ALCOOLE SUCRE Meaning and
Definition
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"Alcoole sucre" is a french phrase that can be translated to "sugar alcohol" in English. It refers to a specific type of chemical compound that is derived from sugars. Sugar alcohols are organic compounds that contain both alcohol and sugar functional groups in their molecular structure.
Sugar alcohols are commonly used as food additives due to their ability to provide sweetness without contributing to tooth decay as regular sugars do. They have a similar taste and texture to table sugar but possess fewer calories. Examples of sugar alcohols include sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, and mannitol.
These compounds occur naturally in certain fruits and plants, but they can also be produced industrially by hydrogenation of the corresponding sugars. They are commonly used as sweeteners in a variety of food products such as chewing gum, candies, diet beverages, and diabetic-friendly products.
One key characteristic of sugar alcohols is their incomplete absorption by the body. Since the human digestive system has limited ability to break them down, sugar alcohols are often considered low-digestible or non-digestible carbohydrates. This property can lead to certain gastrointestinal effects, such as bloating, gas, or laxative effects, when consumed in excessive amounts.
In conclusion, "alcoole sucre" or sugar alcohol refers to a group of chemical compounds derived from sugars, which are used as sweeteners in food products as alternatives to table sugar. They provide fewer calories and are less likely to cause tooth decay, but excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Etymology of ALCOOLE SUCRE
The term "Alcoole sucre" is a French phrase that can be translated as "sugar alcohol" in English.
The word "alcohol" derives from the Arabic term "al-kuḥl" which referred to a fine powder used as a cosmetic to darken eyelashes. It was later adopted into various European languages with the meaning expanded to include any substance obtained by distillation, eventually being associated with ethyl alcohol or ethanol.
The word "sucre" comes from the Latin term "succharum" meaning "sugar" and was later adopted into French.
In the context of "Alcoole sucre", the term is used to refer to sugar alcohols, which are a type of carbohydrate that have a sweet taste but are metabolized differently from regular sugars. They are often used as sugar substitutes and can be found in various food and beverage products.
