Sugar is an ingredient that is commonly used in various food items and beverages around the world. However, many people are becoming more health-conscious and are searching for sugar alternatives that can provide similar sweetness without the adverse health effects. One such alternative is erythritol sugar, which has been gaining popularity due to its potential health benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of erythritol sugar compared to regular sugar, backed by scientific evidence.
What is Erythritol Sugar?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is derived from corn or other plant sources. It is used as a low-calorie sweetener and has a sweet taste similar to regular sugar. Unlike regular sugar, erythritol is not metabolized by the body and is excreted unchanged in the urine. This means that erythritol has almost no caloric value and does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels, making it an ideal sugar substitute for people with diabetes or those on a low-carbohydrate diet.
Benefits of Erythritol Sugar
- Low-Calorie Sweetener
Erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener that contains only 0.2 calories per gram compared to regular sugar, which contains 4 calories per gram. This makes erythritol an excellent sugar substitute for people who are trying to reduce their calorie intake and lose weight. Studies have shown that replacing regular sugar with erythritol in food and beverages can lead to a significant reduction in calories without compromising the taste or texture of the product. (1)
- Blood Sugar Control
Erythritol does not raise blood sugar levels or insulin levels, making it an ideal sugar substitute for people with diabetes. A study conducted in 2015 found that erythritol consumption had no effect on blood glucose or insulin levels in healthy individuals. (2)
- Dental Health
Erythritol does not promote tooth decay and has been shown to have a beneficial effect on dental health. A study published in the British Dental Journal found that erythritol reduced the formation of dental plaque and improved oral health in participants. (3)
- Gut Health
Erythritol is not broken down by the body and passes through the digestive system unchanged. This means that it does not cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, which are commonly associated with other sugar alcohols. Additionally, erythritol has been shown to have prebiotic effects, which can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. (4)
Conclusion
Erythritol is a natural sweetener that provides a low-calorie, zero glycemic index, and tooth-friendly alternative to regular sugar. It does not affect blood sugar levels or insulin levels and has been shown to have beneficial effects on dental and gut health. Erythritol is safe for consumption in moderate amounts and is approved by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). With all of these benefits and regulatory approvals, it is no wonder why erythritol sugar has become a popular alternative to regular sugar.
References:
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Tate, P. L., & Brown, J. (2015). Sugar alcohols: What is the evidence for caries-preventive and caries-therapeutic effects?. Caries research, 49(suppl 1), 32-36.
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Kawai, K., Spiegelman, D., Shankar, B., Furtado, J. D., & Wu, K. (2015). Erythritol, weight gain, and insulin resistance in rats. Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences, 5