Sugar alcohol is showing up on labels but very few understand what they are and how they affect health. This article attempts to explain what they are and their effects. Sugar is converted through a natural fermenting process to resemble alcohol, but it's not in the form of drinking alcohol.
How sugar alcohol gets its name
Sugar alcohols get their name from their unique chemical structure, which resembles both sugar and alcohol; although, they are neither sugars nor alcohols. In fact, sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate that sweeten foods, but with half the calories of sugar.
Sugar alcohol effects
Sugar alcohol is sweet but not absorbed by the body, so it does not cause problems sugar does. Because they are not completely absorbed, they can ferment in the intestines and cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea. People have different reactions to different sugar alcohols. However, these effects are usually from over consumption of them. And, people can build up resistance to these effects.
Sugar alcohol sugar substitutes
Sugar alcohols occur naturally in plants. Sorbitol comes from corn syrup and Mannitol from seaweed. They are mostly manufactured from sugars and starches, however. Sugar alcohols do not contribute to tooth decay. There are several types of sugar alcohols, usually ending with the letters "-ol".
Erythritol
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
Isomalt
Lactitol
Maltitol
Mannitol
Sorbitol
Xylitol
Erythritol is esp. good for those who can't use other Sugar Alcohols. It provides all the benefits of sugar alcohol without gas or bloating. It is absorbed by the small intestine and quickly eliminated, unchanged, in urine. It is basically inert...does nothing good or bad.
Inositol, is a sugar alcohol that is helpful for anxiety and improves bone density.
Maltitol is often used in sugar free chocolate.
Since sugar alcohols don't promote tooth decay, they are often used in chewing gum. Xylitol actually inhibits bacterial growth in the mouth.
Additional sugar substitutes
Stevia, comes from an herbal plant. It is distilled and when correctly filtered, it has a sweet taste. It's use in foods has been around for decades and the FDA recently approved it for food processing. It has no calories and is safe for use in diabetic foods.
Two brands of sugar substitutes are currently becoming popular. They are mixtures of stevia and erythritol. Their brand names are: PureVia and Truvia, with Truvia being developed to add to Coca-Cola and Sprite products.
Honey and maple syrup
Many inquire if honey and maple syrup are good sugar subsitutes since they are natural. However, for those on the Kapha diet and Diabetics, these are not good substitutes as they are concentrated sugar. For those on the Kapha diet, it is recommended only one spoonful of honey per day.
Diabetic foods and kapha diet
For those looking for diabetic foods and those on the Kapha diet, these sugar substitutes are quite helpful. With more processed food manufacturers using sugar substitutes in their products, this expands the choices for those following the Kapha diet and those looking for diabetic foods.
Source:
Teitelbaum, Jacob, M.D. Beat Sugar Addiction Now. Fair Winds Press, Beverly, MA, 2010.
Sugar Alcohol Uses for Diabetic Foods and Kapha Diet copyright 2011
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