ALL ABOUT ERYTHRITOL

Discover erythritol, the natural sweetener with multiple benefits. Our complete guide immerses you in the world of this alternative to sugar, with Délices Low Carb, your sweetener specialist.

What is Erythritol?

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol , also known as a polyol . Polyols are carbohydrates that are neither sugars nor alcohols , but have the chemical properties of both.

Erythritol occurs naturally in small amounts in some fruits and fermented foods. It is also produced commercially by the fermentation of glucose, which is itself usually obtained from corn or wheat.

Origins of erythritol

Discovered in 1848 by a Scottish chemist named John Stenhouse, erythritol has a lower sweetening capacity than table sugar (about 70% of the sweetness of sucrose) but is virtually non-caloric, does not cause a spike in blood sugar, and is generally considered safe for teeth.

It is widely used as a sweetener in diet and keto products, due to its low calorie profile and minimal impact on blood sugar, making it a popular choice for people with diabetes , those watching their sugar intake, or looking to reduce their calorie intake without giving up the sweet taste.

Benefits of Erythritol

Erythritol has several benefits that make it a popular sweetener , including:

Neutral Glycemia: Unlike traditional sugar, erythritol does not affect blood glucose levels or insulin, making it a safe option for diabetics and those following a low-glycemic diet.

Good Digestibility: It is generally well tolerated by the digestive system and is less likely to cause bloating and digestive issues compared to other sugar alcohols because most of it is absorbed before reaching the large intestine.

Dental Protection : Erythritol does not contribute to tooth decay because it cannot be metabolized by oral bacteria that cause decay.

Sugar Flavor : It tastes almost identical to sugar, without the bitter aftertaste that some people get with other sweeteners like stevia or aspartame.

Solubility: It dissolves well in liquids, making it easy to use in beverages and liquid recipes.

Thermal Stability : Erythritol is stable at high temperatures, making it suitable for cooking and baking.

Non-hygroscopic : It does not absorb moisture, which can help maintain the freshness and crisp texture of products.

Keto Diet Friendly: Erythritol is ketogenic diet friendly because it contains little to no net carbs.

Safety: It is generally recognized as safe by global health authorities, including the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

These benefits make erythritol a preferred choice for many health and diet conscious individuals.

Uses of Erythritol

Erythritol is a popular natural sweetener often used as an alternative to sugar.

Here are several common uses for erythritol:

• Baking and Cooking : Erythritol can be used in place of sugar in most baking recipes, such as cakes, cookies, and muffins. It holds up well to heat, although it may have slightly less sweetening power.
• Beverages : It is commonly added to beverages like tea, coffee, and smoothies for a sweet kick without the extra calories of sugar.
• Confectionery : Used in the making of candies and chocolates, especially in low-sugar or sugar-free options.
• Sauces and Marinades : Erythritol can be used to sweeten sauces and marinades, especially in reduced sugar recipes.
• Dietary Products : It is often included in foods intended for diabetics or those following a low-carb diet, such as the ketogenic diet.
• Preservation : Although less common, erythritol can be used in some types of food preservation.

How is Erythritol Made?

Erythritol is made primarily through a fermentation process.

Here are the main points of this process:

Selection of Raw Materials : Erythritol is usually produced from carbohydrate-rich sources, such as corn or wheat. The starches contained in these sources are used.

Hydrolysis : Starches are first converted into glucose through hydrolysis. This step involves using enzymes or acids to break down the long starch chains into simple glucoses.

Fermentation : The glucose obtained is then fermented. Specific microorganism cultures, often yeasts, are used to convert the glucose into erythritol. This step is similar to the fermentation used in beer or wine production, but with microorganisms specifically selected to produce erythritol.

Purification: After fermentation, erythritol is extracted and purified. This process usually involves filtration and crystallization to obtain erythritol in its purest form.

Drying and Packaging: Finally, the purified erythritol is dried and packaged for distribution and sale. It is often ground into a fine powder or granules, similar to table sugar.

This process produces erythritol, which is almost entirely calorie-free and has a sweetening power close to that of sugar, while having minimal impact on blood sugar, making it popular in low-carb diets and for people with diabetes.

Side Effects and Health Considerations

Erythritol is generally considered safe and well tolerated, but as with any food or additive, there may be side effects and health considerations to be aware of:

Digestion : Erythritol is not completely absorbed by the body and passes into the large intestine where it can ferment. This can cause digestive issues in some people, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially when consumed in large amounts.

Laxative Effect: Like other sugar alcohols, erythritol can have a laxative effect. Although less pronounced than substances like xylitol or sorbitol, it can still cause problems if consumed in excess.

Allergies and Sensitivities : Although rare, some people may have allergic reactions or sensitivities to erythritol.

Effects on Gut Flora: The impact of erythritol on intestinal flora is not yet fully understood. Some experts suggest that excessive consumption may impact the balance of bacteria in the gut.

Cooling Effect: Erythritol has a cooling effect on the mouth, which may be unpleasant or surprising to some people.

It is important to note that most people tolerate erythritol well.

Conclusion :

At Délices Low Carb, our passion is to offer you healthy and delicious products, designed to fit perfectly into a balanced lifestyle.

Here's how we commit to quality:

Selected Ingredients: We carefully choose each ingredient, favoring local and organic options to guarantee freshness and flavor.

Low Carb: We specialize in low carb products, perfect for those following a specific diet or looking for alternatives to sugar

Responsible Manufacturing : Each stage of our production process is carried out with the greatest respect for the environment and food safety standards.

Customer Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our priority. We listen to your feedback and suggestions to constantly improve our products.

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