Is Sugar Alcohol as Awesome as It Sounds?

Summary

This video explores the concept of sugar alcohol, a common ingredient in processed foods. While sugar alcohols like erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol are derived from sugar and fermented using yeast, they don't have the same effects as ethanol (the type of alcohol typically associated with intoxication). Sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners that pass through the body without being fully metabolized, often leaving fewer calories behind. However, some sugar alcohols may cause digestive issues, including a laxative effect. The video provides a clear, humorous explanation of how sugar alcohols work and their benefits and drawbacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sugar alcohols, like erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol, are common low-calorie sweeteners found in processed foods.
• 😀 Sugar alcohols are not a mixture of sugar and alcohol, but are the result of sugar being fermented by yeast into a non-toxic alcohol compound.
• 😀 Sugar alcohols do not have the intoxicating effects of ethanol, the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.
• 😀 Ethanol is just one type of alcohol, and other alcohols like isopropyl alcohol or antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be toxic.
• 😀 Sugar alcohols are created by fermenting glucose from corn with yeast, turning the sugar into simpler alcohol molecules.
• 😀 The alcohol produced in sugar alcohols does not break down into harmful compounds, making it safe for consumption.
• 😀 Sugar alcohols taste sweet because they bond with sweetness receptors on your tongue, similar to glucose.
• 😀 Erythritol, a type of sugar alcohol, is absorbed in the small intestine without being broken down, which means it has zero calories.
• 😀 Some sugar alcohols, like sorbitol and mannitol, are not fully absorbed by the body, and can cause digestive issues such as a laxative effect.
• 😀 Sugar alcohols provide a sweet taste with fewer calories compared to regular sugar, but may cause digestive discomfort in some people.

Q & A

What is sugar alcohol?

Sugar alcohol is a type of sweetener that starts as sugar and is then fermented into alcohol. It’s used in many processed foods as a low-calorie sweetener.

Does sugar alcohol contain ethanol like alcoholic drinks?

No, sugar alcohol does not contain ethanol (the intoxicating alcohol in drinks). It is a different type of alcohol that doesn’t have the same effects as ethanol.

How is sugar alcohol made?

Sugar alcohol is made by fermenting sugar with yeast. The yeast breaks down glucose, resulting in smaller alcohol molecules that are less toxic and sweet-tasting.

Why is erythritol considered to have zero calories?

Erythritol is absorbed as a whole molecule in the small intestine and is not metabolized by the body, meaning it doesn’t release energy and thus contains zero calories.

What are some common types of sugar alcohol?

Common types of sugar alcohol include erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

Can sugar alcohols cause any side effects?

Yes, some sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol can cause a laxative effect in some people, leading to digestive issues like diarrhea.

How does sugar alcohol taste compared to regular sugar?

Sugar alcohols taste sweet, similar to glucose, because they bond with the sweetness receptors on your tongue.

What happens if you consume too much sugar alcohol?

Consuming too much sugar alcohol, especially those like sorbitol, can lead to digestive discomfort and potentially cause diarrhea due to the way they are processed in the intestines.

Why is sugar alcohol used in food products?

Sugar alcohol is used in food products because it provides sweetness with fewer calories than regular sugar, making it a popular option for low-calorie or sugar-free foods.

Is sugar alcohol safe to consume?

Yes, sugar alcohol is generally safe to consume in moderation. It doesn’t have the intoxicating effects of ethanol and is not harmful when processed properly by the body.