SUGAR ALCOHOLS Meaning and
Definition
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Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are a group of substances commonly used as sweeteners in food and beverages. They are derived from natural sugars, such as glucose or sucrose, through a process called hydrogenation. Sugar alcohols resemble both sugars and alcohols in chemical structure, hence their name.
Unlike regular sugar, sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed by the body, which means they contribute fewer calories than traditional sweeteners. They are only partially digested in the small intestine, resulting in a slower and reduced rate of glucose absorption. As a result, sugar alcohols have a lower glycemic index and do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, making them suitable for people with diabetes.
Sugar alcohols are commonly found in a variety of processed foods labeled as "sugar-free" or "reduced sugar." They provide a similar level of sweetness as regular sugar but with fewer calories. Common sugar alcohols include sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, and maltitol.
Though generally considered safe, excessive consumption of sugar alcohols may have a laxative effect and cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Some individuals may also find them to be less sweet than regular sugar and may experience a cooling sensation when consumed in high concentrations.
Overall, sugar alcohols have gained popularity as alternatives to sugar due to their lower calorie content and beneficial impact on blood sugar levels. However, it is important to consume them in moderation and consider individual tolerances and preferences when incorporating them into a balanced diet.
Common Misspellings for SUGAR ALCOHOLS
- augar alcohols
- zugar alcohols
- xugar alcohols
- dugar alcohols
- eugar alcohols
- wugar alcohols
- sygar alcohols
- shgar alcohols
- sjgar alcohols
- sigar alcohols
- s8gar alcohols
- s7gar alcohols
- sufar alcohols
- suvar alcohols
- subar alcohols
- suhar alcohols
- suyar alcohols
- sutar alcohols
- sugzr alcohols
- sugsr alcohols
Etymology of SUGAR ALCOHOLS
The word "Sugar Alcohols" is a combination of two terms: "sugar" and "alcohols".
The term "sugar" can be traced back to the Old English word "sucor" and the Middle English word "sugre", both derived from the Old French word "sucre". The Old French word can be further traced back to the Medieval Latin word "succarum" and the Arabic word "sukkar". These origins eventually led to the English term "sugar", referring to a sweet, crystalline substance.
The term "alcohols" originated from the Arabic word "al-kuḥl" meaning "powdered antimony" or "kohl", a cosmetic product. It was later adopted by Latin as "alcohol" specifically to refer to the distilled spirits.
