digestive system than foods containing sucrose. Nevertheless foods with erythritol as an ingredient have been reported to result in laxation and gaseous related side effects though mild. Further, it is not acted upon by oral bacteria responsible for sugar and starch breakdown. When these oral bacteria breakdown other sugars as well as starch acids are produced as a result which cause loss of tooth enamel and eventually tooth decay. Erythritol is thus has hence been adopted and integrated into comprehensive dental hygiene programs.

A study published in 2010 reveals that it acts as an antioxidant. It scavenges on free radicals and this is very vital in curbing the risk of cardiovascular disease besides guarding your blood vessels against damage by the free radicals. Erythritol is currently largely available in the market and it comes either as powder or in granules. The granules need to be dissolved in water or would otherwise remain grainy. A blender may be used to pulverize the erythritol granules. Erythritol powder is the most preferred in most applications.