"Polyols" or sugar alcohols are a number of different carbohydrates that are neither sugars nor alcohols--and are commonly used as artificial sweeteners in a range of products, from ice cream to chewing gum.
While these tasty sweeteners appear to be the perfect solution for both low-carb dieters and low-carb food producers, recent studies of sugar alcohols have painted a somewhat different picture.
To begin with, sugar alcohols are not entirely carb-free. Most studies have indicated that sugar alcohols contain approximately 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of calories as sugar--and in the form of carbohydrates.
In addition, studies have shown that sugar alcohols are absorbed by the small intestine, but the process is slower and fractured. This affects a rise in blood sugar, but again is smaller and more gradual than with sugar--and the rise tends to vary from person to person.
Sugar alcohols also have a laxative effect on some consumers. Since they are only partially absorbed, they bring water into the bowel--and undigested carbs into the colon, creating gas and bloating as the carbs are acted on by bacteria.
Over-consumption of sugar alcohols can often have an adverse effect on low carb dieters, even when they can digest them properly. Sugar alcohols can trigger cravings in low carb dieters, causing them to deviate from dietary restrictions.
In addition, sugar alcohols can often cause low carb dieters to choose an unhealthy diet of sweets, which appear to be carb-free, over a varied diet that includes essential nutrients.
If you are currently on a low carb diet and want to mix sugar alcohol products into your diet, it is very important that you monitor your total sugar alcohol intake--and keep it at a minimum while consuming a healthy diet.
One easy way to do this is to determine the total amount of carbs in sugar alcohol products you are consuming. You can do this by subtracting the amount of fat and protein calories per serving from the total amount of calories per serving. Simply multiply the grams of protein by four and the grams of fat by nine. Now subtract the sum of the two from the total amount of calories per serving.
Using these figures, you can determine whether or not carbs are being "hidden" in "carb free" sugar alcohol products you consume, allowing you to make a better-informed decision that fits the prescriptions of your low-carb diet.
Benji Paras runs http://www.list-of-low-carb-food.com, specializing in the benefits of the low-carb lifestyle. The site contains a treasure trove of information for losing weight, and includes a http://www.list-of-low-carb-food.com along with informative articles and the latest low-carb headlines.
shuttle to Midway Beardstown .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareHow would you like to eat all you want and... Read More
We hear it all the time?lose weight for your health.... Read More
If I Want to Lose Weight, What Can I Do... Read More
Gaining up to 20 pounds over four years can significantly... Read More
The Sour Truth -------------------------- Question: I had a baby 6... Read More
In the battle to look good, there's a cosmetic treatment... Read More
More likely than not a diet with end up a... Read More
Tip 1) DRINK A GLASS OF WATER AFTER EACH SNACKThis... Read More
How much will power does it take in order to... Read More
If you are about to begin a diet, the number... Read More
Did you ever think about the fact that losing 2... Read More
Some (not so) Silly Diet Tips and Why They're NotAt... Read More
Yep, it is that time of year again! Time to... Read More
Recently, a Japanese study showed dramatic results of organ fat... Read More
Cardio Exercise...A huge variety of fitness activities provide cardiovascular benefits.... Read More
When we discover that we are heavier than we want... Read More
If you're a low carb diet enthusiast, you've probably tried... Read More
Let's not talk about diets. Diets are punishment ? like... Read More
Eating when under stress isn't just about filling an emotional... Read More
It can happen with one bite. The moment those refined... Read More
Cellulite is a condition for which cures are commonly sought.... Read More
The incidences of deseases like obesity, diabetes, colon deseases etc.are... Read More
"I've put on 40 pounds in one year!" "It doesn't... Read More
Whew! So how did you do on that last lesson?... Read More
Things get so confusing when it comes to understanding what... Read More
Green Bay Hummer H2 SUV rentals ..Your blood cholesterol level is affected not only by what... Read More
Did you say there's a way I can eat what... Read More
In this age being ignorant is like committing a crime.... Read More
Before you try starving yourself or turning to diet drugs... Read More
Whole grains and weight loss have a definite, scientific, and... Read More
Protein is an essential nutrient necessary for maintaining good health.... Read More
All of our behavior results from the thoughts that preceded... Read More
For about 50 years now, Americans have been eating low... Read More
Eating the right foods and exercising regularly have been the... Read More
There are all kinds of fad diets and quick fixes... Read More
April 14, 2005 federal judge Tena Campbell of the federal... Read More
The Atkins diet Plan breakfast can usually composed of eggs... Read More
So you've decided that you're going to do it.You're sick... Read More
Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases today. One... Read More
Two basic approaches to losing weight; one approach is correct... Read More
If you're serious about losing weight and getting fit, you... Read More
Losing weight can make a significant and life altering change... Read More
Making the Decision:Whether you are interested losing ten pounds that... Read More
Here are the 4 things you need to know about... Read More
How do we know what we know? Often, our knowledge... Read More
Are there any foods that burn body fat? If yes,... Read More
One thing's for sure, in this day & age, if... Read More
Are you gaining weight sitting in front of the computer?... Read More
I personally lost 60 pounds in 2003. Here are some... Read More
It is not recommended to lose more than 1 pound... Read More
Weight Loss |