Locate the total carbohydrate in one serving. You will see that the total carbohydrate is 29 grams.
- The amount of sugar alcohol is 18 grams per serving.
- Calculate half the grams of sugar alcohol (18 grams of sugar alcohol divided by 2 equals 9 grams).
- Subtract only half of the grams of sugar alcohol from the total carbohydrate Count this product as 20 grams of carbohydrate (29 grams total carbohydrate minus 9 grams sugar alcohol equals 20 grams of carbohydrate).
The graph and instructions above were taken from University of California, San Francisco website.
There is neither sugar nor alcohol, in sugar alcohol. They are chemically processed artificial sweeteners, and are found in products listed as “sugar-free” or “no sugar added.” Some food labels list sugar alcohol under total carbohydrates.
What are the benefits?
Sugar alcohols are reduced-calorie sweeteners. They are usually not as sweet as white sugar, and they have fewer calories. Because they have fewer calories, sugar alcohols may be a suitable option for people trying to lose weight. Sugar alcohols are slowly and incompletely absorbed into the blood stream; therefore, they cause a small change in your blood sugar. This is important for diabetics! Foods sweetened with sugar alcohol may allow people with diabetes to maintain better blood sugar control while still enjoying sweet treats in moderation.
What are the negatives I should consider before consuming sugar alcohol?
There are some side effects that may be experienced when eating foods containing sugar alcohols. Some people report digestive problems such as gas, nausea, bloating and diarrhea. If you are concerned that sugar alcohol may be causing you discomfort, try consuming a small amount of food containing sugar alcohol and observe how your body reacts. Your body may have negative side effects with different sugar alcohols. Don’t clump them all in one basket.
How do I know if my foods have sugar alcohol if not listed on the food label?
Sugar alcohols have multiple names. Check the ingredient list of all of your foods that claim to be “lower in sugar” or “sugar-free.”
Below are some terms to look for:
- Mannitol occurs naturally in pineapples, asparagus, sweet potatoes and carrots. It is extracted from seaweed for use in food manufacturing. Mannitol has 50-70 percent the sweetness of sugar, which means more must be used to equal the sweetness of sugar. Mannitol lingers in the intestines for a long time and therefore often causes bloating and diarrhea if overeaten.
- Xylitol is also called “wood sugar” and occurs naturally in wheat straw and corn cobs. It is often used in gum and is as sweet as sugar.
- Lactitol provides about 40 percent of the sweetness of sugar. Manufacturers make it from milk. It is often found in sugar-free ice cream, chocolate, hard and soft candies, baked goods, sugar-reduced preserves and chewing gums.
- Maltitol is about 75 percent as sweet as sugar. It is used in sugar-free hard candies, chewing gum, ice cream and some baked goods. It comes from corn syrup.
- Erythritol is 60 to 80 percent as sweet as sugar. It is found in pears, soy sauce, and watermelon. It is manufactured by fermenting corn.
- Sorbitol is found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Sorbitol is about half as sweet as sugar. It is found in apples and pears. It is manufactured from corn syrup.
- Isomalt is 45 to 65 percent as sweet as sugar and does not tend to lose its sweetness or break down during the heating process. It comes from beet sugar. Isomalt absorbs little water, so it is often used in hard candies, toffee and cough drops.
- Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH) range between 40 and 90 percent as sweet as sugar. Manufacturers produce them by mixing different sugar alcohols. It is used in baked goods and some mouth washes.
The bottom Line is:
Sugar alcohol is more difficult for the body to digest than regular sugar. If you are counting carbs, remember to subtract half of the grams of sugar alcohol listed on the food label from the total grams of carbohydrates. If you have digestive issues, that is your clue to try a different sugar alcohol.
I hope you enjoyed this article. I am researching artificial sweeteners for next week. Make it a grand week for yourself. And tell your friends about us. Thank you!
HWB
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