Sugar Alcohol

In contrast to the name, sugar alcohols have absolutely no alcohol. Sorry to bust some of your bubbles. Sugar alcohols start off as natural sugars. They originate from fruits like berries, but have gone through some chemical processing.  Sugar alcohols do provide some calories (unlike sweeteners); however, not as many as something like table sugar.  Be careful with foods labeled “no sugar added” or “sugar free”. Read the food label to see if there are any sugar alcohols. Not listed, no problem. What’s the count for total carbohydrates? See a number??  A product containing sugar alcohols will increase the total carbohydrate count.  You can also read the ingredients. Sugar alcohols usually end with ‘ol’ (mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, etc.). So be ware, especially my diabetics and pre-diabetics. Sugar alcohols do raise your blood sugar😉!

Some people have a problem with sugar alcohol because it is a processed food item. I, howeva, try to find the good in everything. I feel like we feel enough stress about what to eat so why add more. Here are the good parts of sugar alcohol:

• Fewer calories
• Less sugar (Not sugar free!)
• Helps control blood sugar levels (because it has LESS sugar)
• Helps with weight loss or weight maintenance (Because LESS carbs=LESS calories)
• Great LOW-calorie addition to tea, coffee, or cereal

As a health professional, I also have to tell you about the not so goods of sugar alcohols:

• They are not free foods (High consumptions will negate all the benefits listed above)
• They are processed foods
• Foods with sugar alcohols may have more trans/saturated fat
• They tend to have a laxative effect so learn your limit (You’re welcome!)
• Some items with sugar alcohols are more expensive than the regular version

Now you know enough about sugar alcohols to make an educated decision on whether you want to include them in your diet or not. As always, make sure that you read the food labels.  When you are ready to learn more about eating in moderation, click here so I can work with you! Don’t wait. Seize the moment. This is your time!

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