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Sugar Substitute and Heart Health: Exploring Erythritol

Sugar coated dounut

Sugar has been long known as the “sweet poison”. It is linked to a myriad of health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. As a result, people are constantly searching for alternatives to sugar. One such alternative is erythritol. In this blog, we will explore erythritol as a sugar substitute and its effects on heart health.

What is Erythritol?

Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol that is found naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. It is also commercially produced by fermenting glucose extracted from corn or wheat starch. Erythritol has been used as a sugar substitute since the early 1990s and is commonly found in sugar-free and low-calorie products such as chewing gum, baked goods, and beverages.

Is Erythritol Sweetener Safe?

Erythritol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has also been approved as a food additive in many countries worldwide, including the European Union and Japan. Unlike other sugar alcohols such as xylitol and sorbitol, erythritol is less likely to cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is because it is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted in the urine without being metabolized.

Is Erythritol a Healthy Alternative to Sugar?

Erythritol has several advantages over sugar. For one, it is virtually calorie-free and does not cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels, making it a great option for people with diabetes or those trying to lose weight. It also does not promote tooth decay, which is a common problem associated with sugar.

Furthermore, erythritol has antioxidant properties, which means it can help protect the body from free radicals that can cause cell damage and contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. In fact, studies have shown that consuming erythritol can improve blood vessel function and reduce markers of inflammation, which are risk factors for heart disease.

Is Erythritol Better than Stevia?

Erythritol and stevia are both popular sugar substitutes, but they differ in taste and texture. Erythritol has a taste and texture similar to sugar and does not have a bitter aftertaste, which can be a problem with stevia. However, stevia is more potent than erythritol, which means you need less of it to achieve the desired sweetness.

A New Study Says a Widely-Used Artificial Sweetener May Cause Heart Problems

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that consuming high amounts of sucralose, a widely-used artificial sweetener, can increase the risk of heart problems. The study, which was conducted on rats, showed that sucralose can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria

The good news is that there are healthier alternatives to sugar, such as sugar substitutes. One such substitute is erythritol. But is erythritol safe to use?

Is erythritol sweetener safe?

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, and it occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables such as melons, grapes, and mushrooms. It is also produced commercially by fermenting glucose, a process that yields a white, crystalline powder that is about 70% as sweet as sugar. Erythritol is used as a sugar substitute because it provides sweetness without the calories, and it does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels.

Studies have found that erythritol is generally safe for consumption. In fact, the FDA has approved erythritol as a food additive, and it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Unlike other sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol, erythritol is not metabolized by bacteria in the mouth, which means it does not contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, erythritol has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

Is erythritol a healthy alternative to sugar?

Compared to sugar, erythritol is a healthier alternative because it provides sweetness without the calories. One teaspoon of sugar contains 16 calories, while one teaspoon of erythritol contains only 0.24 calories. Erythritol also has a negligible effect on blood sugar and insulin levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes or those who are watching their carbohydrate intake.

In addition, erythritol has been found to have antioxidant properties that may benefit heart health. Studies have shown that erythritol can reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel function, and lower blood pressure, all of which are important for maintaining heart health.

Is erythritol better than stevia?

Erythritol and stevia are both sugar substitutes, but they differ in terms of their taste and texture. Erythritol has a texture and taste similar to sugar, while stevia has a sweeter taste and a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Both erythritol and stevia are safe for consumption and do not raise blood sugar or insulin levels. However, erythritol has a slightly lower sweetness intensity than stevia, which means that you may need to use more erythritol to achieve the same level of sweetness as stevia.

Ultimately, the choice between erythritol and stevia comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the taste and texture of erythritol, while others may prefer the sweeter taste of stevia.

Here’s what eating sugar actually does to your brain

When you eat sugar, it triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which gives you a temporary feeling of pleasure and reward. This is why many people crave sugary foods, and why they can be so addictive.

However, over time, excessive sugar consumption can lead to a decrease in dopamine receptors in the brain, which means that you need more and more sugar to achieve the same feeling of pleasure and reward. This can lead to a vicious cycle of sugar addiction and overconsumption.

In addition, excessive sugar consumption has been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. This is why it is important to limit your sugar intake and choose healthier alternatives, such as erythritol.

Surprising benefits of trehalose you didn't know about

Trehalose is a sugar that is found in a variety of foods, including mushrooms, seaweed, and honey. It is also used as a food additive, and it is often added to processed

Another study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology showed that erythritol consumption led to increased nitric oxide bioavailability, which can improve endothelial function and blood flow in people with cardiovascular diseases.

However, like any other sugar substitute, erythritol should be consumed in moderation. It is important to note that erythritol is a type of FODMAP, which may cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some people. Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a FODMAP intolerance should be careful when consuming erythritol.

In conclusion, erythritol is a safe and healthy alternative to sugar for most people. It has a low glycemic index, does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels, and is tooth-friendly. While it may cause digestive issues in some people, its potential health benefits make it a worthwhile sugar substitute to consider. As with any other food or ingredient, moderation is key to achieving a healthy and balanced diet.

Sugar coated bread


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