Properties and use of erythritol in the daily diet
The sweetener has found its way into many Polish homes forever, and the sucrose-derived white-labeled sugar has been replaced by a number of interesting alternatives. Erythritol is one of the most popular sweeteners, allowing you to enjoy the sweet taste without undue risks to your daily diet. Learn more about the properties and uses of erythritol.
Erythritol: properties
A sweetener called erythritol is found naturally in some foods. They are found in seafood, pollen, certain types of fruit (such as pears or grapes), lichens, seaweed, and others. The erythritol on store shelves is the result of the synthesis process from waste glycerol (a product of the environmentally friendly biofuel production process), which is made through a special variety of yeast called Yarrowia lipolytica Wratislavia.
The first thing you notice is the appearance of erythritol - a product very similar to classic table sugar. However, the white color and smooth texture are the only similarities with sucrose. The sweetness level of this product reaches a volume comparable to about 65% of sucrose. In addition, the said sweetener leaves a unique feeling of freshness in the mouth, without an alien aftertaste. Based on this property, it can easily be said that erythritol is a frequent addition or component of blended sweeteners that are a form of sugar substitute.
Erythritol: application
It's easy to guess that erythritol is mainly used as a sweetener and as a substitute for high-calorie table sugar. Unlike sucrose (and other sweeteners), the product is not metabolized in the body but is simply excreted through urine. So you do not have to worry about its excessive accumulation in the body or the accumulation of products from the metabolism process.
There is no doubt that erythritol is a product that promotes slimming and weight control. There are two valuable evidence in this regard. Firstly, the glycemic index value of this sweetener is zero, which in no way causes changes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Second, it is low in calories - 1 gram of erythritol provides about 10 times fewer calories than regular sugar.
What else do you need to know about the sweetener called erythritol? Its use is exceptionally beneficial for the condition of the teeth. This is due to its properties that help reduce the fermentation process of some sugars that are ingested in the oral cavity and reduce the risk of tooth decay. In addition, some experts attribute its antioxidant properties to erythritol, which can be useful in combating free radicals.
Erythritol can be used as a sweetener, among others:
- ice cream
- mustard
- gum
- sweets
- Various sauces and dipping
- Supplements and Products for Athletes
- Processed fruit in jam or marmalade