What are Sugar Alcohols?

Low-carb diets were all the rage for a very long time, and today they still command a large audience. Many people were forced to satiate their carb cravings with sugarless gum, no-carb protein bars and diet drinks, which often times contained a separate category for sugar alcohols under the “carbohydrates” section of their nutrition facts. But what exactly are sugar alcohols and how do they affect the body?

Sugar alcohols fall under the classification of “nutritive sweeteners” because they contain calories, although they generally have fewer calories per gram than sugar. While the name may be sugar alcohol, they are actually carbohydrates which are neither sugar nor alcohol, but only resemble them in chemical structure. They include:

• Xylitol
• Maltitol
• Sorbitol
• Mannitol

The positive to sugar alcohols is that foods can be labeled as sugar-free when they contain these compounds instead of sugary sweeteners. They do not spike insulin levels, lower total calorie intake and decrease tooth decay.

Tooth decay is often a side effect of excessive sugar consumption. Sugar feeds certain bacteria in the mouth, which can then multiply and secrete acids that erode the protective enamel on your teeth. However, sugar alcohols like xylitol, erythritol, and sorbitol protect against tooth decay. That’s one of the main reasons they are so popular in many different chewing gums and some kinds of toothpaste that are often recommended by a Dentist in Indialantic or a dentist from anywhere else in the world.

On the down side, sugar alcohols are not completely absorbed by the body, and can lead to a variety of stomach problems including gas, bloating and diarrhea. Also, since they do contain calories, they cannot be eaten with abandonment, as excessive consumption can be comparable to sugar-containing foods. This could also lead to tooth decay and other dental issues that would require the help of a dentist Gladesville practice or services in your local area.

While sugar alcohols may be a better choice than eaten sugar-laded foods, they do not come without warning. Be sure to read the labels of foods claiming to be sugar-free, as there may be sugar alcohols loaded into these products.

Eat Healthy Alternatives

Improving your health starts with knowledge. Now that you know, stop by the shop to find hundreds of natural and organic products, foods and beverages for healthy people like you. Sugar alcohols can affect your gut health and may cause digestive issues that could cause continuous problems, trying out a supplement like total restore could be the answer to your bloating and stomach problems. It is always best to check with a doctor first to see if it is right for you.