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Erythritol: A Natural and Low-Calorie Sweetener
2023/5/17
Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol that is used as a food additive and sugar substitute. It is naturally found in some fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, peaches, pears, and mushrooms. It can also be produced by fermenting glucose from corn or wheat starch using yeast or bacteria.
Erythritol has a sweet taste that is similar to table sugar, but it has almost no calories. It has a molecular weight of 122.12 g/mol and a melting point of 119 °C (246 °F). It is classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has an E number of E968.
Erythritol has many benefits and uses in various foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, candies, jams, jellies, baked goods, dairy products, and wine. Some of the main benefits and uses of erythritol are:
Low-calorie sweetener: Erythritol provides only about 0.24 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for table sugar. This means that erythritol can help reduce the calorie intake and the risk of obesity and diabetes. Erythritol can also be blended with other natural sweeteners, such as stevia, monk fruit, or xylitol, to enhance the sweetness and flavor.
Dental health: Erythritol does not cause tooth decay or cavities because it does not feed the bacteria in the mouth that produce acid and plaque. In fact, erythritol may have anti-cariogenic effects by inhibiting the growth of oral bacteria and reducing the adhesion of plaque to the teeth.
Digestive health: Erythritol does not cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or laxative effects that are common with other sugar alcohols. This is because most of erythritol is absorbed into the bloodstream before it reaches the colon and is excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 hours. Only a small amount of erythritol reaches the colon where it is fermented by the resident bacteria.
Antioxidant activity: Erythritol may have antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and protecting the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. This may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Erythritol has a sweet taste that is similar to table sugar, but it has almost no calories. It has a molecular weight of 122.12 g/mol and a melting point of 119 °C (246 °F). It is classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has an E number of E968.
Erythritol has many benefits and uses in various foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, candies, jams, jellies, baked goods, dairy products, and wine. Some of the main benefits and uses of erythritol are:
Low-calorie sweetener: Erythritol provides only about 0.24 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for table sugar. This means that erythritol can help reduce the calorie intake and the risk of obesity and diabetes. Erythritol can also be blended with other natural sweeteners, such as stevia, monk fruit, or xylitol, to enhance the sweetness and flavor.
Dental health: Erythritol does not cause tooth decay or cavities because it does not feed the bacteria in the mouth that produce acid and plaque. In fact, erythritol may have anti-cariogenic effects by inhibiting the growth of oral bacteria and reducing the adhesion of plaque to the teeth.
Digestive health: Erythritol does not cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or laxative effects that are common with other sugar alcohols. This is because most of erythritol is absorbed into the bloodstream before it reaches the colon and is excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 hours. Only a small amount of erythritol reaches the colon where it is fermented by the resident bacteria.
Antioxidant activity: Erythritol may have antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and protecting the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. This may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Erythritol is a natural and low-calorie sweetener that has many benefits and uses in various foods and beverages. It is safe and effective when used in appropriate amounts and under proper conditions. However, it may also have some potential drawbacks and limitations when used excessively or improperly.
