Erythritol is a sugar alcohol and a low-calorie, low-carb, gluten-free sugar substitute used by many dieters. It is often used by people on the keto diet as it has virtually no calories and zero carbs. Erythritol is also not metabolised by the body and is excreted instead, which means it can be subtracted from the total carb count. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognise the term net carbs and recommends using the total carbohydrates listed on nutrition labels.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Calories | Erythritol has about 0.2 calories per gram, which translates to 20 calories per 100 grams. Other countries label it as zero-calorie. |
Glycemic Index | Erythritol has a glycemic index of 0, which means it does not spike blood sugar. |
Insulin Index | Erythritol has an insulin index of 2. |
Carbohydrates | Erythritol has 65-70% of the sweet taste of table sugar and close to zero net carbs. |
Health Benefits | Erythritol may improve oral health and cavity prevention, act as an antioxidant, and reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance. |
Side Effects | Erythritol is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience digestive discomfort or a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts. Rare cases of allergic reactions and inflammatory responses have been reported. |
Safety | Erythritol is designated as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA, but recent studies have linked it to higher risks of heart events. |
What You'll Learn
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol
Erythritol occurs naturally in small quantities in some fruits and fermented foods. It has a glycemic index of 0, meaning it doesn't spike blood sugar, and it's not metabolised by oral bacteria so it doesn't cause tooth decay. It's also relatively inert in your gut, which means it doesn't get broken down or metabolised into other sugars or sugar alcohols. As a result, it has some unique properties when it comes to intestinal health. It can help to hydrate your colon, protect intestinal tissue, and purify the colon from pathological organisms.
Erythritol is an ideal sugar alternative on the ketogenic diet. It has few side effects, virtually no calories, and zero carbs while offering possible health benefits. It's different from other sugar alcohols because it doesn't raise blood sugar or insulin significantly, and it won't cause an upset stomach, bloating, or diarrhoea for most people.
When calculating net carbs, you can subtract the number of grams of erythritol from the total carb count. This will give you the net carbs, which is the number you're trying to keep low on a keto diet.
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It has a glycemic index of 0
Erythritol has a glycemic index of 0, meaning it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This is because erythritol is not metabolised by the body and is excreted unchanged. As a result, it is considered to be a good sugar substitute for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how fast your body can produce glucose from a carb source. The lower the GI, the slower the rate of glucose production, and the less impact the food will have on blood sugar levels. Any food with a GI of under 55 is considered to be low-GI.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, which is a type of food additive. Sugar alcohols are neither sugars nor alcoholic. They are called sugar alcohols because of their chemical structure. Erythritol is found naturally in small quantities in some fruits and fermented foods, and it is also produced industrially through the fermentation of glucose from corn using yeast.
Erythritol is often used as a sugar substitute by people on the keto diet, as it has virtually no calories and zero carbs. It is also used by people with metabolic issues, diabetes, and obesity.
However, it is important to note that erythritol and other sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea in some people. It is also important to be cautious about consuming erythritol, as a recent study linked high erythritol levels in the body with an increased risk of heart disease.
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Erythritol is not metabolised by oral bacteria
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener. It is often used as a sugar substitute, particularly for those on the ketogenic diet, as it has almost no calories and does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels.
A 2016 review found that erythritol was more effective than other sugar alcohols, xylitol and sorbitol, at inhibiting the growth of oral bacteria. Another study found that erythritol was more protective against cavities than xylitol and sorbitol in a group of schoolchildren over a three-year period.
Overall, erythritol is a good alternative to sugar as it has very few side effects and does not appear to have any negative impact on oral health.
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It is a low-calorie sweetener
Erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener. It is a sugar alcohol, but unlike regular sugar, it does not spike your blood sugar levels or contribute to tooth decay. It is also not metabolised by the body, so it has virtually no calories. This makes it a popular choice for people following a keto diet, as it helps them to satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising their low-carb lifestyle.
Erythritol is a popular sugar substitute for people with diabetes, metabolic issues and obesity. It is about two-thirds as sweet as sugar and has a glycemic index of 0. This means that it does not affect your insulin levels. It is also gluten-free, so it can be used by people who are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease.
Erythritol is naturally derived from some fruits and plants, such as grapes, melons, mushrooms, wine, beer, cheese and soy sauce. It can also be made by fermenting starches, usually corn. The final product looks just like granulated sugar and can be bought in granulated or powdered form.
When consumed in large amounts, erythritol can cause digestive discomfort or a slight laxative effect in some people. However, this is rare, and it is generally well-tolerated. It is also important to note that while erythritol itself does not affect blood sugar levels, it is often combined with other sweeteners or ingredients that may have an impact on blood sugar. Therefore, it is always a good idea to read the labels and be mindful of the other ingredients in products containing erythritol.
In conclusion, erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener that is suitable for people on a keto diet or those looking to reduce their sugar intake. It has a mild sweet taste, is naturally derived, and does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels. However, as with any sweetener, it is best to consume it in moderation and be mindful of potential side effects and interactions with other ingredients.
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Erythritol is generally well-tolerated
Erythritol is naturally derived from some fruits and plants, such as grapes, melons, mushrooms, and fermented foods like wine, beer, cheese, and soy sauce. It is also produced commercially through the fermentation of glucose, usually from corn. The final product looks and tastes similar to granulated sugar, although it is about 65-70% as sweet. It can be purchased in granulated or powdered forms, with the powdered form being preferred for baking as it can be difficult to dissolve.
When consumed in large amounts, some people may experience digestive discomfort or a slight laxative effect from erythritol. However, this is rare, and studies have shown that erythritol is generally well-tolerated. One study found that adults should be able to safely consume 1 gram per kilogram of body weight without any adverse effects. For a 150-pound person, this would be equivalent to 68 grams, which is more than typically consumed in one sitting.
Erythritol is also considered safe for children. A study found that a 15-gram dose was well-tolerated by children, which is about 730 milligrams per kilogram. Overall, erythritol is a safe and popular choice for those following a keto diet, as it has few side effects, virtually no calories, and zero net carbs.
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Frequently asked questions
Erythritol is keto-friendly as it doesn't spike your blood sugar or insulin. It is a low-calorie, very-low-carb sugar alcohol that is two-thirds as sweet as sugar.
To calculate net carbs, subtract the fibre from the total number of carbs. Some carbs can't be broken down into individual sugars, and others are only partially broken down and absorbed, such as fibre and sugar alcohols. Therefore, most fibre and sugar alcohols can be subtracted from total carbs when calculating net carbs.
Erythritol is a low-calorie, low-carb, gluten-free sugar substitute. It is a sugar alcohol that is not metabolised by the body and is passed through without causing harmful effects. Erythritol has a glycemic index of 0, meaning it does not spike blood sugar, and it doesn't cause tooth decay.
As with all sugar alcohols, when consumed in large amounts, some people may experience digestive discomfort or a slight laxative effect. However, this would require consuming a significant amount.
Yes, you can subtract erythritol from total carbs to get net carbs. Erythritol is not metabolised by the body, so it can be subtracted from the total carb count.