Sugar Alcohols Part 2

[Guest guest]

> There are some newer sugar alcohols slowly making their way on the

> market, which have less laxative effect, and even less blood sugar and

> insulin consequence. Erythritol, isomalt and inulin are a few to watch

> for. There's another called HSH (hydrolyzed starch hydrolysate) also

> called maltitol syrup. The thing is, the different sugar alcohols have

> different properties, and can't be used for all things. Sorbitol is used

> in hard candies ... it produces a nice, clear candy that doesn't

> crystalize, and stays hard and dry in a humid environment. Because it

> doesn't crystalize, sorbitol is used in ice cream to help it stay

> creamy. Mannitol also can absorb a lot of moisture before it gets damp

> and sticky, therefore it's used to " dust " sticks of gum, to keep them

> dry. Maltitol and erythritol provide smooth bulk, and are ideal for

> chocolates and soft candies to give a creamy " melt in the mouth "

> quality.

>

> Sugar alcohols are not acted upon by bacteria in the mouth, and

> therefore do NOT cause tooth decay. In fact, xylitol actually INHIBITS

> oral bacteria, and is often used in sugarless mints and chewing gum for

> this reason.

> BOTTOM LINE

>

> We are all individuals, and our bodies will react differently to these

> products. Depending on other factors, such as what else we've consumed

> along with it or on an empty stomach, we may even find ourselves having

> totally different reactions each time we eat it. So proceed with

> caution.

>

> Be aware that there is potential to cause a rise in blood sugar and

> insulin ... although slower. Also the possibility to knock you out of

> ketosis, if you're following a ketogenic program such as Atkins. Pay

> attention to the serving SIZE. A 45-gram (1-1/2 oz) chocolate bar may

> state on the label that one serving is 15 grams (1/2 oz). That's only

> 1/3 of the bar, so keep that in mind when you're about to chow down.

>

> If you are following Induction level low carb eating, it would be wise

> to avoid these products until at LEAST the 2 weeks are up, and your

> body's metabolism is settled well into ketosis and fat-burning mode.

> Same for other low carb programs, which may not be ketogenic, but do

> have strong effects on the metabolism (eg. Protein Power, Carb Addicts).

> Give your body the chance to adjust to the new WOE first, then

> cautiously add these products.

>

> KEYWORD moderation. Most low carbers find they can indulge very

> occasionally in a polyol-sweetened treat without consequence to their

> weight loss effort, and perhaps a mild laxative effect or some gas. It's

> a trade-off, but helps to stave off cravings for high-sugar goodies. A

> problem could develop though, for someone with carb-addiction .... these

> candies just become a substitute addiction. Also, the sweet taste can

> trigger EMOTIONS (for an addict) that will result in a " rush " of

> hormones and enzymes in the body, ultimately leading to an insulin spike

> ... and fat STORAGE. And remember that candy is NOT a meal substitute.

> There's little or no protein, vitamins or essential fatty acids.

>

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