Every day the popularity of various sweeteners is growing, which are often cheaper than ordinary sugar, have a relatively low energy value and are much more easily absorbed by the body. They are added to confectionery and diet drinks. Among such sugar substitutes, sorbitol and xylitol are in particular demand.
What is sorbitol and xylitol?
Sorbitol and xylitol are natural sweeteners. Sorbitol differs from ordinary sugar with a lower calorie content - 100 g contains about 260 calories. The energy value of xylitol is not much less than that of sugar - 100 g contain about 370 calories. But the main characteristic of these sweeteners is that insulin is not required for their absorption. Therefore, sorbitol and xylitol are recommended for people with diabetes and pancreatic diseases.
Many still have a question about what is best, xylitol or sorbitol. There is no big difference between these sweeteners, but those who consider the caloric content of the diet and want to lose weight, it is better to give preference to sorbitol because of its low energy value. However, this sweetener has a lower sweetness, compared with conventional sugar and has a characteristic after-taste, so it is of interest to those who lose weight what can replace sorbitol. For this, the natural sweetener of stevia is excellent, it is much sweeter than sugar and contains fewer calories.
These sweeteners also have some properties.
- Xylitol prevents the development of caries, so it is a component of lozenges, chewing gums and toothpastes.
- Sorbitol improves digestion , stimulating the production of gastric juice.
- Sorbitol removes excess fluid from the body.
- Xylitol and sorbitol produce a mild laxative effect.
- Sorbitol has a cholagogue effect.
Contraindications for use
It is better to abandon the use of sorbitol and
Use sweeteners with caution, since uncontrolled use can lead to the development of the following side effects:
- bloating, flatulence, diarrhea;
- damage to the retina of the eye;
- insufficiency of the function of the gastrointestinal tract;
- rashes on the skin.
In addition, there is always the possibility of individual intolerance or the development of an allergic reaction, so it is better to try the sweeteners for the first time in small amounts.